《Champion Of Lust: Gods Conquer's Harem Paradise!》


 Chapter 1 Pyris Transmigration!

    "Damn! Hahaha, it finally happened!" Pyris eximed, his voice strained yet filled with a sense of exhration. Despite the excruciating pain surging through his battered body, he couldn''t help butugh out loud, the sound of his mirth echoing through the chaos around him.


    "Is he crazy? How can someoneugh in such a situation?" one of the paramedics murmured, ncing at Pyris with a mixture of confusion and concern. The entire team exchanged bewildered looks as they rushed to the scene, their focus wavering for a moment as they tried to make sense of the young man''s inexplicable behavior.


    "Hurry! He might lose his life!" the leader of the paramedic team barked, snapping his colleagues out of their daze. Themand was sharp, a desperate call to action as they moved with practiced precision toward Pyris, who was lying broken and bloodied on the pavement.


    "Yes, sir!" the team responded in unison, their voices tense as they swiftly set to work, assessing his injuries and preparing to transport him to the nearest hospital.


    ''Poords, wasting their time on me!'' Pyris thought to himself, a small, pitying smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The sight only deepened the paramedics'' confusion. Was he actually pitying them? Did the impact with the truck damage his brain? They couldn''t fathom what was going through his mind.


    Given the fact that the truck had hit him and sent him crashing head-first onto the cold asphalt, brain damage wasn''t out of the realm of possibility. Yet, something about the look in his eyes suggested there was more to his actions than they could understand.


    But Pyris paid no mind to their puzzled expressions. He closed his eyes, dismissing the paramedics'' efforts to save him as unnecessary. They didn''t understand his generosity, his gratitude.


    ''Truck-kun, the Deity of Transmigration, thank you for blessing this poor soul!'' he thought, his mind filled with reverence. If he had any strength left in his shattered body, Pyris would have bowed down in thanks to the mighty Deity Truck-kun.


    ''Such a shame,'' hemented internally, ''I would''ve wanted to thank you with the respect you deserve, O mighty Truck-kun!'' Tears welled up in his eyes, not from the physical pain, but from the overwhelming emotion of finally being noticed by the deity of his dreams.


    He was certain¡ªno, he was absolutely positive¡ªthat he was about to be transmigrated. How could he not bow to the ultimate figure of transmigration, the one who had chosen him for this destiny?


    "Poor boy, reality has finally settled in!" one of the paramedics remarked as they carefully lifted Pyris onto a stretcher and loaded him into the ambnce. The others nodded in somber agreement, believing his delusions were the result of trauma, a mind unable to cope with the reality of impending death.


    ''No shit!'' Pyris shouted internally, annoyed that they misunderstood his tears. ''I''m not despairing¡ªI''m sad I couldn''t properly thank the Deity! What if he gets angry at my ungratefulness and¡­ and¡­'' His thoughts trailed off as more tears streamed down his face, a mix of frustration and fear. ''O mighty Truck-kun, I hereby apologize!


    Please don''t be angry and let me transmigrate¡­'' His thoughts grew weaker, fading into nothingness as his vision darkened. His eyes closed, his heart ceased beating, and his consciousness slipped away.


    A pink wisp, invisible to all, shot out of Pyris''s now lifeless body, darting away from the earthly ne.


    "Pyris, time of death, 22:06 PM. Cause of death: hit and run!" one of the paramedics announced, his voice t as he noted the details.


    ____


    All around Pyris was darkness, stretching as far as he could perceive¡ªif "perceive" was even the right word, given his current state. He couldn''t make out any details of the space he was in. There was nothing but an endless void, devoid of light, sound, or any of the familiar sensations that defined life.


    There was no time, no space, no air¡ªnothing that could be called "real" by any measure of his former existence.


    "Is this the legendary void, the ce transmigrators first arrive before they''re summoned by a god for a blessing and missions?" Pyris wondered aloud, though his voice didn''t travel past his mouth. He tried to speak again, but it was as if the void swallowed his words before they could leave his lips.


    An unknown amount of time passed in this dark void¡ªminutes, hours, days? Pyris couldn''t tell how long he had been suspended in this nothingness. The only thing he could feel was the oppressive darkness that surrounded him, almost as if his eyes were tightly shut, though he knew they were wide open.


    He had panicked when he first arrived, but his extensive experience with web novels had prepared him for this eerily familiar situation. He knew that the best thing to do was wait, to remain calm and patient.


    "At least Deity Truck-kun was generous enough to grant me this chance," Pyris mused, trying to find the silver lining in his bizarre predicament. With nothing left to do and nowhere to go, his mind began to wander, drifting back to the unpleasant memories of the life he had just left behind.


    Pyris had lived a lonely life, with only asional contact with distant rtives. At 19, he had dropped out of school, scraping by with a job at a local grocery store. The pay was just enough to cover rent and basic necessities, but it didn''t offer him much in the way of social interaction, especially with people his own age.


    "Despite my handsome looks, I didn''t have a girlfriend. They all said my poverty was contagious, hahaha!" Heughed at the memory, though the humor was tinged with bitterness. Life had taken a turn for the worse when he lost his job.


    For three months, he searched in vain for new employment, eventually giving up entirely.


    "Heh, trading!" he chuckled to himself, recalling how he had briefly tried his hand at trading. But the venture had been disastrous, and before he knew it, he had lost all his savings. It was then that he found sce in his favorite hobbies¡ªweb novels, anime, and manga.


    They became his escape, his sanctuary from the harsh realities of life.


    "Thest two months, I hated my life. The only thing I wanted was to be relieved of this miserable existence! Who would have thought the Deity would bless me?" His voice was filled with awe and gratitude. "Now that I''m about to be transmigrated¡ªbecause that''s for sure¡ªbye, miserable life! Bwahahaha!!!" Hisughter erupted, echoing through the void, a sound filled with both relief and excitement.


    "Ehhh???!!!" His voice trailed off as a blinding light suddenly shimmered from above, enveloping his incorporeal form. Pyris realized that he was no longer in his physical body; he was now a soul, floating in the darkness.


    "WELL SAID!!!" A sweet, ethereal voice echoed from within the light. "COME FORTH IF YOU''RE READY!" The aura of divinity emanating from the light was overwhelming, and the weight that had burdened Pyris for so long melted away into nothingness. He felt free¡ªtruly free¡ªliberated from the worries, expectations, and disappointments of his former life.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris didn''t understand why the voice even bothered to ask if he was ready. Of course, he was ready for anything, as long as it led to his long-awaited transmigration. He was so eager that he didn''t waste a single moment pondering unnecessary details. There was only one thing he desired now, and nothing else mattered.


    ''For how long have I longed for this moment?'' With excitement coursing through him, Pyris let his soul be carried by the divine light. A smile remained stered on his face as he traveled through the warm,forting stream of light. All the negativity, the dark thoughts and regrets, were cleansed away, leaving him with nothing but pure anticipation.


    At the end of the light, a heavenly being awaited him¡ªa female god, radiant and majestic.


    "ARE YOU READY TO RECEIVE MY BLESSINGS, MY CHAMPION?"


    Pyris''s smile widened even further, his heart swelling with joy.


    ''Champion, huh?'' he thought, his mind buzzing with excitement. ''This is going to be amazing!''


    Heughed wickedly, ready to embrace the adventure that awaited him.

 Chapter 2 [Harem Paradise System]

    "Shoot!" Pyris shouted as he abruptly woke up from his sleep. His heart pounded in his chest, but relief quickly reced his initial panic when he realized he was no longer in the void. "Sure enough, it''s not the void!" he said, a wave of gratitude washing over him.


    Everything felt different¡ªhis body, his senses, everything was brimming with vitality and life. Yet, the surroundings were unfamiliar, unlike anything he had ever seen. He sat up slowly, taking in the luxurious bed he was lying on, the sheets and covers made from the highest quality materials he could imagine.


    It was clear from the mere touch that they were crafted from fabrics far beyond what he had ever encountered on Earth.


    The room around him was nothing short of opulent, a sight that would put a presidential suite to shame. The walls were pure white, gleaming under the soft lighting, and the entire room exuded a sense of pristine cleanliness.


    Everything was white¡ªthe furniture, the drapes, even the plush carpet beneath his feet. It was a scene of immacte luxury, one that Pyris could hardly believe he was now part of.


    A ssy ceiling with intricate designs loomed overhead, and full-view ss windows stretched from floor to ceiling, allowing an unobstructed view of the world outside.


    Pyris''s eyes were immediately drawn to the scene beyond the windows. As the first rays of the golden sun poured in, the curtains had been pulled aside, flooding the room with natural light.


    Outside, he could see what appeared to be ake shimmering in the early morning light. He gasped, his breath catching in his throat as he realized it wasn''t ake at all but an enormous swimming pool, so vast that it could easily be mistaken for a natural body of water.


    "Ake?" he whispered in awe, but quickly corrected himself. "No, it''s a pool¡ªan enormous pool!" The sheer size of it left him stunned, and he marveled at the clear, calm waters that reflected the brightening sky.


    On the wall opposite the bed hung a 70-inch TV, its sleek ck ss surface catching the light. To the side, there was a polished desk with neatly arranged papers and a few personal items ced on top.


    Everything in the room screamed luxury and elegance, far beyond anything Pyris had ever experienced in his life.


    Still in a daze, he muttered, "Mirror!" Crawling off the bed, he made his way to the bathroom. He needed to see himself¡ªto confirm what he already suspected, to know if he had truly changed.


    As he stood up, his new height became immediately apparent. "Wow!" he whispered, surprised by how tall he was. He estimated he was around 190 cm now, towering over his former self.


    His eyes traveled down his body, marveling at his lean, muscr physique. Perfectly sculpted muscles lined his arms, and his torso was adorned with the legendary eight-pack abs he had only ever dreamed of having.


    L


    He chuckled softly, unable to help but admire the new version of himself. He was hot¡ªthere was no denying it. "Mirror!" he called out again, more excited than before. He couldn''t wait to get a full view of his transformation.


    The bathroom was just across the room, opposite the bed. He burst through the door, barely registering the luxurious space that awaited him.


    The bathroom was massive,rger than some of the wealthiest people''s bedrooms back on Earth. Every surface gleamed with polished marble, and the fixtures were made of some kind of shimmering metal.


    But it wasn''t the grandeur of the bathroom that caught his attention. It was the face staring back at him from the mirror. "Wow!" The gasp of surprise left his lips before he could stop it.


    The reflection that greeted him was nothing short of stunning. A handsome face with handsome sharp features stared back at him, a face that looked almost too perfect to belong to a mortal. Short, disheveled white hair fell just above his slightly pointed ears, hinting at a heritage that was not entirely human.


    His skin was pale but with a subtle golden hue that made him appear even more ethereal, his lips a striking red that contrasted beautifully against hisplexion.


    Despite his mature height, he looked no older than seventeen. His eyes, however, were the most captivating feature of all¡ªstrikingly beautiful with dual-colored irises that seemed to shift between purple amethyst and deep blue, depending on the light.


    They were mesmerizing, hinting at the power that now resided within him.


    Around his neck hung a ne, simple yet elegant, that seemed toplement his half-naked appearance perfectly. He noticed a small, intricate tattoo just below his navel, something he hadn''t seen before.


    The design was familiar¡ªYin and Yang¡ªbut it was so detailed, so vivid, that it seemed more like a living symbol than mere ink.


    "This is me?!" Pyris whispered, incredulous at the transformation. "Oh, Goddess, did you really n for me to get every woman with such a handsome face?" He chuckled to himself, fully aware that this was indeed part of the Goddess''s n.


    Though Pyris had been handsome in his past life, there was noparison to what he had be now. He was like a god¡ªethereal, divine, untouchable. He couldn''t help butugh, the sound filled with both joy and disbelief.


    "With this face and luxurious life, there''s no way I wouldn''t live the way I want, the way the Goddess expects me to," he mused, recalling the purpose the Goddess had given him. Her words, her blessings, were forever etched in his mind.


    After admiring himself in the mirror, Pyris took a moment to look around the bathroom. It was beyond anything he had ever imagined¡ªmarble countertops, a massive walk-in shower with multiple settings, a bathtubrge enough to fit several people. Everything was pristine, the epitome of luxury.


    "This world is more advanced than Earth¡ªat least five times more," Pyris remembered the Goddess mentioning. "There''s magic, different races, gods, people soaring through the skies!" His heart raced with anticipation as he realized that the first of the Goddess''s ims had already been confirmed¡ªthe technology level here was far beyond anything he knew.


    "But what am I in the middle of all this?" he wondered aloud, still grappling with the mystery of his new identity. As much as he loved everything he had seen so far, Pyris knew next to nothing about who he was now, or what his role was supposed to be.


    Just then, something caught his attention¡ªthe tattoo below his navel. He looked down, tracing the design with his fingers. The Yin and Yang symbol was more than just a tattoo; it was a mark, something deeply tied to his new existence. It made sense, given the Goddess''s blessing.


    "More like a symbol," he mused. "It makes sense, though, given the Goddess''s blessing!"


    After a few more minutes of pondering, Pyris decided it was time to explore further. But first, he needed to freshen up. He quickly brushed his teeth and stepped into the walk-in shower, marveling at the luxurious fixtures.


    ____


    After drying off, Pyris wrapped a white towel around his waist and stepped back into the bedroom. His hair was still damp, but he couldn''t care less. He was too focused on figuring out who he was in this new world.


    "All I know is I''m the champion of the Lust Goddess, Lilith!" he said to himself. "But now, the most important thing is to find out who I am¡­ and¡­" He trailed off, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, ready to embrace his new reality.


    "System activate!" hemanded, just as the Goddess had instructed him to do when he was ready to embark on his journey. Unknown to him, a hologram appeared before his eyes, filled with colored text.


    [Ding! System activated!


    Wee, host, to the Harem Paradise System.]


    "Wow!!" Pyris eximed, his excitement palpable.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Does the host wish to bind with the system?] the hologram prompted. Without a moment''s hesitation, Pyris nodded eagerly.


    "Yes, let''s do this!"


    And with that, Pyris took his first step into his new life, a life filled with possibilities he had never dreamed of before.


    *****


    The first few chapters will contain information about the world and the world system. Information that determines the plot!


    Please Vote, Dear Deity Reader!!!!!

 Chapter 3 Pyris Obsidian! [Harem Paradise System]

    [Ding! The Harem Paradise System is bound to the host.]


    [1%... 10%... 50%..... 75%... 99%...]


    [Binding sessfully!]


    [Unlocking the Function of the Harem Paradise System: Sess!]


    [Unlocked sessfully: System Administrator (Spirit)]


    [Ding! Host now can directly interact with the system spirit! All system-host interactions will take ce via the system spirit, including questions and answers, requests, and other forms ofmunication.]


    [Ding! Message from the Goddess!]


    [Reading: You have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ask me a question via the system, and I, your Goddess, will do my utmost to respond! But take note¡ªit can only happen once per month!]


    [Ding! Message terminated!]


    Pyris''s mind buzzed with excitement as the notifications shed before his eyes, each one confirming that the system was now operational.


    The thought of being able tomunicate directly with the Goddess filled him with both awe and anticipation. He carefully read through the notifications again, making sure he didn''t miss anything important.


    "Wow," Pyris whispered to himself, his heart racing with exhration. Not only was the system functional, but it also came with a system spirit¡ªa being that would assist him directly in his journey.


    The idea of having such a powerful entity guiding him made him feel both privileged and eager to explore whaty ahead.


    [Ding! For appropriate interactions, does the host want to give the system spirit unrestricted ess to his thoughts and mind?


    Note: it''s safe, and the spirit can''t tamper with your mind or have ess to thoughts you don''t wish to share!]


    "No problem, allow ess!" Pyris responded without hesitation. The instant he granted permission, he felt a warm, soothing sensation spread through his mind, like a gentle caress of light that made him feel secure.


    [Good morning, host. I am Lia, the system spirit. d to meet the Champion of the Goddess!] A sweet, heavenly voice echoed in his mind. The tone was soforting and serene that Pyris''s guard dropped immediately, any lingering anxiety melting away in the face of such kindness.


    ''It feels like being in a mother''s embrace,'' Pyris thought, a soft smile forming on his lips. ''Then again, I''ve never experienced one, but that''s the feeling, I guess!''


    "Lia, huh? It''s nice to meet you too. Please don''t be so formal; you can just call me Pyris."


    [Pyris it is, then!] Lia replied, her voice carrying a lightness that felt like a breath of fresh air.


    "So, Lia, what are the system functions? What''s the use of the system exactly?" Pyris asked, his curiosity piqued. He wasn''t going to act like an all-knowing protagonist just because he had read countless system-based novels. He understood that knowing and experiencing were two entirely different things.


    [First, before we delve into the system functions, Pyris, I suggest retrieving your body''s old memories. This will help you better understand the system, the world you now inhabit, and the Goddess''s blessings. It will also teach you more about yourself.] Lia rmended, her tone gentle but firm.


    Pyris paused for a moment, realizing the wisdom in Lia''s suggestion. She wasn''t just a typical system spirit¡ªshe seemed to possess a depth of understanding that made her more than just a guide.


    "Excellent, aid this youthful maestro in retrieving ''his'' memories!" Pyris said, his tone yfully arrogant, trying to lighten the situation despite the serious nature of the task.


    [Young master, prepare yourself!] Lia warned, and no sooner had she finished speaking than a sharp pain seared through Pyris''s mind. The intensity of it caught him off guard, and he cried out in pain.


    "Aaahhhh! It hurts!" Pyris groaned, clutching his head as he copsed onto the bed. Fresh memories and information flooded his mind, overwhelming him as they fused with his consciousness.


    Memories of this new world, the intricacies of its society, the system of power and magic, all became clear to him. He learned about the ruling entities, the various races, and theplex structures that governed life here.


    Everything that the previous owner of this body had known was now his.


    Most importantly, he gained knowledge about himself¡ªwho he was, where he came from, and the life he was about to continue. The previous owner of this body was also named Pyris, specifically Pyris Obsidian, the third child of Duchess Emberly Obsidian, a powerful noble dragon.


    Pyris''s mother was a Duchess, a title signifying immense power and influence in this world. His family was one of high noble dragons, a race known for its immense strength and pride.


    His oldest sister, Anastasia Obsidian, was the Dragon of Resurrection and Life, a formidable figure in herte twenties, already brushing the threshold of her thirties. His other sister, Aurelia Obsidian, was the Dragon of Destruction and Death, a fierce young woman just eighteen years old.


    Pyris himself was the youngest of the three siblings, just sixteen years old, and was on the cusp of his awakening¡ªa significant event in a anyone''s life.


    However, despite their noble lineage, there was a conspicuous absence of a father figure in their lives, a mystery that Pyris knew would need to be unraveledter.


    [Congrattions, Pyris, on acquiring your memories!] Lia''s voice echoed softly in his mind, pulling him back to the present.


    "I see," Pyris murmured, a smile ying on his lips as the memories settled within him. "This is going to be interesting! I think it''s time now, Lia."


    [Yes, Pyris! The system has a variety of functions. The first one is ''Status,'' which allows you to view your attributes in numerical form, your skills, and more. Simply say the word ''Status.''] Lia exined.


    "Status!" Pyris called out, and immediately, a holographic disy appeared before his eyes, filled with detailed information about himself.


    [Name: Pyris Obsidian


    Race: Dragon


    Bloodline: Obsidian Lust Bloodline (Yet to awaken)


    Race Trait: Lust


    Rank: 0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Elements: 0


    Mana: 0


    Age Limit: 16/200 (As a dragon, Pyris''s life expectancy is 200 years if he doesn''t awaken)


    Strength: 19/20 (Before awakening)


    Agility: 20/20


    Vitality: 18/20


    Stamina: 18/20


    INT: 20/20


    Charm: 90/100


    Innate Abilities: Dragon Transformation, Charm, Eye Of Death (Sealed)]


    ____


    "Woah!" Pyris eximed, his eyes widening in awe as he took in his status. Even though he was unawakened, his basic stats were already higher than those of many other races, even those at Rank 2. His Charm, in particr, was off the charts.


    He knew from the memories that only a few races couldpare to the natural advantages of dragons¡ªthe Fallen Angels, Chaos Demons, High Elves, and Original Vampires from the Royal family were among them.


    "This is incredible!" Pyris whispered, the excitement in his voice unmistakable. Everything about this world, about his new life, was far beyond what he had ever imagined.


    With a grin, he thought to himself, "This is just the beginning."

 Chapter 4 Argos!

    "My Bloodline is sealed, and that will remain so until I awakenter today. However, the name is slightly different from the original one; why, Lia?" Pyris asked, puzzled as he noticed the change in his bloodline''s designation. His family''s bloodline had always been known as the Obsidian Bloodline¡ªsimple, yet powerful.


    The addition of "Lust" was unexpected.


    [Unquestionably, due to the Goddess'' intervention and approval¡­?] Lia responded, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. While it was a usible exnation, even she wasn''t entirely sure. The connection between the bloodline and the Goddess seemed logical but unconfirmed.


    "Yeah, that would exin my racial trait being lust!" Pyris mused, though he was mistaken in his assumption. The racial trait of lust wasn''t directly tied to the Goddess. It was, in fact, a natural aspect of his dragon race, something that distinguished him from others.


    Every race and awakened individual in this world possessed a racial trait, a unique attribute that set them apart.


    His mana, elements, and rank were all currently at zero because he hadn''t yet undergone his awakening. But his charm¡ªoh, his charm was off the charts. It was far greater than any male who had ever existed, a fact Pyris was blissfully unaware of, thanks to Lia''s decision to keep it to herself.


    She thought it better not to inte his ego too early, lest the boy be insufferably arrogant.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For his innate skills, Pyris noticed a few peculiarities. As a dragon, he didn''t need to awaken to ess his Dragon Transformation ability; it was inherent to his race. The humanoid form he currently possessed was simply a convenient facade, a way to blend in among other races.


    Then there was the charm ability, something Pyris had at his disposal simr to that of vampires, which was directly linked to his unique bloodline attribute of lust. As for the "Eye of Death," the name intrigued him, but since it was sealed, Pyris decided to leave it for another time.


    [You''re so engrossed in your stats that you forgot the main goal was to check on the system functions and the blessings!] Lia gently reminded him, her voice tinged with amusement.


    "Oh~," Pyris realized, slightly embarrassed. He had indeed gotten carried away. "Let''s dive in then."


    [Okay! The next function is the Inventory. Think of it as a storage ring, but with an infinite capacity that only you have ess to.]


    Upon hearing this, Pyris immediately felt a connection to a certain space, though it was currently empty. He could ess it with his mind, and within that space, he perceived endless storagepartments, each designed for various types of items. Some sections seemed specifically designed for delicate or valuable objects.


    [Another advantage of this inventory is that you can''t be robbed or lose your belongings. It''s all securely stored within this space. Imagine being able to store your pants in there with just a thought!] Lia teased, her tone light and yful.


    Curious, Pyris nced down at his pants. He chuckled to himself and, with a mere thought, his pants disappeared, leaving him d only in his Salvin Slein boxers. "Amazing!" he eximed, thoroughly impressed. He didn''t wait for Lia to prompt him further; he imagined his pants back on his body, and in an instant, they reappeared.


    "This is what I''m talking about! What other functions are there?" he asked eagerly, his anticipation building.


    [The next function is the Shop! Here, you can buy various items, from sexual toys to simple necessities like clothes. Unfortunately, you can''t purchase bloodlines, elemental cores, or anything of that sort. But items like pills and potions are avable.]


    Pyris nodded, not surprised. "I didn''t have my hopes high for that. Those kinds of things only happen in fantasy. Reality...? It''s different. The fact that I even have a shop is good enough!" He knew that while the system was powerful, there had to be limits.


    Relying too heavily on it for everything wouldn''t be wise. He needed to earn and achieve things on his own.


    [Good mindset! Now behold thest function! When I mentioned the shop, I didn''t tell you how you''re going to purchase the items, did I?] Lia''s voice took on an excited tone, as if she was about to reveal something special.


    "Yeah, you didn''t!" Pyris agreed, leaning forward in anticipation.


    [Thest function is called Quest/Mission! The system will assign missions to you, or they will be triggered under certain conditions. Completing these tasks will reward you with what we call Lust Points (LP). These points are the currency you''ll use to buy items from the shop.]


    Pyris listened intently, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his face. He had hoped for something more straightforward, but it seemed like he would have to work for his rewards.


    [Hoho~ don''t get me wrong! First, missions can give you different rewards besides LPs¡ªthey''re random and based on chance, so I can''t specify what you might get. Second, LPs can be used for more than just shopping. They''re a vital part of your development!] Lia continued, sensing his disappointment. She quickly reassured him, piquing his interest once more.


    "So, what other ways can I acquire LPs, and what else can they be used for?" Pyris asked, now fully engaged and curious.


    [It''s pretty simple! You can earn LPs by engaging in sexual activities and by making a girl or woman fall for you. When you conquer a woman, you get LPs¡ªthe stronger the woman, the more LPs you receive!] Lia exined with a yful lilt in her voice.


    [As for the other uses of LPs, think of them as another form of energy! You''ll reach a point where LPs will be crucial for your progress. You can use them to increase your rank, enhance attributes, and even upgrade your skills. But these options won''t be avable immediately.]


    Pyris was taken aback by the revtion. The idea that he could grow stronger and more powerful simply bypleting missions and engaging with women was both surprising and intriguing. It was a path to strength that yed to his new strengths and abilities, one that seemed tailor-made for him.


    [Would you like me to show you how to obtain LPs during ''rituals''? Although, you will have to unlock these methods first, undoubtedly through system mission rewards!] Lia offered, her tone slightly mischievous.


    Pyris smirked at the thought but shook his head. He needed to organize his thoughts first and understand his new reality before diving into those particr activities.


    "Let''s discuss the world and the Goddess''s blessings first," he decided. If his calctions were correct, his maid would arrive soon, and after that, he would be upied until his awakening. It was better to immerse himself in the world''s setting before the day''s events unfolded.


    [Sure!] Lia agreed readily. [As you already know, we''re currently in a world within the mortal realm known as Argos.]


    [Now, let''s skip the unnecessary details and get straight to the point, shall we? Argos is a grand world with numerous races living in harmony, though there are asional skirmishes. We''ll delve into the racester; it''s a huge topic by itself.]


    Pyris nodded, appreciating Lia''s efficiency. He had no time for small talk¡ªhe needed the critical information.


    [Argos is part of the main realm known as the Godly Realm, which is divided into the Mortal Realm (Argos itself), the Immortal Realm, and the God Realm, where the gods reside.]


    Lia''s words painted a picture of a vast andplex world, far more intricate than he had imagined.


    [Within Argos, there are seven empires that make up the world: The Human Empire, Dragon Empire, Demon Empire, Vampire Empire, Beast Nation, Elven Kingdom, and the Hidden Phoenix Kingdom!]


    Each of these empires represented different races and power structures, and Pyris''s mind raced with possibilities. His family, being noble dragons, held significant power within the Dragon Empire, but there was so much more to explore and understand.


    [The most crucial part of my exnation involves magic, something you''re already familiar with.]


    With his approval, Lia continued. [In this world, magic is everything. Through it, people can achieve otherworldly feats, even bing immortals and gods. It alles down to raising one''s rank, reaching higher levels of magical power.]


    Lia''s voice took on an excited tone as she added, [At one point, you will be able to soar through the skies!]


    Pyris nodded thoughtfully. Magic was the foundation of this world''s power structure, and mastering it would be key to his sess.


    "I need to sift through all of this information before I venture out into the world," Pyris murmured, understanding the gravity of his situation. His awakening was only the beginning, and the path ahead was filled with challenges and opportunities.


    With Lia''s guidance, Pyris felt more prepared than ever to face what was toe.


    This world, Argos, was full of potential, and Pyris was determined to make the most of it.

 Chapter 5 Magic Ranks & Corrupted Beasts!

    The magic here is simr to a skyscraper, where you must climb on your own to reach the next level, with no elevators!


    [Magic ranks in the mortal realm (Argos) range from 1 to 20, the highest level; only those who pass this rank can enter the Immortal Realm! After reaching adulthood¡ªwhich, by this world''s standards, is sixteen years old¡ªa person has to go through a ritual known as the awakening to gain ess to magic and use it.


    Having just turned sixteen, Pyris was about to embark on his awakening journey, which would awaken his mana core.


    The mana core enabled people to harness mana within their bodies. The elements of heaven and earth can be controlled by them thanks to mana awakening!


    Earth, Darkness, Death, Life, Ice, Time, Space, Fire, Water, Wind, Light, are the elements! Some individuals possess more than one or two elements, but having five or more is umon, and finally, possessing all of them is unheard of in the post-ancient era!]


    "I will awaken all of them!" Pyris stated with assurance that he was not being conceited or anything; rather, it was just a gut instinct that he could pull it off.


    [Yeah!] Lia, of course, just rolled her eyes; Pyris was trying to aplish something that not even most gods could aplish in their lifetime¡ªawakening all those elements.


    What an absurd joke!


    It was just impossible, not because she meant to belittle him or anything!


    The corrupted beast¡ªwhat about it? Arguments with Lia were pointless and would not help Pyris in the slightest. Instead, he wanted to learn more about this world.


    [Yes, corrupted beasts; most of the beasts became ferocious monsters that would kill you at first sight, in contrast to the fortunate beast-humans who assumed their humanoid forms during the ancient Awakening! They are still predators; it was not until they learned how to use mana that they gained intelligence.


    Aside from innate predators such as dragons, phoenixes, demons, and vampires, most corrupted creatures possessed greater power than most awakened ones.


    They could also use elements.


    Corrupted beasts possess what are known as cores; awakened use these cores to gain ascendancy by channeling their energy in specific ways.


    "That is enough; most of this is taught in the academy, so let us not waste too much time on it; then again, I know everything there is to know about this topic!"


    Later, they talked about races; Pyris could not avoid this touchy subject.


    There are several races, as they had already discussed, but there was more to it...


    Certain races had sses; among humans, for instance, there were High Humans who ruled over ordinary humans.


    High humans were superior to ordinary humans in all aspects, including appearance and strength. They were like the idealized version of humanity.


    However, some humans showed through magic that they were no joke, even more powerful than High Humans, proving that humans were not all that inferior.


    "The witches are the ideal illustration of that." Although some didn''t consider witches as Human, it was an undeniable fact.


    Vampires were divided into Original Vampires, Duke Vampires, Vampire, andstly Halflings! Halflings were turned vampires.


    Demons were ssified into three groups: Chaos demons, Fallen Angels, who shared the same level as Chaos demons, and Duke demons. Chaos Demons were the true sovereigns of the Demon Empire; they were terrifyingly powerful fellows, just like Fallen Angels.


    Chaos Demons rarely showed themselves up in the public eye apart from their young generation. The number of fallen angels was estimated to be in the hundreds. These were not your typical demons, Duke Demons.


    High Elves were the elves at the top of the food chain, while the other elves were ranked equally, such that Forest elves and Moon elves were on the same level.


    Other races were all equal; being stronger than the other was determined by pure strength rather than a special ss of bloodlines.


    Despite these constraints, other races without sses were not vulnerable to others; they were equally strong, and the''special ss'' had a low production rate.


    Dragons and Phoenixes, the most enigmatic race, are two examples. They didn''t have any lesser or higher sses, what determined power was their strength.


    Through relentless training, dragons could challenge those above them and usurp their positions and wealth.


    However, some families could not be so easily challenged in such a deplorable way as they were considered untouchables. This was a result of their distinct Bloodlines, which endowed them with special abilities.


    The Obsidian Family was one of the families that persevered over many generations!


    [You have to remember Pyris, the system, and the Goddess''s blessings aren''t meant for you to be some kind of hero; to righteous-minded people, you might seem like a viin and would make enemies of them if you''re to pursue your journey as Goddess Lilith''s Champion!


    Being the Goddess''s Champion has its drawbacks, so you should be aware of that even though your path is somewhat simr to that of an antihero, some people may have a different opinion of it! Your path revolves around pursuing women, not saving the world or anything of the sort!]


    Pyris was well aware of this, having discussed it with the Goddess prior to his transmigration. His goal was to use the system and the blessings to attract and gather women in order to create a harem.


    ''Although this is a lustful path, you will not discard or abandon any of your women after they be one with you! It has repercussions. Alternatively put, every woman you meet will be your lifelong friend. However, I am sure you are not the type to treat women disrespectfully!


    The words of the Goddess reverberated within him.


    While he could have one-night stands with other women, he was only allowed to stay with the woman he had "marked" as his forever¡ªwith her permission, of course.


    All of this came naturally to him; this was his style, and even if the Goddess had not given him this rule, this was precisely the kind of person he would be.


    Everything was alright as long as he remained true to his goal of seducing women. Her Champion, those were the final words the Goddess spoke to him!


    [Pyris, the Goddess, was just ying with you; anything is fine as long as you don''t mistreat women. Otherwise, all she cares about are your well-being and Lust Points!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Huh? And here I had assumed she was... Oh Goddess, I can not wait to be a god. He will reimburse her for the games she yed.


    "Why does she care about my Lust Points? They are mine to use and to get stronger, surely? Why is she concerned about them?"


    Both of them, however, were unable to respond to this query.


    "Young Lord, you''re awake!" His maid''s entrance was heralded by a happy voice as his bedroom door flew open.


    "Rose!" Pyris smiled.

 Chapter 6 Pyris Maid!

    Pyris was so preupied with his thoughts that he did not notice someone approaching his room.


    His room''s door flew open, letting a woman in before she alerted him to her presence.


    "Young Lord, you''re awake!" His maid came in, her happy voice echoing through the pricey room.


    "Rose!" Pyris smiled.


    Pyris had not meant anyone as beautiful; she could have passed as a model in his world, a top model. Rose was a woman beyondpare, even to the school Belle Pyris had lewd fantasies about.


    Her face was glossy and gorgeous, resembling an Asian beauty on earth, and her sky-blue eyes were enticing and warm. Her jet-ck hair fell in waves all the way to her back.


    Upon seeing her body, he felt a surge of excitement. Her voluminous frame was encased in a maid uniform with a French ir, but her breasts were rebelling against the immoral necessity of hiding beneath it; they desired freedom.


    He could look at her enormous posterior indefinitely.


    Although he had seen them in memories, the real thing was different. ''My thoughts will run wild!


    The striking feature, though, was the fluffy tail and the fox ears poking through her hair.


    "Young Lord~" Rose blushed in response to his raw stare, her cheeks turning pink.


    "Anh, Rose, you look stunning as ever!" Rose''s seductive face disyed a shocked expression upon hearing his words.


    Despite his reputation for being aloof and rarely saying more than three words to her, the young lord was now praising her and had a pleasant expression on his face that she hoped to see every day.


    She held her cheeks to hide her blush, saying, "Y-Young Lord~" "I am not that beautiful, Young Lord." In a quiet voice, she said.


    "C''mon, Rose, you are so gorgeous I can not take my eyes off of you!" Petne leaned on the bed andplimented her more.


    "You don''t have to look away~" It had escaped Rose''s notice that she would speak her mind.


    "Haha, then I won''t!" Heughed a bit. Pyris didn''t intend to keep on the cold persona of his previous self; life had given him lemons, so why not make some lemonades?


    "Awwh~" What a wonderful way to start the day, Rose thought as she peered down, beaming with happiness.


    ___


    "Look at you, you clumsy!" Rose said as soon as she got a close-up look at his face. (Following their brief encounter) She hurried to the restroom and returned holding skin care products.


    "You are not interested in doing this, are you?" She applied all the necessary products to his face first.


    "Hmm, then I would not have enjoyed spending so much time up close with my gorgeous maid!" She was staring down at him because he remained seated on the bed and she was standing.


    Rose could only blush at his lovely face as Pyris continued to tease her.


    "Young Lord, you have changed so much in just one night¡ªyou are getting so good with words!" Working down on his neck, she uttered those words.


    Pyris was enjoying himself immensely as her silky, gentle hands caressed his body; he was growing hotter and she was getting very warm.


    [Tsk, you virgin, you might get hard!] Lia nuzzled her tongue.


    ''What do you even know?'' She was undoubtedly unable toprehend what he was experiencing as he was living his best life.


    "Well, because I am happy, I will finally awaken!" He said to Rose.


    "Speaking of which, Mistress had sent me to call you; thanks to yourpliments, I hadpletely forgotten, you bad boy!" yfully, she ruffled his hair.


    Pyris did not think it was strange; while Rose was as beautiful as a flower in the morning, she was still a mature woman in her thirties, the same age as Anastasia, so treating him that way did not bother him.


    ''I quite like it! She is a gorgeous milf, and the more she treats me in this way, the better it will feel when she moans beneath me, kukuku. He chuckled evilly in his head.


    "Mother''s wishes to see me?" "Is she not supposed to be?" Pyris inquired, startled.


    "At the imperial pce? Are you kidding me? She hurried back to witness your awakening because she could not possibly miss her favorite''s awakening now, could she?" Rose chuckled a little, realizing that her mistress could be very endearing to Pyris.


    "Hehe~ makes sense! Let''s hurry!" Rose wholeheartedly concurred.


    When she was finished with his body and hair, she went to the closet and chose the outfits they had nned for his special day, assisting him with the shirt.


    Pyris insisted that she should help him with everything, Rose ended up blushing while helping him with his trousers when her fingers brushed over his cock by ''mistake''


    "Oh,"Pyris eximed, startled by the revtion. He grinned and grabbed Rose''s shoulder, causing her to twitch. Pyris forced her to stand, and they found themselves face to face with his stunning maid.


    "Rose~," he uttered softly as hisforting breath touched her face. Rose''s eyes automatically closed as a result of theforting touch.


    "Thank you for everything; I am grateful!" Given her previous behavior, it would have been reasonable to continue teasing her, but...


    ''I would not want that¡ªrash acts will only result in brief meetings and probably a fling with her.'' more urately, he desired a genuine rtionship with Rose rather than just a casual one.


    ''Genuine and slow!'' When Rose opened her eyes, Pyris wanted to give her an immediate kiss because the milf fox woman was so adorable, but he refrained.


    ''Until I change the status of our rtionship!'' That is what he would do, and the time woulde soon enough.


    ___


    They emerged from his room wearing elegant clothes, including a white shirt with golden ents and undone buttons that showed off a portion of his chest.


    His expensive watch, ck pants, andstly, white designer Di shoespleted the ensemble. He had a hot and attractive appearance.


    As she strolled next to him, Rose would asionally nce at him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They made their way down the corridor to the sitting room. The walls are covered in paintings in a variety of styles, but the digital paintings caught attention the most.


    Despite being paintings, they have the appearance of being live paints, as though you are viewing a screen. Emberly''s mansion was modern, unlike the majority of powerful dragons.

 Chapter 7 Anastasia and Aurelia!

    "Lord!" Rose bowed as she pushed open the living room doors. He took his time, standing there taking in this room''s beauty.


    The room had an all-white and ck d¨¦cor, and the tall ceiling-mounted chandelier cast a warm, golden glow. From the house''s second story to its first, there was an open area.


    The sitting area upied a central position withfortable couches and a table.


    ( Check paragraph for picture)


    He saw two figures sitting side by side on the long couch, but their features remained a mystery since he had emerged from the back room door.


    Taking a moment to steady his resolve, Pyris realized that he was going to meet his new family¡ªthe family he would live with for the rest of his life.


    "Here goes whatever goes...! Entering the room, he was prepared to confront the mysteries of his life, beginning with the two figures within.


    The pair turned to face him as they heard his approaching footsteps.


    Pyris stayed put, frozen in ce.


    "Simply stunning," he eximed, not holding back.


    "Hehee~ little brother, you look just as beautiful!" With a joyful expression, one of the two figures approached him quickly enough for him to catch up, then sank into his chest to give him a hug.


    "Sister Anastasia," he embraced her back, and a warm feeling enveloped him, something he had never felt before.


    He clutched her tightly, as did Anastasia, his eldest sister and the warmest inparison to the others; he loved her the most, except for his mother.


    Despite being slightly older, Anastasia did not appear to be older than twenty-two years old. Magic''s wonders.


    Her round face was entuated by the short white hair and the emerald-hued eyes; her well-proportioned body, with her enormous breasts pressing closely against his chest, delighted his younger brother.


    Her ass cheeks vied for attention, but the long golden dress she wore, baring her white back, won the battle and kept her enormous assets contained.


    Her gown shimmered, revealing her left thigh through a long slit.


    They would still cause a man a nosebleed at sight.


    Shey with her head resting on his sculpted chest, providing her with the much-needed warmth because she was slightly shorter than him.


    (Check paragraphment for character image)


    "Little brother~ I''m so happy, I missed you so much!" Anastasia pulled from his hug and gave him a tender pat on the cheeks.


    She examined him thoroughly, and Pyris smiled at her caring actions.


    "I missed you too big sister," they kissed each other''s cheeks before proceeding to sit. Pyris took a seat across from them as Anastasia returned to her original position.


    His gaze was fixed on his icy-beautiful second sister, Aurelia.


    Aurelia was strikingly simr to him in every way; her hair and eyes were both dark though, pulled into an untidy bun with a few bangs cascading down either side of her face.


    Aurelia was a slender beauty with perfectly round breasts and thighs exposed by a long slit in her ck dress. Her assets were exquisite rather than overly dramatic.


    (Check paragraph for picture)


    "You dyed your hair?" Pyris enquired.


    "Yeah, shit!" She rolled her eyes, "Why would I use such old-fashioned methods? This can never be undone. I will never look the same as you from now!" She had such a cold, needlessly vulgar voice.


    "Hehe, even so, you still look more beautiful." Pyris couldn''t help teasing her.


    "B-beautiful? Are you trying to court death?" She was flustered but she was blushing as well.


    "You like it, don''t you? Brother''splements?" Her younger sister''s blush intensified as Anastasia made fun of her.


    "W-who would want praise from a clumsy brother?" Her secret was out, and she was trembling with shame.


    "Hoho!" Pyris and Anastasia both chuckled.


    "Hmmph!" She gave them a humph and turned to face Pyris. Pyris could not read the feelings hidden in her emotionless eyes, so he chose to just smile.


    "Little brother, how do you feel, now that you''re going to awaken, huh?" Anastasia struck up a discussion. Having stopped scrolling through her phone, Aurelia appeared genuinely intrigued.


    "Definitely excited, just like everyone else¡ªno, I believe I am more excited than anyone else about to experience their long-awaited awakening!" He gave a sincere response.


    Seeing his enthusiastic look, both sisters felt happy for him; they could tell from the way he was acting today. While Pyris may have asionally been even colder than Aurelia, they were also able to sense his warmth.


    ''An attractive aura as well!'' Anastasia muttered to herself that she had been staring at him nonstop since he arrived.


    [A fragment of your Bloodline is beginning to stir!] Lia abruptly told him; she had been unsure while they were in the bedroom, but she was certain now.


    ''Awaken? Really? How do you know?'' He asked Lia an inordinate amount of questions.


    [Yes, due to the fact that the portion that is awakening shares simrities with the Goddess''s blessings, which, if I may remind you, you have not activated!]


    "So it is Lust!" he thought to himself, deducing which aspect of his Bloodline was struggling to surface since lust was connected to the Goddess''s blessings.


    [Yes, this is lust; see for yourself!] A pink hologram materialized.


    [Charm: 92/100]


    Two points had been added to his charm stats.


    [Observe Anastasia; she senses something unique about you.] Anastasia was staring at him with great intensity, indeed.


    "I know you are thrilled, haha. Thus, which element do you anticipate awakening?" Since her brother had always piqued her interest the most, Anastasia was curious about his desires.


    "You mean elements?" Pyrisughed and so did Anastasia, for he was hoping she would not be able to burst his bubbles.


    "Yeah!" She concurred.


    "I am going to have them all!" He exposed his ambitions.


    [Can you be more realistic?] Lia had had enough of his fantastical aspirations.


    "I am at my breaking point! You! What do you take life for?" Naturally, Aurelia was the most irate. Since when does being young equate to being foolish? All elements¡ªwho did he think he was, a god?


    Heck, even gods didn''t have more than six elements.


    "What''s wrong with me awakening all elements?" He didn''t understand why the topic was so sensitive to everyone who heard him.


    "Getting more than three will be a miracle, brother¡ªI did not mean to burst your bubbles!" Anastasia said to him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Why?" He questioned, perplexed.


    "You are an Obsidian, that is why, stupid!" Indignant, Aurelia divulged.


    "Yes, my dear son, that is why¡ªyou are an Obsidian!" A new voice emerged.


    "Mother!" They all got to their feet.

 Chapter 8 Obsidians Legends! & Duchess Emberly

    As she descended the stairs, the woman''s gaze never strayed from her kids, especially Pyris, her final blessing. He seemed especially handsome, she had to admit.


    He was no longer cold, and she was so happy about it¡ªthe Awakening had truly changed him.


    She approached them with poise and elegance, the only sound interrupting the unexpected quiet in the space being her heels clicking.


    All of Duchess Emberly''s children had white hair, except for Aurelia, who had changed her hair and had eyes simr to Pyris''s.


    Sophisticatedly crafted from rare stones, a white circle adorned her head, apanied by small blue jewels and white flowers.


    The surprise was her face, her youthful face; she could pass for a seventeen-year-old if not for her authoritative dress style.


    In terms of physical characteristics, Emberly and Aurelia resembled sisters, although Emberly''s figure was somewhat more voluptuous.


    (Check paragraph for character image)


    "Greetings Mother Obsidian!" They greeted formally as per the customs of House Obsidian.


    "My my, don''t be too formal on my baby''s day!" Walking to Pyris, her long royal dress sweeping the ground, she held his face in her hands.


    ''So cold, her soft hands are so cold and she smells good!'' Pyris said in his thoughts.


    [She''s probably an Ice user, look at the way she''s dressed and the icy aura emanating from her.


    "Mother~" He experienced an unfathomable pull from his soul to his mother, which he could feel drawing him to her. The person he loved so much in this life.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Come here, my baby, I am so happy today¡ªafter all, it is your day!" Her arms encircled him tightly.


    Pyris could not resist closing his eyes and melting into her warm yet icy embrace. She gave his short hair a tender pat.


    "Congrattions! It is obvious you are happy." Pyris gave a nod, refusing to break free from her embrace.


    "Feed us dog food!" Anastasia retorted.


    "Hmmph!" Their self-centered embrace did not sit well with Aurelia either.


    "Fancy a family hug darlings?" They were drawn to Emberly before they could ept her suggestion.


    "Aww, my darlings~" If the dragons saw the Duchess like this, smiling warmly, they would have the shock of their lives. She had a reputation for being aloof.


    ___


    "So where were you, anhh... The Obsidians'' ancient punishment!" Emberly reopened the discussion after they had a seat.


    " Ancient Punishment?" Pyris asked, bewildered. "So I was the only ignorant one?" he asked, receiving nods of agreement from his mother and sisters. Still, he was not upset.


    "Apologies for keeping you in the dark, but now that you are going to awaken things are different!" Anastasia apologized.


    "No, I am not upset; I understand that you all had your reasons." Pyris dismissed her apology.


    "We can not tell unawakened pest about the punishment; the reason is more of a rule!" Aurelia said coldly.


    "Aurelia!" Emberly wasn''t happy with how her daughter was acting. "You once were like him too! Dear, like Ar said, the punishment can''t be indulged to anyone of House Obsidian until the day of theiring to age!"


    "Alright, so tell me about this ancient punishment and how it rtes to our awakening of more than three elements?" He was discussing with Lia earlier but thetter didn''t have any idea of what they were talking about.


    Her knowledge of the ancient era was unsurpassed, even though she was unaware of it as well.


    "I shall refer to it as a curse rather than sugarcoating it! Our Bloodline is cursed with an ancient curse; we can''t awaken more than three elements as Obsidians!" Anastasia disclosed.


    "It doesn''t make any sense! Who and why would they put a curse on our Bloodline?" He was aware that, as the ancient era came to an end, it had be exceedingly difficult for anyone to awaken more than three elements. The maximum was six elements, but only a small percentage of people¡ªfive out of ten billion¡ªwere able to do so.


    It was, therefore, understandable if neither his mother nor his sisters had more than the three elements that she currently possessed.


    Why did a curse have to be involved?


    "You do realize that there are things about ancient times?" Pyris gave a nod, and Emberly went on, "Well, that was caused by us Obsidians¡ªthe end of the ancient era and the fact that no one can awaken more than six elements!"


    He was shocked by his mother''s remarks; he noticed his sisters'' serious expressions.


    He eximed, "How?!"


    "A god known as Elemental Deity, the god who rules over all elements, waged war on House Obsidian back then! To preserve his dignity, he desired that our family''s head of that era submit to him." Emberly chuckled.


    "A god!!!??" Pyris was astounded.


    "So? What''s the reason behind all this?" It piqued Pyris'' interest mostly because of a god''s involvement and the said god wagging a war on his family, why?


    [Elemental Deity?!! My God, what did your family do to incur his wrath? Lia eximed.


    ''You know the Elemental Deity?'' Lia''s acquaintance with him would provide Pyris with additional detailed information.


    [Obviously, everybody does! He is one of the most ancient gods in the God Realms, and additionally... He is one of the most powerful gods in the God Realm, and no one wants to confront him or end up on his bad side. Oh my, what did your family do to such a formidable individual?]


    "You will be disappointed, I assure you!" It sometimes irritated Emberly when she thought about it: "You are well aware of our family''s matriarchy, right?"


    It was not hyperbole; Pyris knew, "Yes, so the leader of our family by then was a woman one of the two most beautiful women at that time in all realms!" Anastasia started the legendary tale.


    In addition to being stunning, Lucy possessed such immense strength that no one could match her throughout the entire mortal and immortal realms. She was unmatched! Only gods could fight her!


    "When her influence and strength increased, gods became aware of her and made an effort to destroy her before she could turn into an immortal and ultimately god. They were afraid that if she grew stronger than she already was, she would try to usurp their positions and be their ruler." Emberly took a deep breath and went on.


    ____


    Make me a aware if you spot any mistakes, and please vote my book

 Chapter 9 Lucy Obsidian! Heavens Decree!

    Even the two sisters who were aware of this legendary tale would be obsessed with it and demand to hear it repeatedly.


    "The gods became interested in her as her strength and influence increased, and they made an effort to destroy her before she could turn into an immortal and ultimately a god. As a result, they were afraid that if she grew stronger than she already was, she would try to usurp their positions." With everyone''s attention on her, Emberly inhaled deeply and went on.


    Like them, she would tell this story for generations and wouldn''t get tired.


    [I do not remember anything about these events!] As far as Lia was concerned, she acknowledged that she had lived throughout antiquity, although she was unaware of this.


    ''Well, enjoy the great legends of my great family, friend!'' Pyris was captivated by his family''s legends and desired to know more.


    And Emberly went on...


    "The God Realm Council was called where they discussed the fate of Lucy Obsidian and her family! Lucy and her entire family were to be destroyed by removing the threat, they decided! That waster came to be known as the Heaven''s Decree!"


    This was unheard of in the mortal realm!


    [Heaven''s Decree? What? Your family held such great power? I am telling you that the Heaven''s Decree cannot be easily dered. It''s not something threatening the safety of the Godly Realm as a whole! Even if a god wanted to rebel orunched attacks on Immortal or Mortal Realms, that couldn''t invoke a Heaven''s Decree!] Lia''s deration confirmed that he''s family wasn''t to be joked with!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As the only person, they felt secure enough to take out a formidable opponent like Lucy¡ªan All-Elemental awakened¡ªthe Elemental Deity was to see this through to the very end. With that, the Heavenly Army made its first-ever descent onto the Mortal Realm since the dawn of time.


    "But then an unexpected thing happened: Lucy was publicly proposed to by the Elemental Deity¡ªhow funny! He proposed that Lucy be his Queen and that her family would be brought to the God Realm in addition to being spared, as they would rule the Godly Realm together! Everyone would concur, surely?


    "To the surprise of all, Lucy Obsidian turned down the proposal along with her family! It was the first andst conflict between a mortal and a god¡ªand not just any god, but the Elemental Deity¡ªwhen the enraged godunched the Heavenly Army against us.


    However, as the battle raged, the Obsidian family destroyed the Heavenly Army, proving that the God Realm had misjudged them. In addition to enjoying her power, Lucy had trained her family to such a high degree that not even the Heavenly Army could defeat them!


    [I''m lost for words!] Let alone defeating the Heavenly Army entirely, not even god families could stand up to them!


    When the Elemental Deity realized this, his rage grew exponentially; in a single strike, he killed half of the Obsidian family; fortunately, Lucy prevented him from doing more damage. That was the cue for the battle between the two! Lucy was not defeated by the Elemental Deity even after five days of battle.


    "Everyone stared at the woman who stood alone against one of the most powerful gods, even overwhelming him! However, the Deity became furious and acted cowardly to maintain his dignity." Emberly''s tone grew icy.


    He isted the elements from the mortal realm since he was the Deity and the master of all elements. Their elements were inessible to any mortal soul, and Lucy was one of them!


    "She became vulnerable when faced with god; on her knees, gasping for breath. With a victorious gait, he approached her, prepared to destroy her, but then she suddenly disappeared out of his sight! Whatever he tried, he could not find her in any realm!


    He did not, however, return with such shame; instead, he cursed the Obsidian family for all future generations to never awaken more than three elements! The mortal world, as the witnesses to his ignominious deeds, was never, for any one person to possess more than six elements!


    "That is our history; our family has not recovered from that blow since; our numbers have dwindled through generations to only four of us remaining from that powerful family! But we''re not vulnerable!" Emberly grinned.


    Although her family was small, shemanded fearsome individuals as her subordinates; not even the Imperial family would want to make enemies of her or antagonize her family without a valid reason.


    "You have to remember, Pyris. We may be perceived by some as untouchable viins, but who cares what the pest thinks of us? If they see us as viins, we will be one! Otherwise, that''s the story!" Pyris nodded as his mother concluded.


    "So, could you please tell me exactly what happened to Lucy¡ªdid she die?" Although Aurelia had not asked, this was a question that was always on her mind.


    "Darling, not even gods can answer that question! Though we at House Obsidian have always maintained that she is still alive, everyone else thinks she has passed away because nobody can unexpectedly live that long when they are not yet Immortals." Emberly held onto hope.


    "Should we do it now?" It was time for his awakening.


    ___


    A little whileter, the family entered the house''s basement by going through a dimly lit hallway with their mother at the head!


    A menacing door stood proudly at the far front, unshaken by even the most powerful earthquake. As they neared it, he could make out dragon patterns on the heavily rooted door.


    Variously shaped ck dragons seemed toe to life when she touched the door, circling the massive door as if they were soaring through the skies.


    "Pyris, only we have ess to this location; within rest, the inheritances of our Obsidian ancestors spanning several generations.


    "This door can detect any type of threat or spy as you approach, even if it is invisible; if so, the dragons will eliminate it. Even the Immortals cannot harm you from here!" By the time Emberly was done, the door clicked open.


    Inside, it was dark; he couldn''t see anything.


    "Darling, you may now go inside! Since you''re awakening only you can enter!" Emberly held her son with affection, and with a smile, she let him go.


    "Go make mama proud!" And he entered the dark room!

 Chapter 10 Goddesss Blessings!

    Pyris found himself enfolded in the embrace of darkness, his long-lostpanion. The darkness surrounded him, and he had no intention of trying to see with his precious eyes¡ªthat would be pointless.


    "On the plus side, though, my sense functions wlessly!" He circled the area, but no matter how far he walked, he never even made it to the wall.


    "There ought to be walls because it is a room in our house, right? However, I am unable to sense any!" In the end, he gave up because it was not as if he was a prisoner here.


    The best chance we have is to finish the task for which we came here¡ªI believe the room is enchanted or something simr! This is excellent; please take a seat; the blessings of the Goddess have not been activated!] Hispanion proposed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Make sense, let us proceed, but hold on! Will this darkness allow me to see the hologram?" It was an urgent concern.


    [You! How is this something you can worry about? You are beyond myprehension; cease to torment me with your sick jokes!] Lia was aware that Pyris, given his intelligence, would not have asked such a question unless he was teasing her.


    "Can''t I joke? Lia, you are not fun at all!" Sure enough, he was just ying around.


    [System activate the Blessings!] Lia asked the system directly, bypassing his approval process.


    [Ding! Activating the Goddess''s Blessings!


    O behold the Champion of the Lust Embodiment. The mortals will worship you O Champion of Lust, the Immortals will revere you, and the gods will tremble in fear in your presence, O Champion of Lust!


    Ding! Blessings activated!


    1st Blessing; Child of Lust!


    Description: The blessing bestows incredible and iparable beauty on the user, making them appealing to the opposite sex.


    You radiate a manly charm that draws women to you. The aura will make you more attractive and women attracted to you will find you irresistible!


    The Blessings grant you sexual abilities, making it slightly simple for you to conquer them and even greater in bed!


    Abilities: Divine cock (permanent) Sex Pheromones (permanent) Lust Halo (permanent) Lustful Viin (permanent) Lust Body (permanent) Lust Illusions (skill) Lust very (skill) Lust Heal (permanent)


    Divine cock:


    Every woman has their preferences when ites to sex! It is your responsibility as the champions of Lust to give every woman what she wants¡ªthe Divine cock!


    You have limitless sexual stamina.


    Sex Pheromone:


    It is your preference as the champion to give a woman a satisfying sex experience that only you can give. Simr to your manly aura, but only during sexual activity; the pheromones heighten the pleasure experienced by both partners, enhancing the pleasure of having sex.


    Lust Halo:


    The lust Halo defends you from any sexual illusion-like attacks. The halo also alerts you if you are receiving sexual stares from the opposite sex.


    Lustful Viin:


    You be an enemy to all men with this ability, but women who are drawn to "bad boys" find you more attractive.


    Warning: This ability brings more harm than good, but the Goddess trusts you can handle yourself against some jealous men!


    Lust Body:


    Every part of your body arouses lust in women; upon contact, this turns you into a walking pleasure. With this ability, women will feel pleasure upon contact. A simple massage could make a woman reach the starry heavens in a few minutes! Consider yourself to be a pleasure god!


    Lust illusions:


    You can induce lustful, never-ending dreams in someone while they are asleep. The target will not wake up and will continue until they die or you tell them to stop! (Can only be used to vicious enemies)


    Lustral Envement:


    A skill to enve a female and would permanently be their master! (Can only be used on your enemies)


    Lust Cure:


    You can cast out curses and curemon illnesses with just your hands and Divine cock!


    Warning! The disease or curse will be transferred to you if you use your divine cock to heal someone!


    Permanent abilities: These are inherent to the Champion, so to speak; they are a passive part of who you are!


    Skills: You need to activate these abilities if you desire to use them.]


    Saying his mouth was hanging would be an understatement, looking at the first blessing he could get.


    "These? Hahaha, Goddess, you chose the right person for your champion; I will make you proud.


    [2nd Blessing: Lust Of No Limits!


    These blessings give you the ability to transcend any sexual boundaries.


    Abilities: Yes Taboo! (permanent) Pregnancy Control (skill) Cum For All (permanent)


    Yes, Taboo: The champion is unconstrained; he will even screen his rtives, a lust incarnate!


    This ability allows you to ovee taboo restrictions. That is, you can have your family moan beneath you while giving birth to your offspring without difficulty. With this ability, the Champion can have a mother and daughter serving you and more. Ultimately, Yes Taboo!


    Pregnancy Control: You are in charge of the gender and the timing of when your woman will give birth to your little demons (children).


    Cum For All: If your cum can run out, what good is endless sexual stamina? The ability grants you endless cum; you are a walking river of seeds.]


    Pyris'' mouth switched at thest ability description. But all was well; these abilities were equally useful to him.


    [3rd Blessings: Divine Cum!


    The blessing grants you cum-rted abilities, making you the most sought-after cumming god!


    Abilities: So Sweet~ (permanent) Dual Cultivation (permanent)


    So Sweet: Which is your favorite ice cream vor? Your cum is as sweet as any woman''s favorite vor or dish! Eating it is the same as dining on their favorite eatables; only your women don''t try it host (wink)


    Dual Cultivation: The Lazy Harem Paradise Master. Through intercourses, the champion will be stronger by cultivating the yin of his women; the more powerful the woman, the purer and richer her yin! Simrly, cultivating your Yang essence helps your women grow stronger!


    Ding! The Goddess''s hidden message was detected!


    Reading: "Go get ''em my Champion! Make me proud"]


    Pyris just smiled at the message.


    [The champion can only be one with his blessings after awakening!!] This madeplete sense as well.


    Anyway, he finally understood the significance of the yin-yang symbol beneath his navel! Another thing he had discovered was that Dual Cultivation did not exist in this world; he was the only person capable of practicing such a divine art!


    [With this, even if you just solely focus on chasing skirts, you will eventually be the strongest!] Lia teased Pyris.


    "Will not do! How will I benefit the women strong than me? I will just be a parasite then!" He will not rely on his women for everything; he has to improve himself to help them, too.


    "Be it getting stronger women to be stronger and help the weaker or improving beyond them to help even the strongest rise higher! I will do it all!" Pyris'' dered.


    [Ding! The Champion''s will has moved the Goddess! [New system function unlocked, Appraisal!]

 Chapter 11 Awakening!

    The Goddess had indeed granted him a something, the legendary appraisal function 99% systems had.


    [Appraisal: Look at anything and get information about it! People stronger than you will give little to no information at all. Unknown or Secrets of heaven won''t be indulged either!]


    "Fair enough, mwahahahaha," Pyrisughed he had finally got it, "the Goddess''s generosity knows no limits indeed. Thank you Goddess!"


    ___


    Unknown location!


    !!![With all these gifts, Pyris, I''m confident you will can achieve ''it''. Please prove me right and I will forever be indebted to you!]!!!


    ___


    "How long will he take mother?" Anastasia asked Emberly, they stood outside the door waiting for Pyris but none of them were calm.


    "I don''t know! Just like you I''m desperate right now. I just hope my babe gets a good element. W''all were there when they tested him, the appraiser said his talent was just above average!" Emberly said desperately, passing back and forth.


    Aurelia was also biting her nails in worry, "the way he was enthusiastic, it will hit him hard!" They all nodded in agreement.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris wasn''t aware of their worries since he didn''t know they had appraised him in his sleep.


    ___


    He sat cross-legged in darkness, he looked calm, corrected and dignified, like an Immortal. All his focus was on the the task at hand.


    [... You can now feel your dragon core, right?] Lia asked him, she was helping him through creating his mana core!


    "Yes I do!" He could see a pearl when he focused all his sense in the middle of his chest!


    [Good, now focus your sense on your navel! When you do start to sense the impure mana within you and the mana around you at the same time it would take like five...]


    "I already feel it!" Pyris cut her off with his confirmation.


    [You monster!] Lia smiled, [now I want you to attract all the mana around you into your body. Bring as much as you can!] Lia have his another instruction.


    "Aye ma''am!" Since he was already ready for awakening, unlike days before today, making contact with mana wasn''t any issue anymore.


    With a thought, multichromatic and sshy energies filled the dark room as they rushed towards Pyris,ter entering his body through his navel.


    ___


    "Mom, mom, look!" Aurelia shouted at her mother, rmed, startled they all looked at where Aurelia was pointing.


    "Oh My!" They eximed.


    All around them, monochromatic mana energies were rushing from every direction heading to the room behind the shut closed doors.


    "This is... This is Elemental Mana energies! He''s not just attracting just one of few elements but all of them!" Even her dignified self couldn''t hold back gaping at such a sight.


    A thing they only saw and read in legends was happening before them!


    An Obsidian was about to awaken all elements!


    Cold sweat ran all over their bodies, they shared a look of understanding!


    "This is bad!" They said in unison.


    They all ran outside the mansion, their speed unable to be followed.


    Upon reaching outside they all looked in the skies but nothing was their, they looked at each in confusion, they could still see the elemental mana rushing into their house but what they were expecting wasn''t happening.


    "He can''t feel it?" Anastasia asked.


    "It seems to be the case but that should be impossible!" Emberly was in denial took. "It will only take him an instant to be here, ready to murder but it''s not happening!" Still she had her guard up!


    It was well known fact that the Elemental Deity would instantly kill anyone who attempted to attract all elements. As a master of the elements he could feel it when it''s happening and either cut it short or kill the individual, that''s how it used to happened at the end of ancient era until he was finally able to make it impossible for anyone to try to attract all elements!


    "That''s a good sign, we must warn Pyris after he''s done, though!"


    ___


    Pyris continued to suck more and more energies into his body before he lost sense of time.


    [How much can he store in just his mortal body!] Lia asked herself, at this time, he had already exceeded what a mortal body could handle, regardless of the rank!


    Yet he didn''t show any sign of stopping.


    [What''s happening!!] Lia was suddenly rmed, the space around Pyris startedpressing and expanding gradually picking a tranquil bnce.


    He lost a sense of time, the space was being unusual that means...


    [Space and Time elements!] Lia figured.


    ___


    As time went on, and the more energy he pulled in more and more elements manifested before suddenly!


    Crackle! Crackle!


    Electricity started cracking in the dark room giving it a chaotic glow.


    [No, it''s not electricity, it''s light... Oh my in the name of Lilith, it''s Lightening, the lost element!!!!!] She cried out loud. [If it''s lightening then that means... He''s elements don''t have anything to do with the Elemental Deity but the Godly Realm core itself! A birth of ANOTHER ELEMENTAL DEITY!!]


    All elements were born from one source, the Godly Realm core but the Elemental Deity was able cut this connection off from others, making himself the medium between everyone and the Godly Realm core.


    This literally made him the source of all elements to others, at least the publicly known elements!


    Those elements he didn''t have, he cut their reach from reaching the Godly Realm. It was a known fact by all gods but they''re all unable to reverse whatever he did.


    Now they all ended up depending on him.


    You could say in one way or another ther he reigns above them all.


    But for some reasons Pyris was able to bypass his Deity''s restrictions on the Godly Realm core without the god even knowing what had happened.


    Henceforth, acquiring all elements, some even Lia couldn''t tell what they were! She could only stare!


    ___


    "... Lia! Lia!" Pyris called several times before he got her attention,"are you day dreaming? Anyway I feel like this is enough!" He informed her unaware of the things he had done.


    [Feel like enough my ass! You literally sucked the core dry!] Lia said to herself, although it wasn''t possible to suck the core dry.


    [Yes that''s enough! The reason for this was the mana to awaken and clean the elemental roots in your body which is over! Congrattions, you have an All-Elemental Roots, turns out you weren''t just at talk!] Lia was happy for him too and for herself as well, she was able to witness the birth of an All-Elements awakened, who had more elements than the Elemental Deity himself.


    "Hehe, I told you!" He was beyond happy!


    *****


    Guys please, shove those power stones to Pyris in abundance!

 Chapter 12 Insatiable Lust!

    "What I say I do! So what if some petty guy cursed my Bloodline, I will lift the curse for the generations toe and spite him!" He had a personal vendetta against the Elemental Deity, which he vowed to eventually make amends for.


    ''But I''m still too weak!'' he had to grow stronger! "What do I do next Lia?"


    [At this point, concentrate all of the energy within you andpress it into a dragon core that resembles a pearl; this will be your mana core, the All-Elements Core!] Lia gave me very clear instructions, so I knew just what to do.


    But it wasn''t a piece of cake; he had to make a mana core, which meant collecting all the elemental mana energies in his body into a single ce andpressing them into a pearl.


    The fact that certain elements¡ªsuch as water and fire, lightning, and water still¡ªwere erratic and out of bnce with one another made matters worse.


    But, after many attempts and sweating, he seeded; when he let go, he was huffing and panting; at the same time, mana energies were filling his entire body, but this time in harmony and in their pure form.


    Energy from the surroundings was impure, and one of the mana core''s primary uses was to purify this energy as it entered the awakened; only then would they move to the rest of the body.


    [Sorry man, but we''re not done! The final and crucial step is for you to connect the mana core with your dragon core! Chop Chop!] Pyris groaned.


    With his dragon core tucked away in his chest, every ounce of energy in his body was dodging it like the gue! For his dragon body to be in harmony with magic, he had to make that path between the two cores.


    This was the path all beast-humans, dragons, and Phoenixes followed. Even for the corrupted beast, but unlike others in thetter''s case, it was natural in the way that their beast and mana core were one!


    This is what made them Corrupted Beasts. The drawback was their bloodlust and the inability to assume fully humanoid forms, as opposed to beast humans.


    ___


    After finishing, he noticed that the mana core and the dragon were connected by a monochromatic path! Furthermore, energy was now flowing through his veins as well.


    He felt at his best; energy coursed through every fiber of his being!


    [Ding! The host has awakened! New dragon innate ability acquired!


    All-Elemental cultivation: They cultivate all elements at once. Although progress will be slow inparison to other awakened who cultivate fewer elements!


    Pyris was ecstatic, regardless of the negative aspects. The problem with being with many elements was cultivating them. This resulted in one element being at a higher level than the others!


    However, with his new ability, he would no longer have to worry about this limitation!


    [Ding! The host''s magical rank is now Rank 2! With so much mana in your body, the host was able to seamlessly jump from Rank 1 to Rank 2.


    Ding! Obsidian Lust Bloodline unsealed! New lust abilities acquired;


    Lust Breath: Like a Dragon''s elemental breath (like dragon fire breath) the Lust Dragon burns his enemies with lust, the most evil punishment there is!


    Dragon''s Erection: The Dragon of Lust doesn''t tire, his erection and size are known no limits.


    Dragon''s Seal: An eternal bond that is ced on the souls of your enved or beloved ones. Your lovers have to consent to the bind.


    Lust Corruption: Deprive your victims of their free will. When the victim is subjected to your corruption, they will lose their ability to think and will be mindless sex beasts!


    Ding! Combining the Blessings with Lust Dragon''s abilities!


    Pyris felt excruciating pain; he fell on the ground, trashed due to the unbearable pain he was under. It felt like he was being roasted and every part of his body was being chopped into tiny pieces.


    He felt like he was being melted from under the agonizing pain; his body was being rebuilt by the Blessings and his newly awakened Bloodline.


    Hey down exhausted, but atst, after what seemed like an eternity, he felt alive again.


    [Integration: 1%... 14%....50%....99..100%


    Ding! Host''s lust has be insatiable! The host will always crave sex!


    Good luck with your new adventure!]


    The system said in a monotonous tone.


    As if they had agreed, the dark room lit up, and the door rumbled open; as the streams of light appeared, he nked out!


    ___n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Pyris!" His whole family ran to him in rm as the door opened. When his mother arrived first, she saw her son covered in a gooey substance and blood.


    To be honest, he stank, but she did not mind; she carried him in a princess carry style, with his two siblings following behind them; they went to his bedroom.


    ___


    With a wave of her hand, she cleaned him off any dirt, gently putting him in the bed.


    "S-so handsome!" As soon as his face waspletely clean, they let out a loud cry.


    "His skin is so smooth and soft like a baby''s, slightly taller with amanding aura!" Emberly caressed him affectionately.


    "His vitality is so potent he''s life energy is so pure than anything I have ever felt!" Anastasia had a Life element, the pure element; these mysteriesid bare under her scrutinizing eyes.


    ''And he looks so hot!'' They had this unspoken thought: his body became more defined and appealing to the eyes, and the attraction effects of his body were working their magic.


    Patiently, they waited for him to wake up; he looked peacefully under their watchful eyes. They had to quench everyst bit of curiosity they had, and they could not leave before then.


    He was also pleasing to the eye.


    "Mother," Aurelia called her mother out.


    "Darling?"


    "Do you think he will ept?" She asked.


    "Mmm, baby is a wise man; I think even now, he understands the gravity of the situation, so yeah, I am confident he will ept!" She lifted his head and gave him ap pillow while lovingly petting his head.


    The two girls wanted to switch ces with their younger brother when they saw how much love she was giving him.


    *****


    Shove Pyris those power stones, let''s go????

 Chapter 13 Anything For Her~

    He woke up and let out a soft sigh, "Mhmm~," as his eyelids fluttered open to reveal two deep amethyst eyes. He saw three magnificent beauties staring at him with affection and a hint of worry.


    "Mom, sisters?" He inquired, perplexed; thest time he remembered, he was in the dark room, and when the light came to his rescue, ending the dark era in that room, he had passed out from excruciating pain.


    "Baby~ are you feeling okay? Does it hurt anywhere?" Emberly was no longer giving him thep pillow and instead sat in bed with his sisters.


    "Yeah?" To be sure, he tried moving and stretching his body a little. "Aside from having a lot of mana and my body being much stronger, yeah, I am fine," he said.


    "Aw, that''s so good to hear!" "Look at you now, all grown up," she said, pinching his cheeks. You''re a man now!" Today marked hising of age, and after his awakening, he was no longer considered a child by the rest of the world.


    "Yeah, he is all grown up now, so stop acting like he is a one-year-old, and let us get down to business!" This was getting on Aurelia''s nerves.


    "Do not mind her rudeness, Mother; she is only jealous!" Mother and son exchanged chuckles.


    ___n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without further ado, Pyris told them what had transpired, aside from the Goddess''s Blessings. They discussed the elements he had awakened, and despite their insistence that he show them, he persuaded them to do so after they were done here.


    He even divulged his unique dragon trait.


    Everyone in House Obsidian would awaken a unique trait, more akin to the type of dragon they were. Aurelia, for example, had awakened as a Death Dragon, and Anastasia was a Life Dragon; for his mother, he had no idea.


    "So you''re saying you''re a Lust Dragon!" Pyris nodded at Anastasia; they looked at him as though he was some kind of wild animal in a zoo.


    "I knew those looks would bring no good!" This did not sit well with Aurelia, for some reason.


    "So you admit I''m handsome?" Pyris seized the opportunity to tease her.


    "Never said that; feel free to think whatever you like!" She averted her gaze.


    There has never been a dragon like that in history, not in our family or any other family. All dragons are known for their sexual appetite but dragon awakening as a Lust Dragon? That''s unheard of!" This was something Emberly was also considering keeping under wraps, at least until Pyris could defend himself.


    "What abilities did you get!" He gazed at Aurelia for a considerable amount of time before responding.


    "Eye Of Death," They all rose on their feet, looking at the monster in shock. "and my lust abilities, which I''m ain''t willing to share!"


    "What?" Pyris asked, suddenly realizing that they were hardly even noticing hisst ability.


    "You mentioned that you possess the Eye of Death ability?" Pyris nodded despite Aurelia''s slight skepticism.


    "But that doesn''t seem right; all your eyes seem pretty much normal to me! That''s not how it''s supposed to be!" Anastasia turned to face her, looking deeply into his eyes, but she noticed no change.


    "Alright, I do possess the ability; my body simply cannot handle using it at this time." He couldn''t tell them it was sealed, so he opted for another exnation. Since the beginning, only one person has ever awakened this ability¡ªLucy!


    "And she was the first recorded Death Dragon because of that ability, she was more terrifying!" Emberly looked at her young daughter in pity.


    Aurelia desired one thing above anything: that ability; as a dragon of death, she would be even stronger if she would awaken it.


    "Don''t look at me like that!" Although disappointed that she didn''t get it, it was still good that her brother did. At the very least, she will get to see it in action someday!


    "And my brother has greater potential than I do!" It was evident to all of them that she was not feeling well.


    [Ding! The Goddess has heard your plea and granted you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Do you wish to pass on your sealed ability to your sister?


    Remember, you lose it forever!!] Pyris did not hesitate, and he was overjoyed at the prospect, immediately agreeing.


    He already had too much.


    ''I will pay tenfold, Goddess!'' Unaware of his actions, he had taken an oath with his words.


    "Wait, everyone!" "Close your eyes," Pyris yanked Aurelia toward him abruptly. And she did, but in a perplexed manner.


    Pyris drew closer and touched her forehead with him, "Are you trying tofort me? It is not working, I am telling you, and it is making me even angrier!" She remained there regardless of what he was doing.


    "System transfer!'' Dark energy emanated from his forehead, momentarily darkening the room for a split second before it entered Aurelia''s forehead.


    She fell into his chest and passed out instantly.


    "Huff, Huff!" With a cold sweat trickling down her back, Anastasia sat panting on the ground.


    "Sister?" Pyris called her as hey Aurelia on the bed.


    "I-I just faced death itself!" She said in a terrified tone, but she did not bother to exin even if they asked because she knew they would not get it.


    "But what just happened, did you..."


    "Yes, it''s one of my abilities, but it was a one-time use, so I used it to give the Eye Of Death to Aur here!" The two women were bbergasted by the revtion.


    He was surprising them endlessly.


    "Such a thing is possible? And you used to fulfill your sister''s deepest desire? "Thank you, son; I will not ask why, but thank you," Emberly said as she gave Pyris a tight hug. Perhaps Aur will open up and lead a normal life after this." Her daughter was cold and a shut-in.


    "I hope so too," he returned her hug, "Mother, you do not need to thank me; I have everything I could possibly ask for." So what if it''s an overpowered ability, I will trade it for Aur''s happiness if need be!"


    "So smooth!" Anastasia chuckled.


    "Annie, I am being sincere!"


    "Right!" She justughed it off, "Will you now show us the abilities, please!"


    "Aurelia will wake up first!" He declined her advances.


    "I am!" It was Aurelia, with her icy voice.


    ****


    "Hello there venerable reader, "I''m Pyris and I''m craving power stones!!"

 Chapter 14 Lost Elements!

    In additiomistakenlyremote and unapproachable beauty, Aurelia was renowned for her extreme coldness. She rarely smiled¡ªwhen she did, it was usually a smirk or a grin.


    She would make an effort to smile despite how strange it was.


    ''They''re the best to conquer!'' Pyris had already set his divine lust interest in her, his cold sister.


    However, unexpectedly, Aurelia woke up with a radiant smile on her face and a sense of warmth as she looked at her family. For a split second before it vanished.


    The three thought, ''More than enough!'' They should not have set too high of expectations.


    "I''m here, will you show us now!" Aurelia demanded, not realizing the dark aura she exuded. Emberly could sense that she was changing the atmosphere around her; her daughter would soon be even more formidable than she already was.


    "Anh, darling~ congrattions! Can you fully control it?" Emberly enquired. The way they observed her was that, in contrast, her right eye radiated two distinct colors¡ªck and grey¡ªand gave off an all-consuming aura.


    They instantly averted their gaze!


    "I do, but I need a lot of practice to even use it, and my rank has slightly advanced!" She exined to them that this was meant to demonstrate the extent to which Pyris'' gift had transformed her personality; she does not indulge in such private matters, not even with them.


    ''Appraisal''


    [Name: Aurelia Obsidian


    Race: Dragon


    Bloodline: Obsidian Death Dragon.


    Race Trait: Eye Of Death (half-sealed) One With Death.


    Rank: 5/20


    Elements: Death, Space.


    Age Limit: 18/900


    Strength: 100/90N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Agility: 100/90


    Vitality: 100/90


    Stamina: 100/90


    INT: 100/150


    Charm: 93


    ___


    Unlike his status, mana capacity wasn''t shown on Aurelia''s status, but when he looked at her status, he couldn''t help feeling how weak he was currently.


    [You have not checked your updated status; awesome new stuff has been added!] Pyris had a lot to tackle now that he had awakened, so he nned to check on that after his family had left.


    If Aurelia were a normal awakened at her current rank, her stats would be 50/50. A normal awakened would start with 10 stats, which would increase by 10 with each rank as they progressed, and by 20 stats for the special ss.


    Those were the normal stats but...


    No awakened adheres to this standard; there are ways to improve one''s stats, such as through physical and mental training for their INT stats, or by devouring monster cores.


    Despite having higher stat advantages due to her dragon nature, Aurelia also pushed herself beyond her physical stat limitations through her unwavering training.


    Nevertheless, she was unable to reach Rank 6 since she needed to raise her mana core and INT stats to be Rank 6 awakened!


    ____


    "You''ve done beautiful darling!" Emberly felt proud.


    "It''s all thanks to little brother." While Aurelia did feel obligated to him, she was aware that he would say things that were not explicitly stated, such as...


    ''It was nothing; feel proud of your achievement. I merely helped!'' so she didn''t press too much.


    "Little sister congrattions!" Anastasia continued to avoid Aurelia; after all, their traits were diametrically opposed to one another.


    "Now please show us!" Pyris felt trapped in a state of non-resistance by their adorable puppy eyes as they begged.


    "Fine!" He groaned, but on the inside, he was thrilled to brag about his newfound power! "So, should we head to the training...?" Before he finished, his feet were already rooted in the dark ground of the training hall.


    Located in the basement was an expansive room with a rock solid ground, even the walls seemed steady. However, it was empty and contained no equipment. You will have to press a button for equipment to emerge! it was that advanced.


    Walking past them all, Pyris made some good distance with them all before facing them, a proud and yful smile making its ce on his face.


    [New trait acquired, All-Elemental Control] This was the notification that greeted him upon awakening. He could use all of his elements however he pleased thanks to this attribute, which gave himplete control over them.


    ''Which means I don''t need to learn elemental techniques to use my elements!'' The only thing that counted was his imagination. He would visualize a fundamental skill and then meticulously hone it.


    "Here it goes!" He raised his hands in a way that seemed like a bender, and the earth shook, signifying his power over it.


    Although he could not pull the earth out due to the training hall''s strength, nevertheless...


    The energy around him started morphing into brown sand, gathering around him, swirling and twirling; he would move his hands and body as though he were dancing, and the sand would fall with his every movement.


    "This is the sand element!" He exined while continuing to walk around the hallway in a manner akin to a fighter and a dancer.


    "Look... even though the Sand element and the Earth element are somewhat rted, the Sand element is very different." His fingers transformed into sand. "Even though I have not mastered all of my elements yet, I will eventually be able to blend in with the sand and transform into sand particles or even sand itself!


    I can move through sand just like I can with an Earth element." He concluded his demonstration for the Sand element.


    "Even though it is easier to use and more impressive than Earth element, thetter is still more powerful!"


    "That''s right!" Pyris concurred with his mom! "And now for this amazing one..." Pyris vanished from their sight, but they could still sense his presence!


    "Shadow element!" His voice came from Anastasia''s position: "It is no different from darkness. Shadows originate in darkness and manifest in the presence of light, so they are one! Here, I can move in shadows of people, objects, wherever there are shadows, but it bes one with darkness when I''m in the dark!"


    Of course, he possessed the Darkness element as well, so he considered them as one.


    [You are surprisingly calm for someone who just peeked at his sister! You''re shameless!] Lia giggled.


    Pyris had mistakenly witnessed something he would rather keep to himself... For now


    He justified himself ''It was a mistake¡ªan honest mistake, really.''


    "The shadow element, Pyris, has the ability to steal light! I noticed that I was bing disconnected from my light element; fortunately, I am stronger than you." They were all taken aback by Anastasia''s admission.


    "Much like life and death elements?" inquired Aurelia.


    "Yeah? But unlike the Darkness element, which only chases away light, the Shadow element robs away light. You refer to it as darkness'' emissary; if light is stolen, it will vanish forever." Anastasia exined based on her personal experience.


    It was like drying a well, that particr ce will forever bepletend.


    "With light lost, the darkness then reigns!" They said in unison! It was an impressive discovery.


    But was Pyris ever going to reach such mastery with his shadow element?


    *****


    Stick around to find out while you give Pyris those power stones!!!

 Chapter 15 Lost Elements! Blood Truth

    Pyris was ecstatic to have made this discovery and thanked his sister, without whom he might not have discovered this side of the shadows at all or might have found itter.


    He would train with that in mind from now on.


    [I, too, don''t have any idea about these new elements. But I will provide you with my ideas after analyzing them.] Lia wanted to lend her support as much as she could.


    "Mhmm," nodding, he slowly walked back to his previous position, and it went off!


    Zapp!!! Zapp!!! Crackle!! Crackle!!


    Before engulfing his entire body, lightning zapped from his fingertips.


    Lightening of various colors crackled on the training ground from him before he rose off the ground. His eyes shed lightning in them, turning them multicolored.


    Zapp!!


    He struck the adjacent wall with a white lightning strike that caused a dent to appear, but it vanished right away.


    Then all of the lightning vanished as Pyrisnded gracefully on the ground.


    "The lost element!" Emberly gapped. "For millions of years, this element has been lost to the passage of time. The lightning element and energy had once vanished from the Godly Realm; after that, everyone¡ªeven gods who possessed it¡ªinstantly lost it! Since then it was lost!"


    "Oh? That is intriguing~" He was curious to learn more.


    "Each lightning user was unique, and the lightning element came in a variety of colors, the strongest of which was golden lightning, known as Divine Lightening. No one couldmand it, but they knew it existed!" Emberly carried on.


    "Are you a bookworm mom? How do you know all this!" Anastasia asked seriously.


    "I have been looking for a way to break my family''s curse since the day I awakened, and even though I knew there was little chance of sess, I persisted nheless.


    "I learned many things hidden from the open; I fought out a lot of things in my obsession!" Despite not finding what she was looking for, she did manage to obtain something.


    "I never would have thought that my son would be the answer for my obsessions right after giving up just to raise him. Now, with all I learned, I will be of your help, darling!"


    "Thank you, mother!" Pyris was touched.


    "Now show Mama what else you ''ve got!"


    At her request, a drop of blood suddenly materialized in the air, then another and another before they became hundreds! Morphing them to his whim, turning them into bullets and daggers he fired them off at them.


    Before they even reached his family, the blood attacks turned into a strong shield of blood, safeguarding his family from harm.


    "The element of Vampires and Demons! Only the Fallens outside of the two races can use the Blood element!" Right on cue, as if to prove to Anastasia that he could use it as well... The blood shield rushed to him before it turned into an aura, the Blood aura.


    "How can you use it perfectly!" Aurelia asked, the Blood element was a bit sophisticated and hard to control.


    Blood energy was as abundant as other energies, but it was difficult to control and required knowledge of the "Truth" underlying the blood element in order to connect with it easily.


    Since everyone''s interpretation of the "Truth" of Blood was unique, each person''s journey to discover theplex "Truth" was unique.


    "I believe you are talking about "Truths," correct? My "Truth," however, is ingrained in my subconscious from the moment I acquired the element, making my Blood Element unique from everyone else''s. He informed happily; the Blood aura around him began to form armor around him before crumbling.


    "Shoot! I still have a limitedprehension of the "Truth," so I can not use the Blood element for very long. He wasn''t as frustrated, though; he was just a Rank 2 awakened, and he had a lot to learn.


    "What''s your Truth?" Emberly inquired; she was familiar with the majority of the most well-known and powerful Truths, such as the Vampire leader''s Blood Truth, "Blood Ruler," "One," and "The Beginning," each of which belonged to a great figure in the Mortal Realm, the best blood users.


    "Mhmm? My Truth?" He responded in a lighthearted manner, "It is called "Sovereign," while tossing and dribbling blood balls like he was ying basketball. After hurling the ball skyward, it transformed into energy and vanished from view.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "My control sucks!"


    "Sovereign?" Emberly persevered in trying to interpret his Truth, but in the end she gave up.


    "With that said," Pyris dashed past them, bing a blur until he reached the end of the room. "That is my other Element, but I prefer to call it an ability, Super Speed! Yes, I think of it as an ability because it is too cheesy to be an element. I bend space and time, enabling me to defy distance, momentum, and gravity... Well, that is it¡ªI am not very good at physics.


    They rolled their eyes¡ªthey knew how good he was!


    "You are as fast as a Rank 5 Vampire; that is impressive!" Aureliaplemented, vampire''s had a super fast natural speed, and the stronger they get, the faster they get.


    "Good but my aim toe this far isn''t to show off my impressive speed! Cover your ears!" He cautioned them.


    After they did, Pyris opened his mouth and blew out, as if blowing air.


    An ultrasonic wave emitted from my mouth, traveling faster than light in an instant, and it reached the three. The waves struck the two girls andunched them into the air before Emberly could shield them.


    However, it only slightly blew her clothes; she was unaffected.


    "I''m sorry!" He sprinted over to the girls and helped them up. While Aurelia''s ears and nose were licking blood, Anastasia was unharmed.


    "It''s okay!" An ethereal green light red from Anastasia''s hands; she touched her younger sister, who was immediately fine.


    "Just be careful next time!" Since he was also using powers for the first time, Aurelia let it slide, just this once.


    "I will, thank you!" They walked back to Emberly, "Other elements are the usual ones, so I won''t be showing you; I''m spent!" Of course, he had energy left, but he didn''t wish to continue.


    [You''re not going to show them ''those'' elements?] Pyris nodded.


    ''They''re more destructive than the Sound Element. And the rest are more like abilities than elements, so... And I am burning right now, you know! ''Sex is all I can think about!''


    "Baby, you''re joining the academy, effective tomorrow!" Emberly informed him as they walked back from the training hall.


    "Mother! It''s dangerous!" Surprisingly, it was Aurelia who was against this decision.


    "I know..."


    ****


    First r18ing in the next chapter, remember to vote!

 Chapter 16 The Siblings Kiss!*

    The family had returned, settled into a stunning living room that was both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly cozy to sit in.


    The air in this house was filtered before it reached them, so it was morefortable when pure oxygen flowed in time with their breathing patterns.


    A constant flux of uniformly dressed maids walked in sync as if they were trained to do exactly that; they seemed a bit tense at this time. Perhaps it was the mistress of House Obsidian, whosemanding and imperious aura hovered over them.


    "Son, don''t you have anything to say!" Emberly called her son shifting his attention to her, and shook his head.


    "Not, Mother, I''m perfectly ok with your arrangement; I will attend the Academy and keep my elements hidden apart from Time, Space, and Darkness. I''m in no way to indulge my real powers to anyone and you will constantly check up on me!" As if reciting some kind of sacred chant, he repeated what she had said.


    Aurelia bit her lips in frustration; the arrangement of their mother had already targeted the safety of him and the whole family; it didn''t ensure his freedom.


    He was to stay hidden from the world.


    Pyris understood the gravity of the situation, aware of the deadly scythe hanging around his neck; should his powers go public, his head would roll down.


    The gods wouldn''t let him mature, it''s just that...


    "I just don''t like the way you''re ordering me around! Checking up on me? I''m some kind of a five-year-old who doesn''t understand the weight we''re all under thanks to my awakening!" He was furious, he wasn''t a kid.


    "Pyris how dare you..." Emberly was cut short.


    "What? I''m not supposed to talk back to you, huh? Is that what you wanted to say? I''m not a robot mom, okay? You can''t just rule over us just because you''re..." Pyris didn''t finish his words, he stood up and headed to his room.


    "Pyris!" Emberly called him in anger but he didn''t bother turning back to her. In an instant, he was out of their sight.


    He left behind him, a gloomy atmosphere hanging around in the room, Emberly massaged her temples in helplessness.


    Her children didn''t understand her at all.


    "Perfect, Mom, because of you, his supposedly happiest day of his life was ruined, perfect!" Aurelia stood up in anger following behind her little brother.


    "Annie," Emberly thought her older daughter could understand her; much to her dismay; Anastasia also walked away, heading to her room.


    "ssic!" She sighed falling back into the couch, finding sce in the warm coziness of the couch.


    ___


    "Pyris, it''s me, may I?" Aurelia nodded gently on the doors of his room, seeking his attention.


    "It''s unlocked!" Aurelia entered inside, her eyes softened at his sight. He was ying with a blood ball, bouncing it to the ceiling before he caught it.


    "You like ying with balls, don''t you? It is a new hobby I don''t know about!" Walking to the bed, she sat on the edge staring at his godly face.


    "Mhmm, I do. Since I''m joining the academy, I might as well join the Obsidian team for basketball!" Basketball was one of his hobbies and he knew it well.


    Since the academy had interracialpetitions for most kinds of sports, he would join.


    "That will be amazing, I will cheer for you!" She encouraged.


    "You? Cheering for me? That''s rich!" Pyris scoffed at her words, there was no way her cold andposed temperament would let her cheer for him.


    "Well, you will be surprised, and hey, I''m a person also; there are things I like and enjoy doing!" She pinched his cheeks yfully.


    "Well, there''s only one thing you like doing, training, hahaha!" Pyris dodged her strike on his chest, they sat in the bed together.


    "Stinky brother! Who do you think you''re teasing? Mind you? Before I awakened, I once learned cheerleading!" Aurelia mimicked cheerleading dances with just her upper body, but...


    "Hahaha, you''re suck at this!" Pyrisughed hard before Aurelia pounced at him; he fell on the bed, and she sat on his stomach, punching him yfully.


    As they yed Pyris suddenly caught her hands and pulled her close to him by mistake.


    They froze in that position; they stared into each other''s eyes without saying anything. As one was breathing in, the other would breathe out; this made their opposite breaths touch the other''s face.


    Aurelia''s face flushed, but she didn''t pull away; caught in an unexpected moment, their faces inched closer, and their noses touched; on top of him, she adjusted her fave slightly to the side before their lips touched.


    As the sibling''s lips touched, their eyes closed momentarily, and on cue, they both kissed hard. Kissing her upper lip, Pyris savored the chocte-like taste of her lips.


    Aurelia intensified the kiss, freeing her hands from his grasp; she pulled his face closer while he hugged her back.


    They exchanged lips, swapping them now and then; their bodies were heating up the longer the kisssted.


    Several momentster, Pyris'' hands roamed her back intimately causing muffled moans to escape their lips.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Overwhelmed by the pleasure she was getting, Aurelia pulled Pyris, sitting on the bed, she sat on hisp, her ass resting exactly under his crotch.


    Given the long slit of her dress, it was extended to the side, and warm air reached her middle part, tightly safeguarded by her ckced pantie.


    But the little dragon imprisoned in his pants which were trying to keep it in check, would brush against her pantie.


    "Anhhhh~" Aurelia broke the kiss with a long moan as Pyris squeezed her fat ass directly from her pantie.


    He would then massage her thigh with one hand and the other, working wonders on her ass cheeks.


    "Oooh~" with another moan, Aurelia dived into his neck with her neck, sucking it long and hard all over, leaving a trail of hickeys and saliva.


    Pyris grunted in pleasure, happy for her sess; she tore his shirt off, leaving his upper body bare; she would then resume her "kiss walk" with her lips on his upper body.


    Not satisfied with just kissing her and massaging her beautiful body, he too, tore her expensive dress, exposing hernced pair of bra and pantie.


    Aurelia unhooked her bra, by herself.


    "Beautiful~," he said.


    "Please, let''s do it~" Aurelia was finding it hard to hold back; every part of his bodymanded insatiable desire in her.


    "Please Pyris, take me~~"


    *****


    Thoughts??

 Chapter 17 Their First Time**

    [Ding! First mission generated.


    Mission: Lose your virginity in one hour.


    Rewards: 200LPs, System Shop Unlock!]


    [Ding! Hidden Mission generated.


    Mission: Deflower your second sister.


    Rewards: 1000 LPs, New ways to get LPs!]


    ___


    He only gave the missions a cursory nce because the woman in front of him was what really mattered and she deserved all of his undivided attention.


    Pyris stared at her body without the ability to say anything, enthralled by her body; she looked so beautiful. The sight of her enormous bosoms caused blood to rush into his hard cock, which excitedly poked her pussy, eliciting a sensual moan from Aurelia.


    The beauty and invitingness of her appearance, when she moaned, left Pyris speechless.


    Wrapping his hands around her back, Pyris pulled her closer to his chest; he kissed her neck, tracing her upper body until his lips were before her bosom; he took a moment to admire their beauty.


    Aurelia hadrger-than-average breasts that stood firmly on her chest, perfectly rounded her pink nipples pointing sharply toward his chest; simr to her nipples, her breast ares were also pink.


    As he softly and tenderly called her "Aur~," he kissed her right breasts and squeezed her ass cheeks with his hands.


    Pump, subtle and soft, his fingers were buried in such softness, his other hand traced her ass bridge through her pants.


    All she could do was moan under his care, holding his head on her breasts not willing to end this pleasure.


    Finding the weakest part of the pantie, Pyris tore it, hovering above slightly; Pyris sessfully pulled the pantie off her body.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shended back on him her naked pussy right above his cock, still in his pants.


    A beautiful and intoxicating smell of her pussy juice invaded his space.


    "Oh, Pyris, I can''t take it anymore~" Aurelia cried in ecstasy; she pushed him back into the bed, pulling his trousers off his body.


    Kneeling between his legs, she traced the bulging cock through the boxer, Pyris moaned.


    ''So big and warm!'' Aurelia was having an inner turmoil faced with his giant dragon.


    Wasting no time, she pulled the boxers off, and the giant manhood pped her face softly.


    Gulp! She gulped a mouthful.


    "I want it Pyris, want you inside me~" she crawled above his body, she held his cock, positioning it just below her wet cunt


    "I want you too, Aur~" Pyris kissed her passionately, massaging her boobs at the same time, causing a wave of pleasure tremor in her body.


    Slowly she descended her pussy onto his cock until they touched, and the siblings moaned. Pyris deepened the kiss, she fell on his chest before she moved her ass and...


    "Anhhh," she cried as a wave of pain shot in her body when his dick forcefully entered her tight pussy, henceforth breaking her hymen.


    Blood licked out of her pussy, but Aurelia couldn''t care less about it; she was already moving up and down on his dick, and pain turned into pleasure in a matter of moments.


    She bit his neck as she moved up and down to not moan so much; the pleasure she was feeling was nothing she had ever felt before.


    Pyris held her giggling ass cheeks, squeezing them as he moved them up and down.


    "AHH, Pyris~" She stood up from his chest, sitting properly on his giant cock; due to his big size, it was unable to be buried in her cunt.


    Aurelia put her hands on his chest before she moved, sensual and sexily rotating her ass, slowly and slowly, his cock moving around in her pussy.


    He felt a lot of pleasure, her tight pussy was threatening to squeeze him from within. He reached his hands out to her breasts.


    "Damn, Pyris, your cock is filling me up, and there''s no end to it~," Aurelia moaned; she quickened her speed, moving up and down on his cock.


    "Aur, you''re so tight, I feel like you''re attempting to milk me!" The suction force of her pussy was on another level.


    Pyris positioned his legs. He followed her movements, moving his hips up and down.


    The sound of their flesh erotically pping onto each other, reverberated in the closed room as they fapped each other faster and harder.


    "Go harder... Fuck me harder and faster brother... Ohhhh~ this feels so good!"


    Aurelia''s loud moans hung in the room, Pyris hugged her waist and increased his speed.


    "Fuck.... Yes go harder....go even faster...Anhan~ I''m close to faster!" She held his other hand onto her breast. Feeling their approaching climax, they fucked faster and faster; Pyris groaned loud, announcing his climax.


    "I''m close... I''m cumming Aur!"


    "I''m cumming too... Cum inside me...paint my pussy with your cum!" His cock twitched inside of her; he hugged her waist tight and pumped harder than ever before. A wave of pleasure went through his body, shooting his cum into her pussy.


    At the same time, Aurelia came!


    "Anhhhhhhhh...This feels so good!" She threw her head back moaning loud from the climax. "Fuck me harder, let''s go on!"


    Pyris hadn''t stopped moving at all; he swapped ces with her, knelt between her legs, he pistoled long and harder, watching as she moaned under him.


    With both hands he put her legs in the sky, not once stopping fucking her.


    "Go deeper....fuck me harder and deeper darling!"


    Watching their embarrassing position turned Aurelia on even more, and she moaned louder.


    "Yourmand!" He then put her legs onto his shoulder, her position made her ass hang slightly above the bed, granting his dick the deeper parts of her pussy.


    "Sister how do you feel...do you like it when your little brother fucks you hard and raw!" The wet lewd sound of their genitals resounded in the room.


    "No, little brother...I love it when you fuck me in this lewd way! Fuck me harder! Ohh~ shape my pussy to your lovely cock!" She moaned.


    p! p!


    "Is that all you want?" Pyris pped her bouncing ass.


    "Oh so good~ fuck me harder...smack my ass harder. I want everything. Fuck me in every way you desire brother!" Aurelia''s cold personality had long crumbled, reced by the lewd Aurelia.


    "On your fours!" Letting go of her legs, Aurelia crawled on her fours with her chest on the bed, ass stuck out for him.


    p! p!


    "My slutty sister....beg me!" Aurelia moaned as he pped her ass.


    "Little brother fuck your big sister.... fuck my slutty cunt and enjoy my big ass as you please.


    ****


    If it''s about taboo and illicit rtionships, look no further. I''m a king, check out my y other novels.

 Chapter 18 Memories Of Yesterday**

    An ethereal beautyy nakedfortably in his chest, Pyris''s hands would pet her silky smooth hair affectionately. Aurelia''s body exuded a cool vibe and untapped power, hidden within her mouthwatering sexy body.


    "I love you, big sister~" he kissed her forehead, letting her sleep; they had three hours of nonstop sex that they carried in the bathroom as well before they called it a day.


    "Mhmm~" snuggling closer into his chest hugging him like a ko, Aurelia drifted into the dreamnd.


    "Show me the notifications!"


    [Ding! Missionpleted.


    Lose your virginity!


    Receiving rewards: 200 LPs added!


    The system shop is unlocked! Host can now buy items from the shop with LPs]


    [Ding! Missionpleted.


    Mission: Deflower your second sister.


    Receiving rewards: 1000 LPs added.


    New LP generating methods.


    Maiden --- 100pts


    Normal Woman --- 200pts


    Milf --- 200pts


    Anal --- 300pt


    Threesome --- 400pts


    Orgy --- 600pts


    Taboo (illicit) --- 1000pts


    ___


    "System, are not these meant to be free? Why did I get them as a reward?" Lia had mentioned them briefly, but he turned her down as he was busy now, seeing them as rewards, he questioned the system.


    [Yes! However, you received them as a reward because the host did not seem to enjoy freebies!] Funny as it sounded, the system was dead serious.


    "Are you not so shameless system?"


    [I''m a lust-rted system, I don''t know what you expected!]


    Pyris fought the urge tough after hearing the system and seeing all of these free points, but he refrained. In detail, the system will give him 100 points for conquering a virgin woman (who the system called a maiden), and 200 more points for a slightly experienced woman.


    The system would give him 200 points for getting Milfs, the seasoned, asionally difficult to get with, but all-around best women.


    It rewards him if he had Anal sex, with 300 points, a threesome for 400, andstly, an orgy would bring him 600 lust points.


    With an astounding 1000 points, taboo sex¡ªor any form of illicit sex¡ªwas the most rewarding. This partly exins the 1000 points he got having sex with Aurelia his big sister.


    Taking into ount the degree of difficulty, the system paid more!


    "This is amazing! Please show me the status!"


    [Name: Pyris Obsidian


    Race: Dragon!


    Bloodline: Obsidian Lust Bloodline


    Race Trait: Lust, All-Elemental trait.


    Rank: 0 >>2>>3


    Elements: All elements


    Mana: 1030/3000


    Age Limit: 16/ 700


    Strength: 72/60


    Agility: 72/60


    Vitality: 72/60


    Stamina: 72/60


    INT: 200/500


    Charm: 98/100


    LPs: 1200pts.


    Abilities: Lust Breath, Charm, Lust Dragon Transformation!


    Techniques: None.


    Skills: Lust very, Pregnancy Control, Lust Illusions, Dual Cultivation.


    [Cost of stats: 100Lps per 10 stats. 300Lps per 100mana points]


    Note: Intelligence stats can''t be bought with LPs... For now?. The host is advised to cultivate to increase his INT stats or consume beast cores. The host can increase his other starts through training as well, cultivation, and mana core to increase his mana pool!


    The permanent Lust Dragon abilities of the host have beenbined with the blessings; they are no longer disyed on the status! Permanent Blessings are one with the host, they won''t be shown on status either!]


    With an indifferent gaze, Pyris perused his status. He was Rank 2 upon awakening, but his Dual Cultivation ability allowed him to advance into Rank 3 during their sex.


    Aurelia had also advanced; she was nearly reaching Rank 6 now that her stat had increased significantly and her mana pool had expanded.


    In any case, his mana pool was unmatched; considering his elements, his mana core was greater than that of a Rank 5 Aurelia.


    Despite the fact that his base stats were far higher than his rank, Pyris was motivated to keep improving them because he now had a new method for raising both his mana and physical stats.


    The only downside was that he couldn''t use it for his INT stats, the main catalyst if he''s to advance to a higher rank.


    All awakened keep a state of equilibrium in their stats; it rarely happens for one stat to be higher than the rest; if it happens, it''s by a few numbers.


    With the exception of mana and INT, Pyris managed to maintain equilibrium among all of them. It was impossible, and this wouldn''t affect his physical strength if his strength was higher than his stamina.


    Mana and INT are the keys to moving up a level; no matter how much your physical stats improved, you would not advance to the next rank until the two stats exceeded your current rank.


    He didn''t have any techniques since he hadn''t learned any, but that was not on his quick to-do list since he had the All-Elemental trait, which allowed him to control all his elements to his liking, but he still needed to browse through normal techniques to grasp a few ideas to utilize his trait well.


    "Let''s see the shop!"


    ___


    Early next morning, Aurelia woke up as the first rays of sun crept into the bedroom, announcing a new day; birds chirped in a uniform number, happily weing the day.


    Aurelia woke up together with the dew that was falling for the luscious flowers and the sweet aromaing from the pool outside.


    "He looks so peaceful!" Rubbing her eyes, the sight of her little brother shined and made her heart flutter, his beauty was more than the beautiful morning sun rays.


    She caressed his smooth and beautiful face, which was bound to cause a stir wherever he went.


    With a kiss on his forever, she rose off the bed with only her birth suit adorned.


    "Not so fast!" She fell back into his arms, they kissed tenderly before she escaped his clutches. She ran into the bathroom, taking a quick bath.


    As the pure water from the shower moved across her body, cleansing her holy body from blemishes and impurities, her mind wandered back to thest night.


    Memories deeply etched into her mind yed vividly in her head causing a pink hue on her soft and dangerously beautiful face.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "He was so good, the way he handled me~" she didn''t realize when her hands crept their way up, trancing the invisible trails Pyris had left on her body.


    Her mind vividly remembered every action, every ce he touched, and the way he did it; her hands were following those paths.


    "I can''t help him, I can''t have myself without him, anyone.... Goodness Pyris see what you made me!" Lost in her dirty mind, she didn''t feel Pyrising, opening the shower ss doors, he joined her.


    All this side she didn''t feel anything until he wrapped his hands around her waist. Still, she wasn''t startled, she let herself fall deeper...


    She leaned her whole body into his, surrendering everything, she was in his care.


    "Thoughts of me beautiful~" his soft voice and hot breath in her ear was thest stroke that broke the camel''s back.


    Unable to hold back any longer she pulled him in a deep kiss, his cock resting between her ass cheeks twitched in excitement.


    Turning her body around, Pyris carried her, and she wrapped her legs around his back, her soft feet resting on his ass.


    They kissed, nibbled each other''s ears, she groped her, she traced his chest and neck with hot kisses, andstly...


    They fucked, Aurelia moaning without a care in the world; she was old and knew one thing that mattered, him and him alone.


    His cock is deep in pussy.

 Chapter 19 To The Academy!

    "We''re going together, right?" Aurelia asked, her voice soft but confident as she descended the grand staircase alongside Pyris.


    Their shoulders brushed lightly, a sign of the unspoken bond they shared. Today was the day they would return to the Academy, and everything felt different.


    "It''s a given," Pyris replied, adjusting his outfit. He wore sleek ck jeans and a short-sleeved printed t-shirt, the white sleeves and hem contrasting with the green and white design on his chest.


    His look wasplete with stylish white shoes, reminiscent of Earth''s Air Max, and an expensive watch gleaming under the hallway lights.


    Aurelia was stunning beside him, dressed in a cream-colored two-piece outfit¡ªa buttoned vest top that highlighted her neckline and pocket-designed pants that trailed just over her shoes.


    Her midriff was exposed, her hair cascading down her shoulders in loose waves, while light makeup entuated her natural beauty. She looked effortlessly elegant,manding attention without even trying.


    As they reached the bottom of the stairs, a familiar voice greeted them from the opposite side. "No uniforms?" Emberly asked, stepping gracefully into view.


    She wore a flowing blue dress, her t shoes barely making a sound as she approached.


    "No," Aurelia answered before Pyris could, their tone polite but distant. Pyris remained silent, his gaze straight ahead as they moved toward the living room.


    "Good morning, Mother Obsidian," they greeted in unison, bowing slightly¡ªa sign of respect, yet with an undeniable gap in warmth. Emberly chuckled softly, amused by their formality.


    "Rebellious, aren''t we?" Her smile lit up the room, her beauty amplified by the yful energy in the air. But the siblings simply bowed again and continued on their way, ignoring her offer.


    "I could take you in the chopper. It would be faster!" Emberly called after them, but her words fell on deaf ears. Neither turned back, as if she had never spoken.


    "ssic," Emberly muttered, massaging her forehead. "Now I have two rebellious children."


    "You''re imposing, Mother," came a voice from above. Anastasia, the eldest daughter, leaned casually against the second-floor banister, watching the scene unfold with a knowing smile. "Just give them time. They''lle around eventually."


    Emberly sighed but smiled. "Seems to be the case."


    ____


    Once outside, the fresh morning breeze kissed their skin, a wee contrast to the tension indoors. The expansive estate around them gleamed in the soft sunlight, the air tinged with the scent of blooming flowers.


    (House images in paragraphment)


    "How are we getting to the Academy?" Pyris asked, breathing in deeply. The energy in the atmosphere was calming for him, almost as if he could feel the flow of nature itself.


    "I usually take the chopper," Aurelia said, ncing toward the sleek aircraft perched in the distance, "but today feels different. We might as well enjoy each other''spany. How about a car?" She paused for a second, a mischievous smile forming. "Mom nned to surprise you with your new school ride, but I guess the situation didn''t permit it."


    Intrigued, Pyris raised an eyebrow. "Let''s check it out." Without another word, he grabbed her hand, and they ran toward the garage.


    Aurelia ced her hand on a green scanner at the door, and with a soft beep, the massive garage doors slid open, revealing the impressive collection of House Obsidian''s vehicles.


    The rows of motorbikes, luxury sports cars, and family vehicles shimmered under the bright lights. Each car was a masterpiece, a symbol of the family''s wealth and power, their worthparable to entire estates.


    "There it is!" Aurelia''s voice brought Pyris'' attention to the far end of the garage, where an exquisite vehicle sat alone, its gray body blending into the background with an understated elegance.


    (Check paragraph for image)


    Pyris ran his hand over its sleek surface. "It''s perfect. Not too shy, but powerful," he remarked, admiring the design. The car''s surface was smooth, the craftsmanship immacte. He could feel the subtle hum of advanced technology within.


    Aurelia tossed him the key, and with a press of the button, the car''s doors lifted smoothly. Settling into the plush interior, Pyris felt the seats mold to his form as the dashboard lit up with futuristic controls.


    He programmed their destination with a simple touch, and the engine came to life with a deep roar.


    "Woohoo!" they both shouted as the car sped out of the garage, the powerful engine carrying them effortlessly out of the mansion''s premises in seconds.


    Back at the house, Anastasia shook her head, watching from the window. "They act like it''s their first time driving," she said, rolling her eyes.


    Emberly joined her, a content smile on her face. "It''s their first time driving together¡ªand this happy, too," she mused. "They''ve been so distant, so weighed down by everything. It''s good to see them enjoying themselves."


    "You went all out, custom-ordering a car just for him." Anastasia couldn''t help but notice the distinct vehicle, even among the others. "How much did you spend on it?"


    "Ar 900 billion," Emberly replied casually, settling into a chair as they watched the car disappear into the distance. Before Anastasia could protest, she added, "And before you say it''s excessive, just remember that it''s for his protection. That car is built to outrun a Rank 19 Awakened. It''s not just a car¡ªit''s his shield when I''m not around."


    Anastasia raised an eyebrow. "Still, it seems like overkill. The imperial family would weep if they knew how much you spent."


    Emberly''s smile faded, her expression hardening. "Let them weep. They''ve been quietly trying to undermine us for years. They already own 12% of our mana core miningpany, and now they want more." She sighed, frustration creeping into her voice. "Their greed knows no bounds, but I haven''t said anything¡ªyet."


    Anastasia studied her mother for a moment before shifting the conversation. "And what about Obsidian Tech? Is everything settled there?"


    Emberly''s mood brightened slightly. "Yes, that''s one thing they haven''t touched. With the uingunch of ARGO VRMMORPG, our stocks are soaring. The Academy just signed a 100 billion Ar contract for our new virtual reality helmets."


    Anastasia nodded, intrigued. "I meant to ask¡ªwhat makes this game so special? Thest one, Battle Simtion, was groundbreaking. What sets this one apart?"


    Emberly''s eyes gleamed. "Let''s just say this game will redefine immersion. It''s more than a simtion¡ªit''s an entire universe. You''ll understand soon enough."


    *****n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    I''m feeling down today, so motivate me with some power stones, and please give your review, it helps me see what you think and your humble words greatly impact the flow of the story so please...


    Thank you for reading

 Chapter 20 Obsidian Tech!

    Battle Stimtion was an incredible feat of technology, one that allowed users to immerse themselves in a battle-based virtual reality so vivid that it was indistinguishable from the real world.


    yers could train and fight against hyper-realistic enemies, whether they were other yers or monstrous, corrupted beasts. What set it apart, though, was the level of immersion¡ªit wasn''t just visual.


    Every sensation, every movement, every touch felt real.


    The heat of a battle, the taste of food, the strain of physical exertion¡ªeach sensation was so authentic that users often forgot they weren''t actually in the physical world. But despite the realism, there was one critical distinction: nothing in the game could harm or affect the user''s actual body.


    Emberly''s eyes sparkled as she exined to her daughter, Anastasia, the next evolution in this technology. "ARGO VRMMORPG, on the other hand, is something else entirely. Battle Stimtion was a training ground. But ARGO? It''s another world¡ªa perfect replica of Argos. In this game, you don''t just experience things; you live them."


    She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.


    "In ARGOS, every feeling is real, just like Battle Stimtion, but there''s one crucial difference¡ªwhat happens there affects your actual body. If you''re wounded in the game, you''ll feel it. If you feel pain, your body suffers, too. That''s why we call it the Second Argos."


    Anastasia frowned slightly, concerned. "And people are okay with that? ying a game where they can actually be hurt?"


    Emberly smiled knowingly. "It''s more than just pain. There''s power in this connection. For example, if your magic abilities increase in ARGO, 30% of that increase is retained in the real world. This isn''t just a game, Annie. We''ve unlocked a new way of gaining strength."


    Anastasia''s eyes widened. "That''s... revolutionary."


    Her mother nodded. "It goes beyond what I originally imagined. I''d hoped to create a system that might awaken new elements in yers, giving them powers they didn''t know they had. I didn''t quite seed in that, but what I''ve built is far more valuable¡ªa second world where the line between virtual and reality is blurred."


    Emberly''s voice softened. "It may just give our family the edge we''ve been searching for."


    Meanwhile, Pyris sped along an isted road, his new car a blur of sleek metal and roaring engine. The car effortlessly cut through the wind, the countryside rushing past them as Aurelia leaned back in her seat, a broad smile ying on her lips.


    "Best way to start the day," Pyris said with a grin, ncing at his sister. "A perfect ride and¡­ well, a perfect morning sex." His voice held a teasing edge, and Aurelia''s cheeks flushed.


    "Do you have to keep bringing that up, was it that good?" she muttered, though she couldn''t hide her own smile.


    "Mmhmm~, it was that good, Aur," Pyris responded, his grin widening.


    Aurelia''s blush deepened as she yfully smacked his arm. "You''re impossible."


    Their banter was interrupted by the voice in Pyris'' head, the one belonging to his familiar, Lia. [Unfortunately, you didn''t gain much from it,] she noted, sounding almost disappointed.


    ''You can''t always view sex as just a way to gain power, Lia,'' Pyris replied inwardly. ''There''s more to to it than that. It''s not just about gaining power for me¡ªthere''s something sacred about it. Something deeper.''


    Lia, exasperated, replied quickly. [Please, spare me your sex philosophy.]


    Aurelia''s voice pulled him back to the present. "You made me feel¡­ special today, Pyris," she said softly, her tone sincere and vulnerable. "Loved, even."


    Pyris looked at her, his expression softening. "You are special, Aur. Don''t forget that."


    As if unable to contain themselves, Aurelia leaned over and kissed him. Without a word, Pyris pressed the auto-drive button, and the car took over.


    The seat slid back, giving them more space as their kiss deepened. Aurelia climbed onto hisp, and for a brief moment, it was just the two of them, lost in the moment.


    [Dragons!] Lia shook her imaginary head; these two didn''t seem to have enough of each other.


    They fucked three rounds in the bathroom but they didn''t appear to be done.


    "Babe, I want that dick!" Breaking the kiss, Aurelia demanded.


    "All yours darling~" she unbuckled his belt and pushed his pants and boxers lower, revealing an erect cock ready to explore her cave.


    "Go slower!" Pyris ordered and the car speed decreased.


    He helped his sister with her pants, throwing them away; she was left in her top attire andced thong.


    She pushed it to the side before impaling herself with the big cock.


    ____N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In the distance, the Union Academymonly known as Argos Academy¡ªcame into view, its towering spires gleaming in the morning sun. This wasn''t just any school; it was an elite institution, where only the most privileged or most gifted could attend.


    Royals, high nobles, and the extraordinarily wealthy sent their children here to mingle with the best and brightest of all races. For those outside this world of privilege, admission was almost impossible¡ªunless you were a true genius.


    The academy''s grounds stretched across the rolling hills of the Dragon Empire, onnd donated by the Obsidian family since the end of ancient time ago.


    This ce particrly was where Lucy Obsidian had disappeared.


    And there was one unspoken rule: the Obsidian family retained control over thend itself. Even the Dragon Imperial family, rulers of the empire, couldn''t interfere.


    To challenge this ancient agreement would risk war between the two most powerful dragon families.


    As Pyris and Aurelia''s car pulled through the gates, it drew immediate attention. Students craned their necks, eyes widening as the sleek, custom-built vehicle glided into the parking lot.


    The Obsidian insignia gleamed on the car''s hood, a symbol of their power and influence.


    "Look who''s finally arrived," the Academy''s principal murmured, peering out of her office window. She had been notified of the Obsidian siblings'' enrollment, and now, the day hade.


    Within the academy, the Obsidians were more than students. To many, they were uncrowned royalty. Their family''s legacy was woven into the very fabric of the school, and everyone knew that the young Lord Pyris''s arrival signaled the start of something new.


    But what that something was, no one could yet say.

 Chapter 21 Academy!

    They drove through the bustling city, where businesses were already in full swing and people of all races and backgrounds rushed about their day. The capital of the Dragon Empire, still proudly named the Imperial Capital, was not only beautiful but alive with activity. The sight was refreshing¡ªeach individual working hard to improve their daily life.


    One person, however, had no such worries about making it through the day. Sittingfortably in his luxurious car¡ªa vehicle so expensive its price could easily buy half the buildings in the Imperial Capital¡ªPyris gazed out at the city, his thoughts unreadable.


    As he absently caressed his sister''s hair, whoy sleeping against his chest, he felt a quiet contentment. Aurelia snuggled deeper into his embrace, and Pyris, watching her adorable movements, kissed her forehead and gently patted her back.


    "Life really does know how to remain a mystery," he mused to himself. "No matter who you are or what status you hold, you always end up in some corner of it, trying to get by. Everyone has their own worries." Even the immortal would find life puzzling, let alone mortals.


    [You''re starting to scare me! Are you suddenly aspiring to be a stoic philosopher?] Lia''s voice chimed in his thoughts with a teasingugh.


    [At your age and with your status, your only concern should be how to make the most of it, not brooding over life''s mysteries, young man!]


    Pyris chuckled. ''Right.'' As if on cue, the car took a turn and sped up along a beautifully paved road.


    Lining either side were tall, well-kept trees, and beyond them, vast clearings stretched out until his eyes strained to see the end.


    "The academy is enormous!" Pyris remarked, staring at the expansive grounds. The endless green fields were part of the academy, where scattered students dotted thendscape.


    Some were just arriving, and the road was noticeably busy with cars heading in the same direction.


    His car slowed as it passed students walking toward the gates.


    Pyris paid them no mind until the vehicle finally arrived at the academy''s grand entrance¡ªgates nked by the towering trees he''d been admiring since they took that turn.


    The academy itself was a gigantic, majestic castle. Regal and imposing, it stood defiantly against modern architecture, which had buried most ancient designs under sleek, sterile facades.


    While other buildings had relegated old architectural beauty to museums and history books, the academy remained an awe-inspiring fortress of the past.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Such an imposing structure... It feels like standing under a mountain," Pyris nodded approvingly. "And thepounds are incredible as well"


    (Image in paragraphments)


    ____


    As they stepped out of the car, Pyris and Aurelia immediately caught everyone''s attention. Aurelia clung to her brother''s arm with a bright smile, an act that left onlookers in stunned silence.


    "The Obsidians¡­" they whispered among themselves, knowing full well who the siblings were. Their mere presence was enough to overshadow everyone else at the academy.


    Aurelia, in particr, was famous¡ªher cold demeanor had earned her the reputation of the "Unapproachable Queen." She never smiled, not even at other girls, making her an enigma.


    "Who knew the Ice Queen could smile!" a student muttered.


    "Who wouldn''t, with a brother like that?" another responded, eyes locked on Pyris. "He''s so hot! If he looked at me, I''d smile forever."


    "So handsome¡­ Is he a model?"


    "Stupid! That''s Pyris Obsidian! He''s the young lord of House Obsidian!" a friend quickly corrected.


    "Tsk, I know that! I''m just saying he''s so hot it hurts."


    Meanwhile, the boys nearby could only swallow their pride, metaphorically choking on the "dog food" the siblings unknowingly fed them.


    ____


    "Can I walk you to your ss?" Aurelia asked as they approached the academy doors. "Since you''re new, I doubt you''d know where to go. This ce is huge, and you might end up lost if you try finding it on your own."


    "Sorry for the trouble then," Pyris said with a smile, epting her offer.


    Together, they walked through the wide corridors of the academy, attracting even more attention. Students turned their heads as the two siblings passed, marveling at how perfect they looked together, and how seamlessly they seemed to ignore the world around them.


    Pyris, on the other hand, was captivated by the high, intricately designed ceilings. The castle''s interior brimmed with history, from the paintings hanging on the walls to the carefully preserved architecture.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this," he remarked, staring at the artwork. Portraits of powerful figures¡ªnone of whom Pyris recognized¡ªhung proudly, each telling the academy''s rich and ancient story.


    Drawings of fearsome creatures, capable of inducing nightmares, served as reminders of the dangers lurking in the world beyond.


    "These paintings are of the academy''s most remarkable members," Aurelia exined as they walked. "The most brilliant students, influential teachers, and deans whose work shaped the academy and the world. There are even paintings of legendary figures that helped keep the academy standing through time."


    Pyris admired the grandeur, marveling at the academy''s unique charm and timeless history. Every step revealed more of the legacy it had built.


    Ting! A soft chime interrupted his thoughts. ncing at his phone¡ªa sleek, ssy device it''s interface disy resembled an iPhone 15 but with a shimmering diamond-like ck back looking sturdy¡ªPyris saw a notification from the academy''s administration office.


    Don''t be fooled by the ssware of the phone, it was hard and would survive any fall.


    Aurelia chuckled. "Looks like you''ve got your hands full" He read the message aloud.


    "<<Student: Pyris Obsidian.


    ss: 1A


    Elements: Time, Space, Darkness.


    Club: Obsidian Roar


    Activities: Active Sports.


    sses: Magic sses, Tech and BM>>


    Pyris read through the notification out loud for himself and Aurelia, a subtle smile ying on his lips, while Aurelia''s face darkened with a solemn expression.


    "She really went all out, didn''t she?" Pyris chuckled, shaking his head. His mother had taken the liberty of registering him into the Obsidian Roar club, the family''s pride in the academy.


    *****


    I don''t see your reviews guys, tell me what you think inments too while you vote with power stones.


    Every ten stones will give you one bonus chapter.

 Chapter 22 Genius Behind Obsdian Tech.

    The academy had several clubs, eachpeting in different disciplines¡ªsports, magic, technology, even physicalbat.


    These clubs would asionallypete to im the Student Council Presidency, and whoever won would get their leader appointed as student council president, and resources for all the members for the winning club.


    Most of these were magical practice resources and more.


    While other clubs vied for the title, Obsidian Roar, the club representing House Obsidian, held a permanent position of authority, given their family''s legacy as the academy''s founding members.


    And the generous gift they had offered in founding the academy, it was the only club that represented a certain family while in the academy.


    Pyris had no issue with his mother''s choice, given that he had already nned to join the family club, but the way she''d done it made him chuckle.


    She always did love pulling strings from behind the scenes, never one to ask for permission when it came to family matters.


    "But why did she sign you up for Tech and Business Management sses?" Aurelia grumbled, annoyed on her brother''s behalf. "You''ve been learning that since you were five! It''s not like you need more training in running our family''s business."


    The academy, though known for its magical expertise, prided itself on creating well-rounded individuals.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It didn''t just train battle-hardened warriors and magic prodigies; it shaped future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.


    The curriculum epassed everything from cutting-edge technology to the fine arts¡ªcinematography, music, even fashion.


    The goal was simple: to prepare students for a world where magic was just one of many tools for survival. The Academy stood at the center of both the magical and normal worlds, creating a bridge between them.


    "It''s a given, really," Pyris shrugged. "I''ve been studying business management for years. At this point, I could run ourpany without breaking a sweat. And tech? Well, that''s more of a passion of mine." His eyes lit up with excitement as they continued walking through the academy''s wide halls. "I didn''t tell you, did I?"


    Aurelia raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Tell me what?"


    "This phone," Pyris said, holding up his sleek device. Its transparent ss frame shimmered in the light, giving off a futuristic vibe. "It was my idea! Now it''s one of Obsidian Tech''s top-selling products."


    "Really?" Aurelia feigned surprise, though she was well aware of her brother''s technological prowess. "I had no idea," she teased.


    "Come on, I''m serious! It''s not just any phone¡ªit has a neural-link interface, no one could evere up with that but me. Now you can control it with your thoughts!" Pyris couldn''t help but boast.


    "Mother only helped with the coding because, well, she''s the genius when ites to neurology and body systems. But when ites to the tech side of things, I''m ahead of her. Not to brag, but I designed the interface that made it all possible."


    Aurelia smirked, amused by her brother''s enthusiasm. "Yeah, I remember Mother mentioning how you helped her with ARGO, that new VRMMORPG."


    "Yup!" Pyris nodded proudly.


    "I worked mostly on the helmets. Mother handled the neural link to make it immersive, but the hardware? That''s all me. ARGO is going to be one of the biggest things our family ever created. We''ve already struck a deal with the Human Imperial family, and trust me, that deal alone is worth more than my car." He smirked.


    "Honestly, the car was probably just a thank-you gift from Mum."


    At the mention of the Human Imperial family, Aurelia''s expression changed. "Wait, the Human Imperial family? Why would they be involved? I can understand them wanting ARGO for their own purposes, but why would they partner with us?"


    Flick!


    "Ouch!" Aurelia rubbed her forehead, pouting as Pyris flicked her gently. "That''s top-secret information, big sister!" he said yfully.


    "Come on, please tell me," Aurelia begged, her voice soft and pleading. She clung to his arm, her wide eyes looking up at him with an exaggerated pout. "Please?"


    Pyris couldn''t help but smile at his sister''s antics.


    "How can I say no when you''re being this adorable?" He gently patted her head, and Aurelia leaned into his hand, closing her eyes with a content smile.


    The other students in the hallway stared, wide-eyed at the siblings. Though none dared to speak, it was obvious they were astonished by the scene unfolding before them. Aurelia''s public disy of affection,bined with her usually cold demeanor, left them stunned.


    And while they had all seen Pyris''s entrance and noted his otherworldly good looks, they hadn''t yet gotten a proper read on him.


    Unlike his fierce sister, Pyris appeared approachable, at least on the surface.


    Still, the Obsidian name carried weight. Every student present knew better than to provoke one of House Obsidian''s heirs.


    They''d heard the stories of Aurelia''s legendary temper. Most had seen firsthand how she could obliterate anyone who dared cross her, and they had no desire to be the next target.


    "So, are you going to tell me?" Aurelia asked again, pulling her brother''s arm closer.


    Pyris sighed, giving in. "Fine, fine. It''s nothing that important, honestly. The Human Emperor has a lot of children, and he wants to give them an advantage over the other royal families.


    "What better way than training them with both magic and modern technology? The Emperor struck a deal with Mum to get ess to ARGO, and we''re expecting even more deals from them soon. But Mum, being Mum, doesn''t care about their politics¡ªshe only cares about their money. And so do I, I''m nning something big!"


    Aurelia''s eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Wait, are we going to build something out of this?" She had heard of this ambition of his before.


    Pyris grinned. "Actually, I''m nning to use the profits to build a vacation home. A little getaway for myself."


    Sitting nearby, a young woman overheard their conversation, her ears perking up at the mention of a vacation home. She couldn''t help but listen closely, intrigued by what she was hearing.


    "I want in!" Aurelia dered, her excitement growing. "I can help!"


    Pyris smirked. "Oh, really? Well, if you want in, there''s one condition." He pointed to his cheek, teasing her with a mischievous smile.


    Understanding the unspoken request, Aurelia rolled her eyes but leaned in to give her brother a quick peck on the cheek. "There, happy now?"


    "Wee aboard!" Pyris said with augh. "But here''s the catch¡ªwe''ll need to get Mum to foot the bill."


    Aurelia frowned, confused. "But we''ve got more than enough money to build a vacation home without involving her. Why do we need her?"


    "Because," Pyris exined, grinning slyly, "it''s not just about the money. It''s about payback for signing me up for all these extra sses without asking and yesterday. Consider it revenge."


    Aurelia chuckled, shaking her head. "You know money doesn''t bother her, right? She''s got more treasure than she knows what to do with. You could drain a fortune from her, and she wouldn''t even notice."


    Pyris nodded. "True, but imagine if her two precious children left home and decided to live off the money they ''borrowed'' from her? That might get her attention."


    Aurelia''s eyes lit up with mischief. "I like it! I''m all in!"


    The girl sitting nearby, who had been eavesdropping the entire time, smiled to herself.


    The conversation between the siblings was far more interesting than anything she had expected to overhear today.

 Chapter 23 Blackmailing Beauty...

    The teenagers resumed their happy batter as Aurelia left for her ss, chatting happily about trivial things that they thought mattered in their lives right now, celebrities, magic, rumours, who did this and who did what.


    Their conversations made Pyris sigh at how childish and carefree spirits, the young were, the only worry would be their magic rank... Perhaps their live interest too.


    "Childish, aren''t they?" The woman how sat two seats from himmented with a smile, she sat in a so antidy-like manner.


    She sat like a man, her elbows resting on thighs, dressed in a uniform unlike most of the students.


    The academy has a formal uniforms but one would rarely bothered to even spare them a nce, roating in their closets, but this woman had her school uniform on.


    If he had to guess then she was either from a rtively low family and only her magical talents granted her ess to thefortable seat she was in or...


    ''A troublemaker,'' just the kind who would follow rules not just because they were good students who wanted to set a good example to others but because everyone was doing the exact opposite.


    And she would go against every rules and ignore other morals if everyone else bend to their whims.


    A free spirit?


    ''More like a spoilt brat!'' he didn''t want to judge, he will find out and she looked so beautiful.


    Certainly!


    ___


    The young woman trying to engage Pyris had a striking, ethereal beauty that was impossible to ignore. Her face, delicately shaped and slightly pale, contrasted sharply with her long, flowing ck hair threaded with bold red streaks.


    Her ruby-red eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint, full of unmasked curiosity and intent. It was clear from the way she looked at him¡ªbrazen and without hesitation¡ªthat she had no interest in the calm life most students sought. No, she had every intention of shaking that peace right to its core.


    Pyris''s gaze was drawn to her form, taking in the boldness of her appearance. Her voluptuous chest strained tightly against the fabric of her pristine white uniform shirt, the buttons nearly buckling under the pressure.


    A loosely knotted ck tie hung around her neck, adding an air of careless rebellion.


    The shirt was neatly tucked into an impossibly short ck skirt, which clung provocatively to her curvaceous hips and thighs. The skirt seemed to mock modesty, as Pyris was certain that if she stood, it would barely cover the curve of her ass.


    Her entire outfit was a calcted spectacle, designed to attract attention.


    It was no wonder she ignited wild fantasies among the young men around her, each nce at her only feeding their imaginations.


    She was a walking provocation, daring the world to take notice.


    ____


    "I find myself suffocating sharing the same air as these stupid brats!" Her voice was venomous, cutting through the noise of the room as sharply as her striking, wless features.


    "You seem to be quite the troublemaker," Pyris said dryly, his head turning slightly before looking away, feigning disinterest. At least on the outside¡­


    The truth gnawed at him.


    She was undeniably attractive, and it was stirring something dangerous inside him, his insatiable lust painting vivid, uncontrolled images in his mind.


    "Seeing your reaction, I assume you don''t know who I am. Interesting!" Her lips curled into a slow, predatory smile, eyes gleaming with amusement at his restraint.


    "Some kind of big shot?" Pyris asked without turning his gaze toward her, forcing indifference.


    "Oh my, aren''t you ignorant for a young lord of the revered House Obsidian?" She chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her palm.


    Pyris clenched his fists beneath the table, cursing his thoughts.


    Her voice, herugh, her¡ª He quickly shook the thoughts from his head. The way her bosom slightly trembled when sheughed didn''t help either.


    "Well, I''m not interested in you or anything you''ve got to say," he lied, his curiosity about her bubbling just beneath the surface.


    But why rush? If she was curious about him, it would be more fun to let her reveal herself.


    "Too bad ''cause~," she purred, standing up and sliding into the seat next to him, her cold body brushing against his legs. The temperature around her seemed to drop, the air thick with a strange chill that prickled his skin.


    "... I''m interested in you." Her words, though yful, wereced with a sharp edge, and Pyris''s expression darkened. His eyes shifted toward her, cold and unyielding.


    The ice in his gaze made her flinch, shrinking under the weight of his disdain, though her smile never faltered.


    "Oh,e on, don''t be so uptight," she cooed, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I don''t mean to impose, but I overheard your conversation with your sister..." Her tone was innocent, but her eyes glinted with something far more sinister.


    "Not that you made it hard to overhear¡ªif you two didn''t want to be listened to, you could''ve lowered your voices. So really, it''s partly your fault that I... eavesdropped."


    Pyris''s jaw tightened.


    "Anyway, I share your ambitions," she continued, her voice lowering into a seductive whisper. "I just wanted to make friends. You and I, we could share ideas, mess with our parents¡­ sounds fun, doesn''t it?" She extended her hand with a sly smile, offering a handshake as though sealing a devilish pact.


    Without a word, Pyris raised a single finger, pushing her hand aside with cool precision, his touch firm but dismissive.


    Her hand fell limply to her thigh.


    "ying hard to get, are we?" she sneered, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, though her eyes lit up dangerously. She reached into her purse and pulled out a sleek phone, unlocking it with a single tap.


    "Quite the invention you made here," she remarked, her voiceced with mock admiration as she pulled out her phone unlocking it with a thought.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes, not liking the sudden shift in her tone.


    "Have you heard..." Her voice trailed off as she opened a messaging app, her fingers deftly tapping the screen. A contact appeared on disy, the number sending a cold shiver down Pyris''s spine.


    He knew it instantly¡ªhis mother''s number.


    "My family is deeply connected to yours," she whispered, her grin widening as she selected an audio recording, her thumb hovering dangerously over the send button. "With just one thought..."


    Pyris''s breath quickened, his pulse pounding in his ears. She waved the phone yfully, the threat hanging heavy in the air between them.


    "... Young Lord of House Obsidian, your ns against your mother could be ruined by me. And trust me, you really don''t want that." She was toying with him now, relishing in his difort.


    The blood in Pyris''s veins boiled with fury. His fists clenched tighter, the hunger for vengeance flickering dangerously in his chest as her smile widened, clearly enjoying her control over him.


    He could feel the rage burning through him. ''ckmailed¡­ on my first day here?'' He would make her pay for this. Every second that passed only fueled his need for retribution.


    [There''s one thing about dragons...] a voice echoed in the back of his mind. [Their pride. They can''t stand being threatened. They hate being ckmailed. Dragons don''t bend to the will of others.]


    Lia''s warning whispered in his thoughts. [And when pushed, that dragon within them awakens. The purer the bloodline, the worse it bes.]


    The air around Pyris grew colder, more oppressive. His aura expanded, swirling with a deadly chill that wrapped itself around the young woman. The weight of it was suffocating, pressing into her like invisible hands tightening around her throat.


    And yet, despite it all, her pretty smile remained, unfazed, confident.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "There, there," she said softly, her voiceced with amusement. "Be gentle with me now. You wouldn''t want to lose control... because this little toy I have here is almost indestructible. Even if you manage to destroy it, I can send that recording with just a thought. Your precious mother will have it before you can even blink." Sheughed softly, her eyes filled with triumph.


    [Ding! Urgent Mission Generated!


    Mission: You''re being ckmailed by someone with equal status! Make the Vampire Princess submit in one hour!


    Reward: Mind Protection Ability]


    Pyris''s lips curled into a crazed grin. "You want to work with me?" His voice dripped with barely contained rage. The woman nodded, her confidence unwavering.


    "Very well," he said, standing up with cold, calcted fury. "Why don''t youe with me, then?"


    It wasn''t a request. It was amand. His body radiated a quiet, terrifying rage that made the air itself feel heavy with tension.


    The vampire princess, smiling victoriously as she stood to follow him, thought she had won.


    But Pyris had other ns.


    *****


    Power sttttooooneeeeesssssss??

 Chapter 24 Submission!

    As Pyris led the vampire princess down the academy''s winding halls, the atmosphere between them thickened with tension.


    His mind raced, calcting his next move. He couldn''t afford to let her control him, not now, not ever. The mission echoed in his thoughts: Conquer the Vampire Princess in one hour. His grin widened as his blood pulsed with the raw power of his draconic pride.


    The princess, sensing his agitation, followed him closely, her smile never wavering. She exuded a calm, unbothered confidence, a predator waiting for her prey to make a wrong move.


    But Pyris was no prey. He had something far more dangerous than her ckmail. He had his rage¡ªand he was a dragon.


    They arrived at an empty courtyard, a secluded part of the academy far from the prying eyes of other students.


    The stone arches cast long shadows as the wind picked up, swirling around them like a brewing storm. Pyris stopped, and the princess leaned against one of the pirs, tilting her head curiously.


    "So, what now?" she asked, her voiceced with mockery. "Are you going to make me your ally? Or do you n on trying something more... direct?"


    Pyris turned to her slowly, his eyes glowing with a dangerous light. "You think you can control me? You think ckmail will make me bow to you?"


    Her smile widened, fangs glinting in the dim light. "Oh, I know it will. You dragons are all the same¡ªso prideful, so quick to anger. It makes you... predictable."


    She waved her phone again, the threat hanging between them.


    In a blur, Pyris was in front of her, his hand wrapping around her wrist with inhuman speed. The smile faltered for a moment, and she raised an eyebrow, but her confidence didn''t fade.


    "You''re not the first to try to manipte me," Pyris said, his voice low and dangerous. "And you won''t be thest. But you''ve made one crucial mistake."


    She blinked, intrigued but not rmed. "Oh? And what''s that?"


    "You underestimated me!"


    With a forceful yank, Pyris pulled her close, their faces inches apart. The air around them shimmered with power, his aura pressing against her like a physical weight.


    Her confidence wavered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, her smile returning as she leaned into him, eyes gleaming with mischief.


    "And what do you n to do, young lord?" she whispered. "Kill me? ckmail me in return? I''m not so easily broken."


    Pyris''s grip tightened on her wrist, but he didn''t respond immediately. His mind was racing, the mission''s timer ticking down in the back of his mind.


    He could feel the dragon within him roaring, demanding dominance, demanding that he crush her beneath his will. But that wasn''t the way to win this game.


    Not yet.


    Instead, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "You want to y this game with me? Fine. But you should know, I''m not interested in ckmail. I''m interested in control."


    The princess''s eyes widened slightly, and for the first time, she seemed genuinely caught off guard. Pyris''s voice was soft butced with danger, each word dripping with power.


    "You said you wanted to work with me," Pyris continued. "So let''s make a deal. You get to live, and I get your loyalty. Fail me, betray me again, and I''ll make sure you regret it."


    For a moment, the princess stared at him, weighing her options. Her pride red, but so did her curiosity.


    She was used to controlling others, manipting them to her will¡ªbut Pyris was different. He was a force of nature, unpredictable and terrifying. And for some reason, she found herself intrigued.


    Finally, she smiled again, though it was smaller, more calcted. "Very well, young lord. You''ve earned my attention. But remember, power is a two-way street. I''m no pawn in your little games."


    Pyris released her wrist, stepping back with a cold smile. "I don''t need pawns. I need allies. And you just proved yourself useful."


    The princess chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with newfound respect. "This will be fun."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The tension between them shifted, no longer one of predator and prey but something more dangerous¡ªa partnership forged in maniption, pride, and ambition. As they left the courtyard, Pyris knew he had only scratched the surface of her intentions, but for now, he had won the first battle.


    The clock in his mind stopped ticking, the missionplete.


    [Reward unlocked: Mind Protection Ability!]


    The surge of power flowed through him, granting him an extrayer of defense against mental maniption. He would need it, especially with someone like the vampire princess at his side.


    As they walked back toward the academy, Pyris nced at her, the cold fire in his eyes still burning.


    "Now, let''s talk about how we''re going to tear down our parents, shall we?"


    The vampire princess smiled, her dangerous allure even more intoxicating. "Lead the way, dragon. I''ll be right behind you."


    What followed was nothing Vrie had expected though..


    ____


    Pyris stood in the silence of the abandoned music room, his anger simmering beneath the surface. The air was thick with dust, and the faint scent of aged wood and forgotten memories lingered in the space.


    His eyes adjusted to the darkness as he leaned back against the cold wall, letting the stillness envelop him.


    The dim light that crept through the cracks of the blinds barely illuminated the forgotten instruments¡ªpianos with broken keys, violins with snapped strings, and drums covered in grime.


    The room seemed frozen in time, as if waiting for someone to breathe life back into it, but Pyris had no such intentions.


    His mind raced, reying whatever had sparked his rage. He clenched his fists, the cool air doing little to calm the fire within him.


    The dark corner felt like a sanctuary, a ce where he could let his fury simmer unnoticed, hidden away from the eyes of the world.


    Like a hunting viper he waited patiently for the prey and the wait had promised to pay off as the Vrie made her way inside!


    Inside the abandoned, dimly lit ssroom, Pyris stood waiting in a dark corner, his body tense with anticipation.


    The shadows clung to him, matching the weight of his thoughts. Vrie had asked for a deal, and now, he would give her one¡ªbut it wouldn''t be as simple as she thought.


    The eerie silence of the room only amplified the intensity of the moment, the faint creaking of old floorboards beneath his boots the only sound that disturbed the stillness.


    His sharp, dragon-like eyes scanned the room, alert for her arrival.


    Pyris wasn''t one to back down from a challenge, and this meeting had all the markings of a confrontation wrapped in mystery and danger.


    The air grew thick with tension as he waited, his mind racing with possibilities.


    Whatever deal she had in mind, he knew he needed to stay one step ahead. She wanted something, and so did he¡ªbut neither of them would walk away from this exchange unchanged.


    Footsteps echoed from the hallway, soft but deliberate. Pyris''s lips curled into a dark smile.


    She had arrived!


    ****


    Guys pump in those stones, and I''m waiting for your reviews!!! Let''s attract other readers.


    Five reviews and then one chapter!


    @Dozer_2600, Zakir_Rana_3088 your reviews are awaited

 Chapter 25 Message Delivered**

    Pyris stood in the shadowy corner, his anger still simmering as Vrie approached. Her figure seemed to move with purpose, each step carrying a sense of confidence that both intrigued and unsettled him.


    There was something about her¡ªsomething that called to him in a way he couldn''t control, something primal.


    "Hehe~" she giggled softly, the sound almost taunting. Her eyes locked onto his, and despite the dim light, her presence filled the room.


    Pyris felt an odd sensation creep through him¡ªan undeniable pull, like gravity itself had shifted. Her curves, the way she moved, everything about her seemed designed to draw him in, and he hated how easily it worked.


    "I''m here," he forced the words out, his voice steady despite the tension coiling inside him.


    "I can see you," she replied with a smirk, stepping into the dark corner where he stood. For a moment, her gaze faltered as if she''d noticed something different in him. His eyes... did they sh pink? She blinked, uncertain, but quickly brushed the thought aside.


    He yanked her closer, her body pressing against his as he leaned into her ear, his breath hot against her skin. She shuddered, but not from fear¡ªthere was an unmistakable hunger in her eyes, something beyond what words could capture.


    She held his wrist...


    Pyris could feel the heat rolling off her now, despite the coolness of her skin.


    The power dynamic between them swayed like a pendulum, each vying for the upper hand, yet both were aware of the inevitable pull between them.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As Vrie released his wrists, Pyris didn''t move.


    He didn''t have to. His eyes, burning with an inner fire, conveyed a challenge of their own.


    He tilted his head slightly, the faintest smirk touching his lips as if to say, is that all you''ve got?


    Vrie''s fingers trailed lower, teasing the edge of his waistband, her nails grazing his skin just enough to send a jolt of sensation through him.


    Her gaze flickered with amusement, though her breathing had quickened, betraying the effect their heated exchange was having on her as well.


    "You think you can keep ying this game without consequences?" Pyris''s voice was low, dark, and filled with a dangerous promise.


    His hands, now freed, slid to her waist with deliberate slowness. There was strength in his touch, but it was tempered with control¡ªcontrol that made her pulse race.


    Vrie raised a brow, her lips curving into a wicked smile. "I don''t fear consequences," she whispered her tone like silk, her lips dangerously close to his.


    "Especially not from you."


    Pyris chuckled a deep sound that rumbled from his chest. He pulled her closer, pressing her against him with a force that made her gasp softly. "You should," he growled, the fire in his gaze intensifying. "Because when you finally break, Vrie, I won''t hold back."


    His words ignited something primal in her, a thrill that sent shivers down her spine. She leaned in closer, lips hovering near his ear, and whispered, "Then stop holding back, Pyris."


    For a split second, the room was silent, save for their mingled breaths. It was as if the world had paused, waiting to see who would make the next move.


    And then, without warning, Pyris''s grip tightened, and in one swift motion, he spun her around, pinning her against the wall with a force that left her breathless. The roughness of his action was tempered by the precise control he maintained, his body pressing against hers, his lips just inches from her neck.


    Vrie''s pulse raced, her body reacting to the heat of his breath, the tension in his muscles, and the undeniable attraction that had them both locked in this dangerous game.


    But she wasn''t about to let him win so easily.


    "Still think you''re in control?" she taunted, though her voice wavered slightly, betraying her growing excitement.


    Pyris leaned in, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of her neck, sending a sharp jolt of pleasure through her. "I never said anything about control," he murmured, his voice a deep, rumbling growl.


    "This... is something else."


    With that, he kissed her neck, the pressure light but deliberate, sending waves of sensation coursing through her body.


    Vrie''s breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as she momentarily lost herself in the heat of the moment.


    But Pyris was far from finished. His lips traveled lower, grazing the hollow of her throat, his hands moving with the same controlled intensity that had been driving her mad. The battle for dominance wasn''t over¡ªit had only just begun.


    "Hohoho~ quite a horny dragon I see~" She grabbed his neck and gave him a passionate kiss.


    Their tongues battled for supremacy, and his hands did not just sit there. He ced one on their breast and the other inside her skirt, giving her a long, hard squeeze that made her moan.


    She could clearly hear her thong ripping as her blue panties fell between her feet.


    a promation that she wasmando now.


    "Not just me, darling~" She unbuttoned his pants, causing them to fall along with his boxers.


    Grasping her waist, Pyris turned her over so that her face collided with his massive dragon, causing her to gasp in shock.


    With her ass and pussy in front of him, he smacked her ass while clutching her body in one hand.


    p!!


    ... causing her to moan. She spread her legs wide, revealing the pink, wet slit. Giving it a long sniff, he blew hot into her pussy.


    Lots of pussy juice escaped the very from her pussy, with such a sight and Vrie giving him a great handjob, Pyris dived into her pussy.


    "Ohh~~ don''t be gentle.....eat my virgin pussy!" Valerie sobbed with joy as she swallowed his dick¡ªwell, as much of it as she could.


    Bobbing her head up and down, she gave him a wet and steamy blowjob.


    "Pyris~ I''m cumming. You''re going hard on me; I can''t hold any longer!" She came in his mouth, and he swallowed her love juice dly.


    They ate each other, moaning in delight, smacking her ass until it was red, leaving his fine finger imprint. To increase the pleasure, he would massage her beautiful naked ass with one hand while holding her in ce with the other.


    But was that even enough?


    Their intense physical contact, akin to that of beasts, did little to quench their lust.


    She flipped her body against him and wrapped her hand and legs around his neck and waist at the same time. Grasping his cock, she guided it to her moist pussy.


    She was descending slowly when the two love parts touched, and she paused. She looked up at him, at his gorgeous face and lust-filled beautiful eyes.


    Valerie closed her eyes, nted a kiss on his lips, and then pushed his manhood into her wet virgin pussy, letting out a mixed cry of pleasure and pain.


    She hugged him tight, but she was overwhelmed; unknowingly her fangs elongated, biting hard into the right side of his neck.


    "Anh~~" they both moaned at once.


    Valerie was already over with the pain as she tasted his sweet blood; holding her ass, he moved in and out, with Vrie just following his movements.


    Her body swayed with each movement as Pyris humped harder each time his dick entered her, bringing her to the top of ecstasy.


    "Fuckkkkkkk~~~" Vrie shouted, his dick hitting her sensitive G spot!


    She dug her fangs deeper into his neck.


    Unbeknownst to her, her mind had made a mistake, a mistake that was going to change Pyris'' life in a few hours toe!


    ******


    I will be mentioning reader who support the work each time in thest chapter everyday. Those with highest fanvalue their names might be included in the story!

 Chapter 26 Im Valerie~**

    Her fangs still in his neck, she never once seized sucking his blood as they fucked.


    Bam!


    Pyris put her on her wall, her legs still wounding around his waist, he pumped her harder.


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    "Mhmm~ mhmmm~" her muffled moans reverberated together with their meeting fleesh, as he humped in and out.


    They would roll on the wall, swapping who would be on the wall, Vrie helping him in shaping her pussy to him preference by moving her waist.


    Her waist was so soft, it appeared as if her waist was rotating rather than moving up and down, like and experienced dancer.


    Pyris groaned with pleasure, he too, moving his waist harder and faster as she had begged him.


    "After this...anhhh~ I''m dead." Valerie moved faster than before as she thought of how much she had messed up.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Why?" Instead of answering she just kissed him.


    "Mhmm~ please just fuck me! Embed this day forever in my memories~" she pulled her blouse open revealing a pair of her mount peak. She skilfully unhooked her bra without taking off the whole school blouse.


    Seeing them out Pyris sucked each one of them one by one, she pushed his head deeper in.


    "I''m cumming again... I''m so close faster!" The pussy squeezed him within.


    Retracting from her breast, Pyris fucked her harder, gropping her ass cheeks, she kissed him as she neared her climax.


    "MHMM~~" she cummed on his dick but Pyris was far from done. Putting her down, he made her lean on the wall, sticking her ass out to him.


    He rummed his cock into her still sensetive pussy.


    Holding her waist firmly he fucked her from behind, her huge ass pping his body, in such a position like this, he felt alot of pleasure.


    "You feel great.... you''re so tight!" With another groan he then pped her wiggling ass, it was red from all the spanking.


    "Mhmm~ your cock is just so big. Aahhhh, how can you be so big... just a half of it and I''m filled up!" She lifted one of her legs up onto the wall hoping to bring him even deeper but her pussy had limits.


    "That''s new, but I like it...oohhh" Pyris held her leg in ce, at the same time massaging it. With another hand he held her neck closer to the back.


    Slightly falling onto her back...his dick went deeper causing her to scream in enjoyment, he on the other hand was sucking her neck.


    The hand holding her leg, snaked it''s way slowly to her pussy, upon reaching it found the target....


    "Fuckkkkkkk...." The came without a warning, Pyris didn''t stop stimting her pussy. Valerie moved her waist back and forth in sync with him.


    Letting go of her neck, her breasts and nipples fell victim of his perverted actions.


    "You know... Anhhh~~ you''re annoyingly handsome and so fucking good at sex..." She found a way to his lips and kissed him but that caused her to fall.


    They fell together, but she went on all fours!


    "And you like me!" Pyris added confidently.


    "Mhhmm~so much... this is so much pleasure to not like you annoying dragon!" None of them ever stopped shaking their bodies to meet their desires.


    "You have quite high stamina for a newbie," he noted, he lifted her ass slightly ramming his cock deeper, she screamed.


    "I''m close!" He announced.


    "No please don''t...mhhmm~~ fuck me harder let''s cum together!" nting both her hands firmer on the ground Vrie fucked him harder as he was.


    aapppp!!


    He smacked her behind, her breasts were not lonely either.


    "More~~~ I''m cumming, spank me more..." Which he did.


    With onest push they both reached, Vrie squirted wetting the ground below, she lost all her strength, Pyris caught her before she fell in her love juice.


    Emptying hisst shots deep in her, she helped her back.


    "Pyris~" she hugged him burying her face in his chest, hugging her back, he patted her head.


    They stayed like that in the same position, Pyris helped her clean up with his energy and she was crystal clean once again.


    "Pyris~ still in his chest she called him, as he buttoned her shirt.


    "Mhmm~" he was done, he help her bra and before he gave it to her she said...


    "I''m Vrie~, the youngest vampire princess!" With those words he bolted out of the room.


    "Vrie!" He repeated out her name! "Lia, how long have we been doing it?" Looking at the back bra he kept it in his storage artifacts, a ne that hangs around his chest everytime.


    [Mhmm, two hours?] Lia estimated.


    "Shoot. I missed my first ss!" Hurriedly tidying up he ran to back to his ss.


    When he came back though the ssic was as before, clearly they should be in lesson right now but they weren''t. His eyes scanned the ss for Vrie but she wasn''t in either.


    __


    In thedy''s room Vrie sat on the toilet with tears in her eyes, staring at her phone. Her mind wandered looking for the remnants of the memory and she found it.


    "When he held my neck... I think that''s when I thought to send the audio... And I did!" She kepy weeping not knowing who she did such a mistake.


    "H-how I''m I going to exin to him..." The thought of his handsome face, his smile turning into a disappointed look weighed on her.


    "I didn''t mean any of it... Maybe, maybe I was too overwhelmed. Yes it was a mistake but... It''s still an excuse to him if I try to exin!" A teenager was still a teen at the end, she could only cry.


    She feared she had be the reason why their rtionship was going to end before it even started.


    "Anh, this is so frustrating, and dad''s definitely going to roast me alive of he knows what I''ve just done. All his ns, I have crashed them. And I liked every part of it, punish me however you want but you still won''t see me through your ns!" She couldn''t be more happier.


    She was no longer a piece in his ns for power, she wasn''t now going to through the marriage now that she had lost her chastity!


    "I''m free but I had lost him too, the reason for my freedom!" She knew her had will only be furious and punish her and that''s all but she had lost Pyris for her stupid mistake.


    "And dad won''t know my secret lover either!" She sighed, fixing her clothes, she put on another pair of lingeries amd and went to ss.


    "My bra will keep the beautiful memories of us, keep it and  bye Pyris!"


    ****


    Thank you @Sully112

 Chapter 27 Life-Space Twins!

    [Ding!Varalie Count Drac has not been conquered!


    Punishment: None!


    Urgent mission generated.


    Mission: Find the mystery behind Vrie''s sudden change of heart and conquer her again in a week!


    Rewards: None!


    Punishment: Lose the acquired ability!]


    A welp of surprise escaped Pyris''s lips as he processed the unexpected turn of events. Despite the passionate time he had spent with Varalie, he hadn''t managed to conquerpletely her as he thought.


    Her demeanor after their encounter suggested she''d developed some affection for him, and while love wasn''t likely to bloom from just one sec session, Pyris had at least expected her to hold him in some fond regard. Yet, he had failed.


    Despite his best efforts, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was amiss in his rtionship with Vrie.


    Their connection seemed to be slipping through his fingers like water, and no matter how much passion they shared in the bedroom, it wasn''t enough to satisfy her elusive heart.


    Little did he know, Vrie was battling her own inner demons, struggling to resist the maic pull towards him.


    Her mind was constantly at war with itself, torn between the desire to run back into his arms and the need to break free from the toxic cycle they found themselves in.


    ____


    "How is this even possible?" he muttered to himself, puzzled by the situation.


    [She''s either incredibly strong-willed, and this wasn''t enough to sway her heart, or something happened afterward that made her lose the budding feelings she had for you. I''d bet on thetter,] Lia''s voice chimed in his mind, her tone analytical.


    [But let me assure you of one thing: Varalie may not love you now, but no woman who''s been with you could ever see another man as worthy. Eventually, she''lle around if you put in enough effort. So, that''s one problem solved. Now, think carefully¡ªhow will you bring her home?]


    Lia''s words soothed some of Pyris''s worries, offering a smallfort. He sat back, his thoughts momentarily calming.


    "Varalie, Count Drac''s daughter, huh? She really is the child of that old vampire," Pyris chuckled darkly. "Drac¡­ the most feared vampire alive. He rarely makes an appearance, but when he does, the world shakes."


    Heughed quietly to himself, imagining how Drac might react if he learned that Pyris had taken his daughter''s chastity. "Too bad that day''s noting anytime soon, thanks to Varalie''s sacrifice."


    Pyris''s chaotic thoughts gradually subsided, his mind settling into a tranquil state. He leaned back, his figure embodying the stillness of an immovable god, his aura pure and serene, like a stillke under the moon.


    Around him, fellow students continued their animated conversations. A few stole flirty nces at him, while others eyed him with thinly veiled jealousy.


    The ss, packed with over two hundred students from every corner of Argos, was filled with individuals who came from renowned families.


    Pyris didn''t recognize most of them, and that seemed to influence how they perceived him¡ªsome with awe, others with envy.


    As his eyes scanned the room, theynded on a striking pair sitting together: a boy and a girl who exuded an aura of calm and allure. The young man wasn''t as devastatingly handsome as Pyris, but he was undeniably attractive, second only to Pyris himself.


    Both radiated an energy that drew people in¡ªthe girl brimming with life and quiet strength.


    Their golden hair shimmered like the first rays of the morning sun, cascading down their backs.


    Though lean, their forms were graceful and strong, with the girl''s build slightly more delicatepared to the boy''s.


    "The Life-Space Twins," Pyris murmured, his voice tinged with respect. The twins were a phenomenon, revered for their once-in-a-million-years talent.


    As if sensing his gaze, the twins turned toward him. Their golden eyes locked onto his, burning like two miniature suns.


    The intensity of their stares was palpable, as though they were peering straight through him.


    "Interesting¡­" Pyris thought, meeting their gaze head-on.


    [Even without consciously bending space, they are inplete harmony with it, which makes them hyper-aware of their surroundings! Such mastery at such a young age is remarkable,] Liamented, her respect for the twins evident.


    A small smile crept onto Pyris''s lips, and he held their gaze with unwavering confidence, silently challenging them. Now that he had their attention, he observed their features.


    The boy had a long, handsome face with sharp jawlines and pointed ears, barely hidden by his flowing hair. His sister, on the other hand, had a softer, rounder face with slightly chubby cheeks, which made her look irresistibly cute.


    If Pyris were topare the elf girl''s beauty, she rivaled both Varalie and Aurelia. In fact, she might even surpass them with her ethereal charm.


    "He''s provoking us," Pyris heard the boy say in a calm voice. "Ignore him, sister."


    The girl''s re lingered a moment longer, but eventually, she followed her brother''s lead and looked away.


    "Calm, collected, and calctive. That boy is dangerous," Pyris thought to himself. "The girl, though¡­ I like her. She''s harder to read. I can''t see through her like I can her brother, who''s an open book to me."


    Satisfied, Pyris turned his attention away from the twins. ncing up at the wall-mounted clock, he realized they had been sitting in the ss hall for nearly three hours, yet no teacher had shown up.


    "Hey," Pyris called out to a boy sitting nearby. He was alone, seemingly enjoying his music through a pair of miniature earbuds that were nearly invisible at first nce. His jet-ck hair and dark eyes made him stand out in a sea of students.


    The boy looked over, slightly surprised that Pyris, of all people, was speaking to him. "Yes?"


    "Sorry, I''m new. Why haven''t the lessons started yet?" Pyris asked, his curiosity piqued. He had no particr interest in the boy beyond the information he might provide.


    The boy pulled out one earbud and offered a polite smile.


    "There''s a staff meeting. It happens every week at the beginning, but it usually doesn''t take this long. Once the meeting''s over, the teacher will show up. We''ve already missed the magic lesson, so the next ss should be Forging Craft."


    Pyris nodded, absorbing the information. The boy returned to his music, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.


    Leaning back in his seat, Pyris thought about the uing lesson. Forging Craft was a subject his mother had forced him to learn at a young age. Though he hadn''t enjoyed it at first, those grueling lessons had paid off.


    He''d be adept at creating equipment and prototypes for his inventions, including the nearly indestructible material he used in his top-selling phone.


    "I wonder how she''s doing¡­" Pyris mused, thinking of his mentor, a brilliant and beautiful dwarf.


    Dwarves were known for their unmatched skill in forgery and craftsmanship, and Pyris''s mother had gone to great lengths to secure that dwarf woman as his teacher.


    It had cost a fortune, but the profits Pyris''s creations brought to the family business more than made up for it.


    "I might stay for the lesson, just to see if I can learn anything new, though I''m not registered for this ss. But given my experience, I doubt there''s much I can pick up from a first-year''s forging lessons," Pyris thought with a smirk.


    Still, the idea of sneaking into higher-level sses to learn more intrigued him. "I''ll talk to the principal and see what I can arrange," he decided.


    Hopefully, the principal would agree to his request.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 28 Commotion...

    The forgery and craftsmanship lessons were painfully basic, far beneath Pyris''s level of mastery. To him, they felt like child''s y, crude and unrefined.


    Yet, he remained in his seat, enduring the monotony out of sheer respect for the dwarf instructor, even though only a handful of students¡ªtwenty out of two hundred¡ªbothered to attend.


    Sitting at the far back, Pyris quietly muttered corrections whenever the teacher made an error, though his words dissipated into the air, unheard. It was better that way. He had no desire to tarnish the teacher''s credibility, no matter how tempting it was to point out the ring ws.


    When the ss finally ended, marking the lunch break, Pyris lingered in the empty ssroom. He had no real destination in mind, so he chose to stay behind, staring at the dull, vacant space around him.


    The absence of his sister gnawed at his thoughts.


    By now, she would havee to fetch him, and they would have spent the break together, relishing each other''spany. But today, she hadn''t shown up.


    Growing restless, Pyris decided to distract himself by checking his status. He hadn''t looked at it since his intimate encounters with Aurelia in the car and his serendipitous rendezvous with Varalie.


    Still, he could feel the improvement within him, albeit modest.


    ''Status!" hemanded.


    [Name: Pyris Obsidian


    Race: Dragon!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Bloodline: Obsidian Lust Bloodline


    Race Traits: Lust, All-Elemental trait


    Rank: Rank 3


    Elements: All elements


    Mana: 1130/3000


    Age Limit: 16/700


    Strength: 92/60


    Agility: 92/60


    Vitality: 92/60


    Stamina: 92/60


    INT: 210/500


    Charm: 98/100


    LPs: 1500pts


    Abilities: Lust Breath, Charm, Lust Dragon Transformation


    Skills: Lust very, Pregnancy Control, Lust Illusions, Dual Cultivation


    Normal Skills: Forgery, Craftsmanship, Technology, Business Management, Sports, Music, Trading


    [Cost of stats: 100 LPs per 10 points, 300 LPs per 100 mana points]


    "All my stats have jumped by twenty points, and my mana pool has expanded by one hundred points," Pyris marveled, though a hint of frustration colored his tone. "I''m still only Rank 3, but physically, I could rival a Rank 5. Sure, I might lose in a magical duel, but in a physical fight? I''d be unstoppable."


    For a fleeting moment, he thought of Aurelia. Despite his gains, she had likely grown stronger as well. The realization struck him with a sense of humility¡ªno matter how much he improved, she was always one step ahead.


    "Strange that she hasn''t asked how she grew stronger just by being with me¡­" he mused. "She''s probably waiting for me to tell her. Such a patient girl." Pyris smirked at the thought. He would reveal his secret when the time was right.


    [Not just her, remember¡­] a voice within him reminded. Pyris thought of Varalie, too, and the effects of his Yang essence on her. Soon, she would realize the changes.


    "Let her figure it out," he said dismissively. "She''s smart enough not to make a fuss. Besides, thanks for adding my normal skills back¡ªI was starting to miss them. Almost forgot I was such a genius¡­" He chuckled.


    [Forgot? You were just bragging about it!] Lia, the spirit within him, replied dryly.


    "Just take thepliment, you ungrateful spirit," Pyris teased before his sensitive ears caught a conversation outside the ssroom.


    "Hurry up, or you''re going to miss it!" a girl shouted, her voice echoing down the hall. Footsteps quickened in response.


    "Yo, what''s the rush? What''s happening?" a boy''s voice asked curiously.


    "I don''t know, but I heard something''s going down. Worst case, it''s a prank, but it''s worth checking out," another boy replied.


    Pyris barely paid attention, uninterested in whatever teenage drama was unfolding. School was rife with pettymotions, and this seemed like just another one. But then, he caught something that made his blood run cold.


    "I heard the Vampire Third Prince Ragna is facing off with Lady Obsidian!"


    The words struck Pyris like a hammer to the chest. He froze, anger surging through him with each passing second.


    "He''s at it again? Does he never learn?" a girl''s voice asked indignantly.


    "Again?" Pyris whispered through clenched teeth, fury coursing through his veins. "He''s tormenting my sister, my woman!"


    Without hesitation, Pyris stood abruptly. One quick sniff was all he needed to locate his sister¡ªAurelia''s scent was unmistakable. The bond between Obsidians transcended all logic, as deep and mysterious as their lineage itself.


    Woooosshhhh!!!


    In an instant, Pyris vanished from the ssroom, moving faster than the eye could track.


    "What the hell was that!?" a girl eximed, clutching her skirt against the gust of wind Pyris left in his wake, narrowly avoiding exposure. The boys were too distracted by the blur to notice her near mishap.


    Pyris blurred through the hallways like a shadow, leaving whispers and startled gasps in his wake. Girls squealed as the sudden wind almost disheveled their outfits, but Pyris was oblivious to themotion he caused.


    His mind was singrly focused on one thing: Aurelia.


    As he reached the cafeteria entrance, he came to a sudden halt. His sharp eyes quickly took in the scene¡ªan encirclement of students, with two figures at the center. His heart sank as he saw what was unfolding.


    "¡­you think you''re special? You''re nothing but a lucky noble. I''ll put you in your ce today!" The Vampire prince raised his hand, preparing to strike Aurelia.


    Time seemed to freeze for Pyris.


    Wooshh!!


    Pah! Crack! Crack!!


    Two sharp sounds echoed through the cafeteria, followed by a scream of agony. The Vampire prince recoiled, clutching his shattered hand, but it swiftly healed, his vampiric powers mending the broken bones.


    Pyris, however, remained unmoved, his grip still lingering in the air where the prince''s hand had been.


    Pushing the prince back with a casual shove, Pyris sent him stumbling several steps, though he didn''t bother to watch him fall. His attention was solely on Aurelia.


    "Little brother~" Aurelia''s voice was soft, filled with affection as she looked at the strong figure shielding her.


    "Are you alright?" Pyris asked, his toneced with concern as he gently cupped her face, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. To his relief, she appeared unharmed.


    Blushing under his warm gaze, Aurelia nodded. "I''m fine, brother. Don''t worry."


    Without another word, Pyris pulled her into a tight embrace, his hand gently patting her head. Aurelia melted into his arms, returning the hug, savoring his affection despite the crowd of onlookers.


    "Who the hell are you?!" the Vampire prince roared, recovering from his shock, his voice dripping with rage.


    Things were about to get a lot messier.

 Chapter 29 I will go easy on him...

    "Aww... He''s so cool~," the girls murmured, their voices soft but filled with admiration for Pyris''s actions.


    "So romantic! If only they weren''t siblings, I''d swear they were together," one girl whispered, her voiceced with longing.


    "Mhmm~ Can we swap ces, youngdy Aurelia?" another teased shyly, though she ensured her voice didn''t reach Pyris or Aurelia. But Aurelia heard them, and instead of pulling away, she held Pyris even tighter, unwilling to let go.


    "So fast!" gasped one of the golden-haired twins, her eyes struggling to follow Pyris''s speed. Only those at Rank 5 and higher could see his movement clearly, though even for them, it was a blur.


    The twins, with their natural connection to space, could sense him moving, but only barely.


    "Sister, he''s bending space and time with his speed. He''s defying everyw of nature¡ªspace, time, gravity¡ªit''s insane!" the observant twin eximed, his voice tinged with awe.


    "I know," she replied, her tone equally impressed but focused, her gaze so sharp trying to discern Pyris to the very core of his being, ultimately failing though.


    Not far from them, another group was just as intrigued by the unfolding drama.


    "How domineering! The way he handled that vampire¡­ and how Aurelia¡ªalways so cold and aloof¡ªfell into his arms like she belongs there," remarked a girl who sat in a rxed posture at a prime spot in the cafeteria.


    Her crop top left little to the imagination, while her grey pants hugged her figure. She wore a cap, light brown hair cascading down her back, with a few strands framing her face. She exuded a certain beauty, but more so, an undeniable authority. Five girls stood around her, clearly following her lead.


    (Comment if you like the image)


    "I''ve never seen Aurelia act like that with anyone," one of the girls muttered, clearly astonished. "She''s actually smiling!"


    "I''d say it''s because they''re siblings," another girl chimed in. "But even with her big sister, Anastasia, Aurelia is still frosty. There''s something deeper here, I swear. A secret just waiting to unravel!"


    "Stop with your wild fantasies, you mutt!" snapped the bossy girl, cutting her off.


    "But boss, there''s some truth to it!" another girl interjected. "Their bond is deep, but I don''t think it goes beyond them being super close siblings."


    "Exactly. I bet she''s his soft spot," the bossy one mused. "She was off in thest lecture. Maybe she was worried¡ªit''s her brother''s first day here, and she feared something might happen to him."


    "I like him!" she suddenly dered, her eyes glinting with interest, just before¡ª


    "Who the hell are you?!" Ragna, the Vampire prince, shouted after recovering from his shock.


    ____


    The warm moment between Pyris and Aurelia was abruptly shattered by Ragna''s outburst. Pyris turned reluctantly, loosening his embrace but still holding Aurelia''s hand in his left.


    "Hoho~ If it isn''t our esteemed Obsidian Young Lord," Ragna sneered, bowing mockingly. "What an honor to meet you."


    Pyris stared at the ck-haired, red-eyed vampire with cold indifference. They were the same height, both equally striking in appearance, still Pyris would win by far.


    Ragna, with his paleplexion, wore neatly pressed grey trousers, a casual cored shirt, and ck designer shoes¡ªsmart but exuding arrogance.


    His demeanor screamed disrespect, especially towards women, something Pyris had already picked up on.


    "Why did you try to hit my sister?" Pyris asked, his voice eerily calm as he let go of Aurelia''s hand and slowly approached Ragna, all while peeking into the vampire''s status.


    [Name: Ragna Count Drac.


    Race: Original Vampire


    Bloodline: Blood Ruler Bloodline


    Race Trait: Blood Cord, Stun


    Rank: Rank 6


    Elements: Blood, Earth


    Strength: 100/150


    Agility: 200/150


    Vitality: 200/150


    Stamina: 100/150


    INT: 150/200]


    ''His INT stats are lowerpared to the rest, as expected,'' Pyris thought. ''His agility, though, far surpasses the standard for Rank 6s¡ªtypical for a vampire.'' He calcted quickly.


    The leap between Rank 5 and Rank 6 was massive¡ªeach rank gained sixty points, a significant gap. Aurelia, being Rank 5, likely hadn''t even seen Ragna move. But Pyris, with his super speed, had been able to step in just in time.


    ''He''s stronger than me, but I''m faster, which I can use to my advantage. And with a few tricks up my sleeve, I can hold him off¡ªjust enough to keep Aurelia safe,'' Pyris reasoned, his mind clear even as the tension in the air thickened.


    "Your sister? Hahaha!" Ragnaughed loudly, his voice cutting through the silence that had fallen over the cafeteria. "I wasn''t going to answer you, but since you''re so eager¡­ I''ll humor you. And you won''t be able to do a damn thing about it."


    By now, a huge crowd had gathered, nearly half of the academy. The cafeteria,rge as it was, had plenty of room to amodate the spectators, and it seemed everyone was captivated by the unfolding drama.


    Ragna''s goons, sensing their prince''s growing amusement, began scanning the room. "Everyone sit down! Now!" one of them bellowed. Most of the students obeyed, hurrying to their seats, not daring to anger Ragna.


    Only a few remained standing¡ªthose with noble blood or significant magical talent, individuals who refused to be cowed by a royal bully.


    The remaining defiant students caught Ragna''s attention, and his goons backed off slightly, unsure of how to handle them. Even they knew better than to push certain people too far.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Interesting," Ragna mused, his voice oozing smugness. "Close the doors." The order was obeyed immediately. In the back, the bossy girl and her group grabbed popcorn, clearly intending to enjoy the spectacle.


    Now, only Pyris, Aurelia, Ragna, and his three goons stood in the center of the room.


    "You really think I won''t do anything?" Pyris''s voice cut through the tension, his confidence palpable.


    "Pyris¡­" Aurelia tugged at his shirt, her voice filled with concern. She knew the danger¡ªPyris was only Rank 3. Going up against someone like Ragna was practically suicide, unless Pyris used his full power and every element at his disposal.


    But even then, the risk was high.


    "Don''t worry," Pyris said softly, his hand gently patting her head. "I won''t overdo it. Just trust me." He smiled, but it was a smile that belied the growing storm inside him.


    "I''ll handle this. And don''t worry, I''ll go easy on him."


    Laughter erupted from the crowd, Ragna included. "Go easy on me? Hahaha! You must be joking!"


    "Why did you do it?" Pyris asked again, his voice calm butced with an undercurrent of fury.


    "He doesn''t seem too worried about the difference in their power levels," the golden-haired twin murmured, her brow furrowing. "What''s he ying at?"


    "I''m wondering the same thing," her brother replied, eyes locked on Pyris.


    Ragna continued his act, grinning wickedly. "Why did I do it? Hmm, let''s see... Because your sister acts all high and mighty? No, that''s not enough to bother me." He smirked, clearly enjoying the game he was ying. "Maybe because she thinks she''s a princess?


    Annoying, but not the real reason."


    "I think I can guess why," Pyris interrupted, his voice suddenly sharper, his anger now barely restrained. The crowd fell silent as the real confrontation loomed.


    ****


    Power stones and review dear readers!

 Chapter 30 Public Humiliation...

    The cafeteria was so quiet you could almost hear hearts pounding in the tension-filled room. Every eye was fixed on the two young men standing face to face: Pyris, calm yet seething with controlled rage, and Ragna, smirking in a way that begged for a punch.


    The anticipation in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.


    "What might that be¡ª" Ragna began, his tone condescending, but Pyris cut him off mid-sentence, his voice sharp and icy.


    "I''m surprised¡ªand disappointed¡ªthat the academy allows filth like you to roam freely," Pyris interrupted, his wordsnding like a p. Ragna''s face twitched, his smile vanishing as a flicker of anger passed through his blood-red eyes.


    But Pyris wasn''t finished. Before Ragna could retaliate, Pyris pressed on. "The academy turns a blind eye to your behavior because you''re a royal. Untouchable, are you? Well, I''m not the academy, you street trash. I won''t stand by while youy your filthy hands on my family."


    The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Pyris''s voice grew colder with every word. The crowd was frozen, a mix of awe and fear rippling through them as they sensed the intensity of what was about to unfold.


    Ragna''s smugness cracked, his face hardening into an ugly scowl, and a low growl escaped his lips as a bloody aura began to seep from his body.


    The weaker students, especially those under Rank 3, visibly trembled, their bodies reacting to the oppressive energy spilling out of Ragna.


    Seeing the development, the bossy girl ordered for popcorns, she could as well enjoy the entertainment as itsted.


    ___


    Unfazed, Pyris continued, driving the knife deeper. "You think you can hit my sister because she rejected you? Because you can get away with it? You''re so disgusting and don''t deserve to be called a man, and I won''t let you go away with it!" Pyris''s words struck Ragna like a crack of thunder. His rage red, and his eyes glowed an even deeper crimson.


    "You dare, fucking Obsidian!" he bellowed, his voice like a storm, sending shockwaves through the air. The atmosphere became suffocating, thick with tension.


    His outburst stunned the crowd. No one had expected him to be so shameless, so vile.


    "Very well!" With a burst of blinding speed, Ragna kicked off the ground, moving faster than anyone below Rank 5 could follow.


    ''Slow!'' Pyris whispered within his mind, triggering his superspeed ability. The world around him decelerated. Time itself seemed to warp, though it was no magic at y-just the sheer velocity of his speed ability.


    In this state, everything crawled while Pyris moved freely, unhindered.


    But Ragna''s vampiric speed was monstrous, and in an instant, he appeared before Pyris, his fist barreling forward with raw, untamed power. Rage fueled his punch, the air itself trembling under the force.


    Pyris was faster, but the oppressive aura of a Rank 6 weighed on him, making it hard to outmaneuver Ragnapletely.


    Even so, he managed to sidestep, narrowly avoiding the strike. His hands sped casually behind his back, his mind racing, calcting his next move.


    p!


    The sound echoed like a thunderp throughout the cafeteria as Pyris delivered a sharp backhand to Ragna''s face. The impact shocked the onlookers.


    He wasn''t done yet.


    With a swift kick, Pyris hit Ragna''s leg, catching him in the back of the knee.


    Ragna buckled, crashing into an empty table, his facending squarely in a te of food. Pyris darted backward, quickly widening the distance between them, ready to exploit his speed should Ragna rise for a counterattack.


    As time resumed its normal pace for Pyris as his ability made it seem like everything was in a slow motion, the cafeteria erupted in gasps.


    In just two seconds, Pyris had humiliated Ragna-one of the vampire princes, a Rank 6, brought low in front of everyone.


    "You dare!!!" Ragna roared, his voiceced with murderous intent. A torrent of blood-tinged mana surged from him, an overwhelming wave of energy that sent weaker students and tables flying.


    Pyris, though faster, was shoved backward, skidding across the floor. The air thickened again, dense with malice.


    "Die!" Ragna shouted, and countless threads of blood magic, wove together, forming thick cords of lethal blood energy. They shot toward Pyris with terrifying speed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Pyris''s face darkened, his mind racing for a solution. The sheer force behind the attack already gnawed at him, his skin tingling with impending danger.


    He doubted he could avoid that attack!


    Just as the deadly cords of energy were about to strike, a massive grey shield suddenly materialized, blocking his view. At the same moment, the blood magic evaporated, disintegrating into nothing as soon as it touched the shield''s aura.


    Ragna''s attack had been neutralized.


    There she stood-the student president, holding a grey crystal in her hand, her auramanding the space.


    "Student president!" murmured the crowd, voices filled with respect, the boosy girl from before.


    "You never learn, do you, Ragna?" she said, her voice sharp and authoritative. "The academy strictly forbids magicalbat in unauthorized areas."


    Ragna clicked his tongue in irritation. "He started it!" he snapped, pointing at Pyris. His casual tone didn''t match the gravity of the moment, it was clear, he was familiar with her.


    "I saw everything, Ragna," she replied, her voice cold and unwavering. "He may have provoked you, but Pyris didn''t use magic. You did. And honestly, how long are you going to harass Aurelia with your unreciprocated affection?"


    The crowd murmured in disgust. Her words confirmed what Pyris had hinted at earlier, deepening their revulsion toward Ragna.


    "Ragna Count Drac, you are hereby judged," the president dered, her gaze fierce. "You''ll follow me now, or be forced to."


    Ragna''s eyes flicked towards the boosy girl''s friends and a muscr man standing near the exit. The man waved mockingly at him. Ragna clicked his tongue again, defeated for now, and nodded.


    He wasn''t about to challenge the Enforcers in front of everyone.


    The student president turned toward Pyris, a rare smile touching her lips. Without even looking back at Ragna, she gestured for him to follow her.


    As she passed by Pyris, her shoulder brushed against his, and she discreetly slipped a note into his hand.


    She strode out of the cafeteria, with Ragna and hisckeys trailing behind her like scolded dogs.


    Pyris watched her leave, staring at her retreating figure as the murmurs and whispers among the students grew louder.


    Then, suddenly, the cafeteria erupted in cheers. The students broke into heated conversations, buzzing with the aftermath of the fight.


    None of them dared approach Pyris, except for one- his sister.


    She was already making her way toward him.


    ****


    Power stones readers

 Chapter 31 Blank Invitation!

    Just moments ago, Aurelia had been deeply concerned about her brother''s situation, unsure if he coulde out victorious without exposing himself. But now, she looked at him with a strange light in her dark eyes.


    She had nearly teared up, which would have beenical to anyone watching¡ªAurelia wasn''t one to cry¡ªbut in her own mind, she couldn''t help it. She had worried about how he would carry himself.


    Now, Pyris stood tall and proud amidst a sea of students, each whispering small, impressedpliments that he could clearly hear. The first-years were especially in awe of him. Other students wanted to approach, perhaps even befriend him, but one nce at Ragna''s goons was enough to squash any such ideas.


    "This guy..." Sitting far from the crowd in a secluded corner, Varalie watched Pyris with a wide, impressed smile. The fact that it was her own brother Pyris had just humiliated didn''t bother her in the slightest¡ªshe couldn''t care less about him. Ragna was a disgrace to the family, after all.


    They had long grown ustomed to his actions, which continuously cast a negative shadow over their powerful household. His talents had poisoned his mind, making him believe he was superior to everyone else. In his eyes, others were trash.


    "What a thug!" she sneered, her voice filled with disdain. Yet, she couldn''t wait to see what their father would do to that disgrace. "Maybe I should be grateful to him, after all. Thismotion will anger Dad more than my own quiet and unknown affair. It''ll give me the upper hand!" Varalie smirked, realizing that Ragna''s blunder far outweighed the scandal of her ruined marriage proposal.


    "If anything, Dad might even thank me if he knew who my lover is. This could be the perfect chance to fix the damage Ragna has caused!" She was jubnt but kept the identity of her secret lover to herself.


    Ragna''s attempt to humiliate the youngdy of House Obsidian had gone beyond a mere personal slight. His actions had been enough to cause the mistress of Obsidian to cancel all business dealings with their vampire family, a move that could devastate their economy.


    After all, House Obsidian was not only thergest technological giant but also the second-biggest business family in the Mortal Realm. If they severed ties with the vampires, it would be a financial catastrophe.


    Worse yet, Ragna had attacked House Obsidian''s favorite child¡ªsomeone who had recently been revealed as the mastermind behind many of Obsidian Tech''s most sessful projects. That alone could seal the vampires'' fate if the news reached Emberly, the formidable matriarch of House Obsidian.


    And of course, the academy had already reported the incident¡ªthere was no way to hide something of this magnitude when it involved her children.


    "That mongrel!" Varalie cursed under her breath. No matter Pyris'' position in their family''s businesses, he wouldn''t be able to save the vampires from the fallout, not even if Varalie begged him to intervene.


    "If it had just been a duel, it wouldn''t have been an issue. But no, his first move was practically sexual harassment, and then he shamelessly attacked Pyris!" She shook her head, fully aware of the damage her brother had caused. "He''s ruined us."


    "I hope Aunt Emberly is generous enough not to ban all vampires from the hotel," Varalie muttered. Obsidian Hotel was the closest to the academy and the most prestigious. If Emberly ordered all vampires to vacate, it would be a devastating blow to the vampire students. While other hotels would dly ept them, none couldpare to the grandeur of the Obsidian Hotel.


    Emberly had spared no expense in building the only 10-star hotel in the Mortal Realm, located conveniently near the academy. Rich families were, of course, willing to pay any price for their children to stay there and livefortably.


    "Now that I think about it, the hotel is practically filled with students, and no matter how many others might want to stay, Aunt Emberly always prioritizes the students. She''s generous like that," Varalie mused.


    Emberly''s strategy wasn''t just about money. By offering students this level of luxury, she cultivated a sense of indebtedness from both parents and students¡ªa loyalty that was paying off handsomely. "So even if she cuts vampires off, she won''t suffer a loss. There''s a long waiting list, after all." The vampires, on the other hand, would be doomed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    _____


    While Varalie was lost in her own musings, the siblings who now held the fate of the vampire family were chatting happily.


    "I was impressive, wasn''t I, sister?" Pyris grinned, hoping to distract Aurelia from the earlier stress. He didn''t want her thinking about what she had gone through before his arrival.


    "Mmhmm, you were," she admitted, but quickly added, "What did she give you?" Her voiceced with sudden jealousy. She had seen the interaction with the student president and couldn''t help but be curious.


    "Jealous, are we?" Pyris teased, swiftly slipping the paper into his pocket as Aurelia made a grab for it.


    "I won''t ask again!" she threatened yfully.


    "Or what?" he grinned, enjoying the banter.


    "I''ll sleep in my room if you know what I mean," she winked, exerting her usual control over him.


    "Darling, you''re overreacting. It''s just a piece of paper," Pyris tried to brush it off, but her threat had clearly worked on him.


    "Give it here!" Aurelia demanded, her expression determined. With a sigh of defeat, Pyris handed over the paper. As she unfolded it, her face twisted in surprise.


    "Huh? It''s¡­" she began, prompting Pyris to lean in closer.


    "It''s nk!" he eximed. Was she toying with him? If so, it wasn''t working.


    [Hey, are you familiar with nk checks?] Lia''s voice suddenly rang in Pyris'' head, and his eyes widened in realization.


    ''A nk invitation?'' he thought.


    [Exactly, she''s giving you everything. It''s up to you to decide what you take!] Lia rified.


    "See? I told you, it''s just a piece of paper," Pyris said, snatching it back before Aurelia could destroy it.


    "As if you knew it was nk!" Aurelia didn''t believe him for a second. "And why are you keeping it?"


    Pyris momentarily froze but quickly recovered. "I don''t want to bother you with destroying it. I''ll handle that," he said, though she wasn''t convinced. Still, she let it slide.


    ''Ican''t lose my ticket now, can I?'' Pyris muttered under his breath, ensuring the paper was securely in his pocket.


    *****


    Power stones dear readers. And I''m waiting for more of your reviews. Let''s go to the top guys.

 Chapter 32 Awkward Dining...

    After the final act of entertainment concluded, everyone returned to their seats and began eating the meals they had purchased. The food tasted especially exquisite today, enhanced by the appetizing entertainment that had preceded it.


    Pyris and Aurelia were the only ones left standing, scanning the area for a ce to eat. Pyris was dangerously fatigued after all thebat and activities, having expended a significant amount of energy fending off a Rank 6 like Ragna, and he urgently needed to replenish himself. Awakeneds could suppress their hunger only up to Rank 19; before that, they required more food than ordinary people.


    As Pyris''s eyes roamed the room, he smiled broadly when he spotted Vrie sitting alone in the corner. Without hesitation, he grabbed his sister''s hand.


    "Hello there, we meet again!" he said cheerfully. Aurelia raised an eyebrow, pinching his side, but Pyris remained unbothered.


    "Ahem What a surprise to see you again..." Vrie responded awkwardly, her gaze skirting away from Aurelia before she nodded in acknowledgment.


    Despite the earlier intense sex, Pyris acted as though everything were normal.


    "Mind if we sit? Unless, of course, you''re saving these seats for someone else," Pyris said, already settling himself into a chair, making the question seem somewhat redundant.


    Aurelia, slightly bewildered by his forwardness, quickly sat down beside him. Pyris faced away from the bulk of the cafeteria, while Aurelia and Vrie faced it.


    "Yes, everything''s fine..." Vrie muttered, still feeling the awkwardness linger.


    The situation felt strange¡ªshe had slept with this man only a few hours ago, the same man who had publicly humiliated her brother. And now, he wanted to share a meal with her.


    Yet the most unsettling aspect was¡­


    ''So much for avoiding him...'' she thought. But Vrie had already resolved that, no matter her emotions, her feelings for him would fade in time. It seemed the easier route, especially given the circumstances with their families. She was certain something was brewing outside the academy.


    "Very well, order whatever you''d like¡ªit''s on me. Sister, what do you want?" Pyris asked as he pressed the green button on the table. Within moments, a waiter appeared to take their orders.


    Before long, the waiter returned with others carrying their food, serving it with the ir of a high-end establishment. This level of service was avable to any student who could afford it. Such privileges often led those from modest backgrounds to befriend wealthier students who could easily pay for such luxuries without a breaking their pockets!


    A food trolley rolled up, bearing two roasted chickens and various side dishes, while another waiter carried their drinks¡ªyogurt and orange juice for Pyris, and a red smoothie for Vrie. Despite the awkwardness, Pyris had insisted she order.


    The world had long moved past discrimination based on racial differences, with each race''s unique traits bing widely epted. Dragons hoarding treasures, demons being more aggressive, and vampires needing to feed on blood were no longer seen as taboo.


    Vampires like Vrie could now openly enjoy red smoothies made of blood. The blood trade had flourished, with many choosing to sell their blood for money or even bing legal blood ves to vampires.


    Vrie''s red smoothie was made from dragon blood, and she drank it with satisfaction, the sweet taste soothing her nerves. Still, she couldn''t help but nce at Pyris''s neck.


    She hadn''t forgotten the taste of his blood earlier that morning. Her pulse quickened, and she took another sip to regainposure. Pyris winked at her, but she quickly looked away.


    Pyris made several attempts to strike up a conversation, but Vrie dismissed them, only heightening the awkward atmosphere. Sensing this, Aurelia kissed her brother''s cheek and made her exit, knowing lunch would end soon anyway.


    "See you after ss!" she called as she left, leaving Pyris and Vrie alone.


    Vrie shifted in her seat, clearly ufortable, while Pyris couldn''t ignore the strange tension any longer.


    "Val, what''s wrong?" he asked gently. "We were fine this morning, but now I don''t understand what''s changed. If something''s bothering you, tell me¡ªI''m here to listen."


    At the mention of their earlier encounter, Vrie tensed, her difort growing.


    "You''ll really listen?" she asked, her voiceced with uncertainty. Pyris nodded.


    "I will," he reassured her.


    "Good. Look, Pyris, I think we went off too hard this morning. I don''t think it''s right for me to keep thinking about starting a rtionship, especially with everything going on in our families. Please, leave me alone. Your presence is making me uneasy."


    Pyris remained outwardly calm, though inside he was reeling, unsure of what had gone wrong.


    "Is this because of the fight with your brother, or¡ª"


    Vrie shook her head firmly, cutting him off.


    "This has nothing to do with anyone else. It''s just me. I don''t like you or this rtionship. Please, understand that." Her voice trembled slightly, though she tried to remainposed.


    "What about us?" Pyris countered, gripping her hand gently. "You''re talking about yourself, but what about me?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "There was never an ''us,'' Pyris. You''re strong enough to handle this. You''re not some teenage boy," Vrie said, pulling her hand from his grasp and standing up. "Please, respect my decision and let me go."


    With that, she walked away, leaving Pyris sitting alone, staring at the now-empty seat.


    [Something''s wrong with her,] Lia said, her voice a quiet echo in his mind.


    "Exactly," Pyris muttered, his eyes still fixed on the spot where Vrie had been. "I saw it too. I''m not letting her suffer alone. I''ll figure out what''s really going on."


    He called for the waiter, settled the bill, and strode toward the exit, determined to uncover the truth, for now though, a peaceful of mind was a must!


    *****


    Power stones!!!!!!


    Unfortunately today, I don''t have any mention, no one emerged!

 Chapter 33 Mothers Orders & Emilia~

    Exiting the cafeteria with hurried steps, Pyris''s mind was heavy, weighed down by his earlier argument with Vrie. It had hit him harder than he expected, a bitter blow that left him searching for some kind of sce.


    He needed peace, rity¡ªsomewhere to escape the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. There was only one ce that could offer that kind offort, and that was where he headed now.


    He found his feet guiding him to the back of the academy, where the air felt fresher, and the grass, lush and green, cradled every step he took.


    A gentle wind stirred the leaves overhead, brushing across his face, bringing with it a sense of calm. With each passing second, his worries seemed to lighten, the soothing ambiance of nature pulling him away from the turmoil within.


    Pyris closed his eyes, allowing the serenity to wash over him.


    Walking deeper into the trees, where the grass was neatly maintained and thendscape seemed untouched by time, he found sce.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This part of the academy was quieter, more isted¡ªa ce where students asionally came to reflect, to enjoy the beauty of nature. It was hidden, almost secretive, with the sunlight filtering through the canopy in golden streams, illuminating the ground in patches of light.


    As Pyris moved further, the gentle crunch of twigs under his feet apanied his thoughts. The deeper he went, the darker the space became, though the beams of sunlight cutting through the leaves made the secluded area seem almost magical.


    [Are you really this upset?] Lia''s voice suddenly cut through the silence in his mind, her concern evident. Pyris shook his head, a faint smile on his lips as he heard hispanion''s familiar tone.


    "I''m not upset, just¡­ disturbed." Pyris scrolled through the system market in his mind, purchasing a pic mat with a few clicks.


    Heid it down on the soft grass, stretching out under the sun''s dappled rays. "I just don''t understand why Vrie made such a decision. I need to be alone, to think things through."


    "So, I''m not wee?" A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts, breaking the calm atmosphere. Pyris sat up, startled. He hadn''t heard anyone approaching, but the voice¡ªit was unmistakable.


    "Emilia?" he asked, squinting in her direction as the light filtered through the trees. "What are you doing here?"


    Stepping from the shadows, Emilia smiled, though there was a yful glint in her eyes. "Oh? And here I thought you''d forgotten all about me," she teased, her voice carrying a light, sing-song tone.


    "And why would you think that?" Pyris propped himself up on one elbow, looking her over with a small smile. "You''re far too important in my life to forget."


    "Huh, you''ve really got a way with words, I''ll give you that." She crossed her arms, standing a distance from him, her toneced with mock indignation.


    "But I''m not convinced. A whole month without a single text? You didn''t even tell me about your awakening. You really know how to ghost someone, don''t you, P?"


    Pyris sighed, knowing she was right. He had been distant, lost in the chaos of his responsibilities and projects, and Emilia, his closest confidant, had been neglected. But it wasn''t intentional.


    "I''m sorry," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "Thest few weeks have been insane, Emilia. My awakening, all the projects Mother''s thrown at me with virtual reality¡ªsometimes it feels like I haven''t had a second to breathe, let alone check in with you."


    Her expression softened at that, though her stance remained firm. Emilia had always been understanding, but she was also direct¡ªsomething he respected about her. She knew when to push and when to relent.


    "You always know how to disarm me," she admitted with a sigh, her yful annoyance fading. She stepped forward as Pyris motioned for her to join him on the mat. "But I won''t lie, you had me worried for a while there."


    As she settled next to him, Pyris couldn''t help but admire her. Emilia was breathtaking, her pink hued eyes catching the light in a way that made them appear almost luminescent, her purple hair cascading down her back.


    Today, she was dressed more modestly than usual, wearing a simple, loose dress that fell just below her knees. It was a contrast to the revealing outfits she usually donned, a reminder of her nature as a subus¡ªa demon who wielded charm and beauty like a weapon.


    But to him, Emilia was more than that. She was his personal secretary, his confidant, and the one person who knew all of his secrets.


    Over the years, they had grown close, and though there was an undeniable tension between them, they had never crossed certain boundaries.


    With her now sitting so close, her body heat radiating toward him, that tension felt more tangible than ever. Pyris, feeling bold, slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.


    Their bodies pressed together intimately, and for a moment, neither of them said a word. The silence between them was thick, charged with something more than just friendship.


    Emilia''s breath quickened, her lips parting slightly as her gaze locked with his. She had always been attracted to him, that much was clear. And now that Pyris was of age, that line between them, once carefully maintained, seemed to blur.


    They leaned in, their faces drawing closer, their breaths mingling as the gap between them closed. For a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered¡ªjust the two of them, alone in the quiet of the trees.


    But the soft chime of Pyris''s phone shattered the moment, its harsh ring pulling them back to reality. Emilia pulled away quickly, an awkward cough escaping her lips as she turned her head.


    Her dress strap slipped from her shoulder, revealing more of her cleavage, though she seemed too flustered to notice.


    Pyris cursed silently, pulling his phone from his pocket. The screen lit up with a message notification from his mother. His brow furrowed as he read the message, the confusion on his face clear.


    "I''ll be away on important matters for a while. You''re in charge of Obsidian Tech in my absence. Emilia will assist you in moving to your new ce while you''re still attending school. Don''t worry, the ce is close to both the academy and thepany. Take care of everything as I''ve taught you. And remember, thepany is your responsibility now."


    Pyris groaned audibly, the weight of the words sinking in. "What the actual hell?" he muttered, his mind racing.


    Emilia, sensing his tension, looked over his shoulder at the message. Before she could respond, her own phone buzzed with a call. She nced at the screen and saw it was from his mother.


    Without hesitation, Pyris grabbed the phone from her hand. "Mother!" he barked into the receiver. "What is this? I''m supposed to be attending school, not running apany!"


    On the other end, his mother''s voice was calm, unbothered by his outburst. "You were always meant for more than just attending school, Pyris. It''s time you stepped up. This is your destiny."


    Pyris sat back, exhaling sharply, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him once again.


    ******


    Should I re-edit all the first  chapter?


    ____Power stones are feul to our book to grow, send in more____

 Chapter 34 Mortal Realms Finnest.

    Emilia''s phone rang, and she quickly picked it up, her eyes scanning the room nervously. Before she could even say hello, Pyris appeared beside her and reached for the device, his hand extended expectantly.


    Without protest, Emilia handed the phone over. Pyris brought it to his ear, speaking out before Emberly, who was on the other side of the call, could say anything.


    "Mother! What''s the meaning of this? I''m supposed to be attending school, not managing businesses!" His voice carried more curiosity than anger. He knew well enough that his mother never made decisions without in-depth consideration¡ªespecially not when it came to him.


    There was silence from Emberly. Not a single word. For nearly a full minute, the line remained eerily quiet, causing Pyris to feel a tinge of anxiety creep in. He waited, brow furrowed, his mind racing through the possibilities.


    "Mother?" he called again, this time in a softer, almost pleading voice, one that made Emberly''s heart skip a beat on the other end. Her silence broke as a chuckle slipped from her lips, surprising Pyris. Her reply was anything but what he expected.


    "Well, my darling dear boy," she began, her voice affectionate but firm, "I''m going to be away for a while, and I don''t know how long it will take. Hopefully, it won''t be too long, but I can''t guarantee that. While I''m away, I need you to take care of something for me. Not all the businesses¡ªjust Obsidian Tech."


    Pyris'' brow furrowed further as his mother continued, each word sinking into his mind.


    "Our family carries a lot of responsibility, Pyris, and we''ve always handled it well. I''ve been doing this alone for a long time, but you''re more than ready to take on some of that burden. You''ve matured. You''re capable, and Obsidian Tech is where I need you to step in. It''s a heavy responsibility, I know, but you''re a genius, and I trust that you can handle this onepany while I''m gone."


    "But, Mother¡ª" Pyris started to protest, but Emberly cut him off.


    "I know, I know, Pyris. You have school and a life, which is why I''m only giving you Obsidian Tech. As the motherpany, it requires our direct control. There''s no one I trust with it more than you. Between technology and leadership, you''ve surpassed me in many ways! You''ll do well.


    And while you''re at it, I need you to uproot all the scum and any threats trying to take over from within. It''s all in your hands now! Take care of it... and take care of yourself."


    She paused, her tone softening slightly as she added, "Now, without another word, give the phone back to Emilia."


    Pyris stood there for a moment, unable to find a response. He knew better than to argue with her; after all, Emberly had been training him for this role since he was five. She was grooming him for this very responsibility, and luckily for her, Pyris had taken to it like a natural.


    His love for technology and his superior leadership skills had made him excel far beyond her expectations. By the age of fourteen, Pyris had already surpassed his mother in most aspects of their world¡ªexcept for her expertise in anatomy and physiology.


    He hadn''t pursued those studies deeply, and Emberly hadn''t pushed him either. She already had a better candidate for that: Anastasia.


    Anastasia, with her high affinity for Life elements, had beenpared to the legendary Elves. She had earned the title of the Dragon of Life and Resurrection.


    Emberly had passed down her legacy to Anastasia, though the girl had little interest in the family businesses. Still, Anastasia was always ready to lend her aid if it was ever required.


    ____


    As Emilia spoke to his mother, a gnawing sense of unease began to grow in Pyris. Something about this whole situation didn''t sit right with him. His mother''s reasons, her calm exnation¡ªthey were too well-practiced, too... fake. She was lying to him.


    He could feel it in his gut, but the more he tried to understand why she would lie, the more his mind spiraled into anxiety.


    [I don''t think it''s helping to overthink this,] a voice suddenly chimed in his head. It was Lia, his system''s spirit. For some reason, she supported his mother''s sudden request. [You should just do as she says.]


    Pyris shook his head. "I''m not the type of person to blindly follow orders, especially when they don''t make sense. I don''t intend to go against her, after all, this is an opportunity for me, but that doesn''t mean I''m not going to investigate why she''s lying to me."


    He paused, the wheels in his brain turning faster than ever. "There''s only one reason I can think of. She''s trying to get back at me for something, while also benefiting from it."


    Little did he know how true his assumption was. Emberly was indeed upset after receiving a particr message from Vrie, but Pyris had no way of knowing that. At least, not yet. He''d have to dig deeper, though it wouldn''t be easy putting the puzzle together.


    [And why would she do that?] Lia interrupted, her voice incredulous. [You''re being delusional.]


    Pyris chuckled to himself, leaning back. "That''s why they consider me the smartest person in the mortal realm, though it''s a well-kept secret." He paused, knowing full well that Lia wouldn''t see through Emberly''s lies the way he did.


    "My IQ isn''t at 500 for no reason."


    Lia groaned, a sarcasm disbelief evident in her tone. [Oh please! A 500 IQ? Give me a break! There''s only so much someone can brag about!]


    Pyris didn''t argue. Instead, he opened his mindpletely, giving Lia full ess to his thoughts. Every process, every flicker of cognition, was now avable for her to examine.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gor a moment, there was silence.


    Then came the scream.


    [STOPPPP!!!]Lia''s voice was frantic as her presence was suddenly expelled from Pyris'' mind. He couldn''t help but smirk. The system''s notification followed quickly.


    [Ding! System spirit unavable.]


    Pyris sighed. "How could she handle the thoughts of someone who can process 500 thoughtsin a single second?" He let out another sigh before closing his mind off once more, returning to his usual practice of only using a quarter of his mental capacity.


    He had to be careful. Using his brain to its fullest extent wasn''t dangerous for him, but for those around him. When his mind was unshielded, he viewed other people as little more than pests¡ªinsignificant distractions.


    If he wasn''t careful, he would lose himselfpletely in that state, and seclusion would be his only option.


    "Until I be a Rank 20 Awakened," he murmured to himself, "I''ll only use what I can control. At that level, I should be in fullmand of myself."


    Just then, Emilia finished her conversation and disconnected the call. She turned to Pyris, bowing slightly as a sign of respect, given his position.


    "I''m sorry, Pyris. We''ll have to cut our time short for now. I''ll send you the location of your new house shortly. See you there."


    "Wait, Emilia," Pyris called out before she could leave. "What were you doing at the academy?"


    Smiling faintly, Emilia answered, her eyes shing with a secret she wasn''t ready to reveal just yet.

 Chapter 35 One Lucky Maid...

    Pyris nced at Emilia, instantly recognizing the yful glint in her eyes. A familiar smile tugged at her lips¡ªthe kind that always made him brace for what wasing.


    "Can''t the world''s top genius guess something as simple as this?" she teased, stepping closer, her arms sliding around his neck. The warmth of her yful taunt reached deeper than just words¡ªit struck right at his heart.


    "Emilia, you''re going to be the death of me, you know that?" he groaned, taking the opportunity to snake his arms around her slender waist.


    His hands seemed to find their rightful ce, holding her close as the heat from her body seeped through the fabric of her dress, setting him alight. With a firm grip, he pulled her even closer, savoring the moment.


    But Emilia, ever the tease, wasn''t about to let him win so easily.


    With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she expertly slipped from his grasp, creating a frustrating distance between them. Pyris was left standing there, his arms empty, longing for her touch.


    "As always, you won''t even try to guess. I hate it!" she pouted, feigning disappointment. Pyris knew better¡ªher act was designed to lure him in further. And as always, it worked. Seeing her adorable, wronged expression made him want to move mountains for her. He''d defy the world, let alone give in to her harmless teasing.


    "Not true! I was just thinking about why you might be at the academy. Let''s see¡­" Pyris pretended to ponder, enjoying the sight of her excited smile as she waited for his response.


    "A peck if I guess right¡ªdeal?" he added with a sly grin. After all, he was no genius for nothing. Why miss out on the chance for a reward from just a simple guess?


    "Deal! But it wouldn''t be fair if I didn''t get something in return too. And I''m not taking ''no'' for an answer!" Her challenge told him everything he needed to know.


    This wasn''t going to be a simple matter, and her reason for being at the academy hadyers he wasn''t seeing yet. So, he yed along, deliberately failing a few guesses while she gleefully watched him squirm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When he finally gave in, Emilia revealed the truth he had been waiting for. She had been invited to be the academy''s new tech assistant teacher, a role she had considered epting. She would''ve taken it, too, if not for Emberly''s different ns for her.


    "I was going to do it, you know," she said, her tone light yet regretful. "Would''ve been a nice excuse to see you more often. But now¡­ I''m not interested. Thanks to Emberly!" Her words hung in the air, her smile still teasing, still holding him under her spell.


    Emilia made sure to get thestugh, as usual. Before he could process her revtion, she took the game one step further, teasing him until his frustration built to a painful peak.


    When she finally fled, leaving him in his pent-up state, Pyris cursed under his breath. Being left with a hard-on and nothing to satisfy it was a torment she knew all too well how to inflict.


    With no other choice, Pyris let nature take its course as his body slowly calmed down. Once the tension eased, he returned to the academy building for the final event of the day: the Obsidian Roar.


    ____


    Emilia, meanwhile, arrived at the mansion. The helicopter touched down softly on the heripad at the back, where a familiar trio waited for her¡ªEmberly, Anastasia, and Pyris'' maid, Rose, dressed in her charmingly adorable uniform.


    Thete-afternoon sun bathed them in golden light, their clothes rippling and hair dancing in the wind stirred by the helicopter''s des.


    They stood in silence as Emilia emerged, walking with calm confidence, utterly unbothered by the windy chaos around her.


    She had dressed the part for her arrival¡ªan elegant white dress that hugged her body gently, the hem falling just to her knees. Her purse dangled in one hand, while the other clutched a white envelope. Unfortunately for her admirers, there were no men around to witness her allure today.


    Anastasia was the first to break the silence, shouting yfully over the fading roar of the helicopter. "Emilia, are you sure you''re okay in that outfit? I''m worried!"


    Her words found their way through the wind, reaching Emilia''s ears with ease. The subus smiled, a soft, innocent expression, directed particrly at Emberly. "I don''t know what you''re talking about, Annie!" she replied sweetly as she approached the group.


    The moment she stood before Emberly, Anastasia, and Rose, she bowed slightly to Emberly. "Greetings, Master," Emilia said formally, though Emberly barely reacted, rolling her eyes at the unnecessary formality.


    "That''s enough of that," Emberly snapped, extending her hand impatiently. "Hand it over." Without further ado, she snatched the envelope and briskly retreated to the house, leaving Emilia with the others.


    With Emberly gone, Emilia turned to Anastasia, her smile vanishing into a look of mild distress. "Hey, Annie, you''re not trying to get your mother to kill me, are you? That''s not your goal, right?" she whispered anxiously, clearly not wanting Emberly''s sharp ears to pick up on their conversation.


    "No, no, I just hate seeing you in ufortable clothes every time you meet her. Just act natural around her. She''s not going to bite," Anastasia reassured her with a yful smirk.


    "No way! I don''t even want to imagine what she''d do if she found out how I dress when I''m around her son!" Emilia shivered, a mix of fear and amusement.


    Emberly was known to be protective of Pyris, and the thought of being on her bad side wasn''t a pleasant one.


    "But your outfits have nothing to do with Pyris," Anastasia pressed, trying to ease her friend''s nerves. "So there''s nothing to be afraid of. Just be yourself."


    Emilia, however, stayed silent, her lips sealed as if refusing to risk even a small slip. Rose, who had been quietly watching, chuckled to herself, clearly understanding what Emilia didn''t want to admit.


    As Pyris'' maid, she had seen enough to know exactly what was going on.


    "Nice to see you again, Assistant Emilia," Rose greeted her warmly, offering a polite smile.


    "Hoho, if it isn''t our One Lucky Maid," Emilia teased back with a yful bow, making Rose blush.


    "Don''t tease me like that!" Rose replied,ughing softly.


    Watching the two interact, Anastasia couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. "Wait¡­ How did you two get so close?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.


    "It''s your loss for not being home much, Annie," Emilia quipped, clearly unwilling to spill the details.


    "Whatever," Anastasia huffed, before her curiosity resurfaced. "But what''s this ''One Lucky Maid'' thing?"


    Rose, clearly embarrassed, quickly excused herself, fleeing toward the house. Emiliaughed softly before exining. "Rose is famous among the other maids. She''s known as the ''One Lucky Maid'' because she''s Pyris'' personal attendant. You wouldn''t believe how popr she''s be now that she''s going to follow the young lord to his new ce."


    Anastasia''s eyes widened in amusement, and the two of themughed, watching as Rose disappeared into the mansion.


    *****


    We''re soon stepping into politics and business intertwined with magis, power, control, lust, immortals and gods! Buckle up!

 Chapter 36 House Obsidian Sigil...

    With everyone settled in the grand living room, Emberly sat opposite the others, her expression unreadable as she carefully reviewed the document Emilia had handed her. Her stoic demeanor left the others in the room unsure of what thoughts simmered beneath herposed exterior.


    On the polished mahogany table between themy a pristine white envelope, its fine material underscoring the importance it carried.


    Embossed on the envelope was the formidable sigil of House Obsidian: a colossal ck dragon, its body coiled tightly as it bit down on its spiked tail, its enormous wings stretched outward in a show of dominance.


    The very presence of the symbolmanded attention and respect, a testament to the power the family wielded.


    Exuding an aura of authority, Emberly crossed one leg over the other with a fluid grace, her movements measured and deliberate.


    Without a word, she tossed the document onto the table, her eyes locking onto Emilia and Rose. The temperature in the room seemed to drop under the weight of her icy, noble gaze, sending an almost tangible shiver through Emilia and Rose, who sat with bated breath.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Mhmm~" Emberly began coolly, her voiceced with control, "Good job, Emmy. Send it to the press immediately. I trust you''ve informed the executives¡ªthe old men¡ªabout their new boss?" Emilia nodded fervently in response, her hands sped tightly in herp.


    "Good. I have no further instructions. Pyris will manage things from here. If those stubborn fools resist, he will know exactly what to do without my telling him." Her tone was dismissive yet confident, her trust in Pyris unmistakable.


    Emilia quickly skimmed through the document once more, her eyes settling on the final page where Emberly''s signature was boldly inscribed: Emberly Obsidian, Director and current CEO of Obsidian Tech.


    A name thatmanded respect and fear alike. The signature that, in a matter of hours, would no longer carry the weight of CEO but solely Director. And once the news broke, the business world would tremble.


    ____


    Emilia and Rose flew back to the city, the night skyline glittering beneath them. They were en route to Pyris, who awaited them at his other estate. Rose, beside herself with excitement, could barely contain her joy.


    She had long admired Pyris, and the opportunity to work from wherever he went thrilled her beyond measure.


    At Obsidian Tech''s headquarters, the atmosphere was tense. The most influential figures in the Obsidian business empire had gathered around the oval table in the executive conference room.


    Some sat stiffly, their nerves palpable; others exuded calm indifference, their expressions carefully neutral. Yet, all were united by one thing: uncertainty.


    None dared to voice their thoughts, for fear of being wrong in front of their peers or, worse, the higher-ups.


    The unmistakable sound of heels clicking against the polished marble floor echoed ominously, sending ripples through the room.


    Every executive knew exactly who was approaching¡ªthe notorious Emilia, assistant to the young heir of House Obsidian. Though her position wasn''t one of direct power, her proximity to the family, especially to Emberly, had earned her a reputation of cold efficiency and quiet ruthlessness.


    A hush fell over the room as Emilia entered, her mere presencemanding the attention of even the most seasoned veterans. Despite the room''s elite standing, they stood in recognition of her influence¡ªperhaps out of respect, or more likely, fear.


    Draped in a long wool coat, Emilia exuded an almost regal elegance as she made her way to her seat at the head of the table. With a fluid motion, she shrugged off her coat and draped it over the back of the chair, taking her ce as if she belonged above them all.


    She gave a dry, sarcastic smile before speaking. "Ahem, I trust everyone is enjoying their day?" Theck of formality in her tone was deliberate, a clear statement that she held the power here, despite her title.


    Without waiting for a response, she continued, "As the executives of Obsidian Tech, you deserve to be informed, directly, on behalf of the Madame."


    With deliberate slowness, she reached into her bag and produced the envelope. The moment they saw the Obsidian sigil stamped on the papers, the room collectively stiffened.


    That sigil represented something monumental¡ªsomething that could shake not only Obsidian Tech but the entire conglomerate of businesses that fell under the Obsidian umbre.


    The silence was thick as the CEOs of other Obsidian-affiliated businesses, who had been summoned for this historic moment, leaned forward, straining to catch every word. Some had spected on what was toe, but none had dared to voice it aloud.


    Could it be a change in leadership? A shift in power? The thought alone sent waves of unease through the room.


    Emilia''s eyes scanned the faces of those present, a slow smile ying on her lips. She savored the moment¡ªafter all, it wasn''t every day that such an announcement was made.


    The individuals before her were titans in the business world, controlling markets and industries that shaped the economy. But today, she sat above them, if only as a messenger for Emberly.


    "As you all know," she began, her voice steady andmanding, "House Obsidian has long reigned over these businesses, shaping the future with unmatched brilliance and power. Today marks a new chapter."


    She paused, relishing the tension, before delivering the words that would alter the course of Obsidian Tech''s future: "Pyris Obsidian will take his ce as the new CEO."


    ____


    The aftermath of the announcement sent shockwaves through the business world. News outlets scrambled to cover the story, with articles and opinion pieces flooding the inte.


    The businessmunity buzzed with whispers, many casting doubt on Pyris''s ability to lead such a vast empire.


    "He''s brilliant, I''ll give him that. The inventions that havee out of Obsidian Tech in the past few years? Unbelievable. But running the entirepany? That''s a different beast altogether," muttered the CEO of Obsidian Mines, his words dripping with skepticism.


    "Exactly," agreed another executive, voice rising slightly. "This isn''t some small family business. This is the backbone of every Obsidian enterprise! Giving it to a boy¡ªit feels more like a gift from a doting mother than a calcted decision."


    "Keep it down," hissed Abaddon Yres, the CEO of Obsidian Logistics. "You never know who''s listening." Abaddon''s gaze swept the room, wary of prying ears. "But even I have to admit, this is¡­ surprising."


    And so the whispers continued, both within thepany and outside its walls. Doubts gued even the most powerful figures in the Obsidian Empire.


    But while they whispered, the world watched, and Pyris prepared to take the reins of an empire that stretched far beyond the mortal realm''s imagination.


    His every move would be scrutinized, and his sess or failure could shape the fate of the entire Obsidian dynasty.


    *****


    You guys know what to do, pump on the power stones and reviews


    *****


    I humbly ask you to check the out my other books, and the new one is something you won''t be disappointed!

 Chapter 37 A Succubuss Confession

    The day had started with the promise of something new, but Pyris hadn''t expected it to take such an unexpected turn. Walking through the quiet halls of the academy, his mind buzzed with the weight of his growing fame.


    Students everywhere seemed to praise him, not for who he was, but for what he represented: the new CEO of Obsidian Tech, the figurehead of apany that had reshaped the mortal world with advanced technology.


    Yet despite the admiration, Pyris found himself wishing to disappear¡ªif only for a moment.


    ["You can''t me them, Pyris,"] Lia chimed in, her voice soft but filled with knowing. ["Your family''spany has made magicians and warriors across Argos dependent on your products. It''s no wonder they treat you like a walking opportunity."]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lia wasn''t wrong. Obsidian Tech was a titan in the world of magical artifacts and technological advancements.


    Their spatial storage artifacts alone were a game-changer, not to mention the beast sensors and advanced weaponry that magicians preferred over ancient tools. But poprity, Pyris realized, came with a price.


    "They''re all looking for a way in," Pyris muttered under his breath as he walked through the empty corridor toward the Obsidian Roar club hall. "They''re just waiting for the chance to gain something from me or my family."


    ["The cost of being at the top, Pyris,"] Lia whispered with amusement. ["Fame is a double-edged sword."]


    As he turned a corner, lost in thought, something unexpected happened. A hand suddenly yanked him inside a nearby room, the door mming shut behind him with a force that startled him.


    Before he could even react, a voice¡ªsultry and familiar¡ªcut through the air.


    "Hey there, handsome~"


    Pyris blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim light, and his gaze fell upon Liez¡ªthe seductive subus from the Demon Empire. Her red eyes, glowing with a pink hue, shimmered mischievously as she smiled at him.


    Her fingers trailed over his body with a gentle, teasing touch, her nails grazing his skin just enough to send a shiver down his spine.


    "Jealous, are we?" Liez whispered, her voice dripping with allure as she circled him, her white dress barely containing her curvaceous figure.


    Her subus nature was hard to ignore¡ªher beauty was designed to intoxicate men.


    But Pyris had long developed resistance to her charms. This wasn''t the first time she''d tried to seduce him, and it likely wouldn''t be thest.


    "Liez," Pyris began, his voice holding a mix of frustration and amusement. "Still trying to pull this on me?"


    "Only if I thought you''d fall for it," she said, pouting yfully. "But you''re stronger than that, Pyris. You always are."


    Her seductive tone made his heart race, but Pyris didn''t lose hisposure. "You can save the act," he said, his voice steady. "I''ve got too much going on to y around right now."


    Liez''s hands trailed up his chest as she pinned him lightly against the wall. Her movements were slow and deliberate, but something was different today.


    Despite the usual flirtation in her voice, Pyris could sense a shift in her demeanor. Her touch wasn''t as forceful as usual, and her red eyes didn''t hold the same maniptive gleam.


    "What''s going on, Liez?" Pyris asked, frowning slightly. "You''re not acting like yourself."


    She let out a soft, resigned sigh and looked up at him. "That''s because I''m not here to chase after you like I always do."


    Her words caught him off guard, but before he could respond, she continued, her voice softer than he had ever heard before. "Pyris, I''ve thought about it. I''m done chasing you around, hoping for some casual fling. I''ve realized something."


    Pyris blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. "What are you talking about?"


    Liez''s hands, which had been teasing his chest just moments ago, slowly slid down to her sides. Her eyes softened, her usual fiery confidence fading as she leaned her head against his chest, her body trembling slightly.


    "I love you, Pyris," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I''ve always loved you. But I know that if I keep chasing after you like this... it''ll never be what I want. I''ll never have you the way I need to."


    Pyris stared at her in shock. Liez, the ever-confident subus, was confessing her feelings¡ªfeelings that Pyris hadn''t expected to hear.


    "I''ve always thought that I could get you through desire," she continued, her voice fragile now. "But even if we kept having sex, even if you gave me what I wanted, it would never be enough. You wouldn''t love me the way I love you."


    For the first time, Pyris saw Liez as more than just a seductress. She wasn''t just trying to manipte him with lust. She was vulnerable, and her feelings were real.


    Pyris felt something shift inside him, something that he hadn''t acknowledged before. He gently ced his arms around her, pulling her close in a hug.


    Her body shuddered slightly in his embrace, and he could feel her emotions¡ªraw and honest¡ªfor the first time.


    "You''re not just some casual fling to me either, Liez," Pyris said softly, his voice carrying more warmth than he''d expected. "I never wanted our rtionship to be just about sex. I was waiting for the right moment... but maybe I was waiting too long."


    Liez looked up at him, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. "Do you really mean that?"


    Pyris gave her a small, reassuring smile before leaning down to kiss her softly on the lips¡ªa gentle kiss that sent a wave of warmth through both of them. It was brief but tender, and when it ended, Liez''s breath hitched as she looked up at him in awe.


    "More," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please... more."


    Pyris chuckled at her request, his heart warming at her vulnerability. "Take it, then. As much as you want."


    Liez didn''t need any more encouragement. With a soft gasp, she leaned in and captured his lips in a deeper, more passionate kiss. This time, her tongue darted between his lips, tasting him, savoring him.


    Pyris pulled her closer by the waist, his body reacting to her touch, his suppressed feelings for her rising to the surface.


    As they kissed, Pyris''s hands gently roamed her back, tracing the curves of her slim yet powerful body. She fit perfectly in his arms, and for the first time in a long time, Pyris allowed himself to fully embrace what he felt for her.


    "Mhmm~" Liez moaned softly into his mouth, the kiss deepening as they both gave in to the emotions that had been bubbling beneath the surface for so long.


    Her hands threaded through his hair, pulling him closer as their bodies pressed together.


    For a moment, the world outside the small room disappeared. It was just the two of them¡ªno responsibilities, no fame, no family legacies...


    Just Pyris and Liez, finally acknowledging the feelings they had kept hidden for so long.


    But as the passion began to build, Liez suddenly pulled back, her breathing in shallow gasps.


    "Wait," she whispered, cing a hand on his chest. "Not yet. Not like this."


    Pyris frowned, his mind still clouded with desire. "Liez, what¡ª?"


    "I want to wait," she said, her voice firm but soft. "I want our first time to be... different. Not like before. I want it to be real. Pure."


    Pyris blinked in surprise, but then a slow smile spread across his lips. "You''re serious, aren''t you?"


    Liez nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I am. This time... I want it to be about love. Not just desire."


    Pyris''s heart swelled with respect for her decision, and he nodded in agreement. "Alright, Liez. We''ll wait. But when the timees... it''ll be worth it."


    Liez smiled, relief washing over her as she rested her head against his chest once more.


    *****


    One review... If you guys want a side story (background story) how Pyris and Liez knew each other!

 Chapter 38 Second Heaven Decree!

    The quiet room seemed to thicken with tension as Pyris let out a long sigh, his mind weighed down by thoughts he could no longer ignore. For so long, his ambitions had been straightforward: magic and technology, the two pirs that had driven him since childhood.


    But as Liez gently pressed him against the wall, her sultry demeanor reced with an unusual air of seriousness, Pyris knew this conversation would lead him to confront a deeper truth.


    "Pyris," Liez murmured, her voice soft yet firm, "you''re not fit to handle a subus, not with all the weight you''re carrying on your mind."


    Pyris felt her words pierce through his frustration, his mind racing with the truth of it. He could scoff at it if he wanted to, but she was right.


    Liez leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, "Let''s cure that troubled mind of yours, shall we?"


    For a moment, Pyris''s mood soured¡ªhe didn''t want to face his troubles, not now. But Liez knew him too well. She wasn''t here to seduce him, not this time. She hade to help, and Pyris could feel the weight of her words settling in his chest.


    "You know," Liez whispered again, sensing his reluctance, "I came here to help because I thought you needed it. With all this new responsibility... running thepany, the empire, your family..." She pulled back slightly, smiling softly at him. "I didn''te for me this time, Pyris. I came for you."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Intrigued, Pyris cocked an eyebrow. "Alright, then," he said, his expression softening as he gazed at her. "What''s going on inside that pretty head of yours?"


    Liez''s red eyes glowed softly, her smile turning radiant as she leaned back against the wall. Her tone became more thoughtful, contemtive. "You once told me your only real desire was magic and technology, right? But I''ve been thinking about that, Pyris. Technology, sure... I get that.


    You''ve always been passionate about it. But why magic? Why the obsession?"


    Pyris stared at her, the question hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. He hadn''t expected this conversation to take such a turn. For a moment, he was silent, deep in thought, as memories from his past resurfaced¡ªhis early passion for technology, the desire to create a better world, to leave his mark. But magic?


    Magic was different.


    He took a deep breath, his mind piecing together the answer. "I grew up loving technology because it gave me control... a way to shape the world, to make it better, more efficient. But the world... it''s not as kind as I once thought it was. It''s full of selfishness, brutality...


    and magic? Magic is the power that allows the strong to rule."


    Pyris''s voice grew darker, his eyes narrowing as old memories resurfaced. "I don''t want my mother to protect us all alone anymore. I refuse to let my family''s long-standing legacy end with me. And I definitely won''t let people like Ss harm us again¡ªnot while I''m still breathing."


    Liez listened intently as he spoke, her gaze never leaving his. She could feel the intensity of his words, the weight of his convictions. Pyris wasn''t just ying a role in this world. He was determined to reshape it.


    "So, my obsession with both technology and magic is the same," Pyris continued, his tone firm. "Both are paths to power. The deeper I go into technology, the more I see itmands power, just like magic. I made a vow to use everything I have to protect my family and the people I care about."


    For a moment, the room fell silent as Liez absorbed his words. There was a fierce conviction in Pyris''s voice¡ªone that was deeply rooted in who he was, who he had be.


    Liez shifted, her usual yful demeanor gone. "Pyris, darling... You''re honorable. Your desire to protect those you love is something I admire. I can only hope to be one of them." She paused, her tone bing more serious. "But you''re still too naive for someone of your stature in Argos."


    Pyris blinked, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"


    Liez''s eyes darkened slightly as she spoke. "You''re focused on people like Ss¡ªhe''s not even worth your time. There are far greater threats waiting in the shadows, watching your family''s brilliance grow brighter, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."


    Her words hit Pyris harder than he expected. He had thought about threats, of course, but Ss... he had always felt like a looming presence in the back of Pyris''s mind. But now, hearing Liez speak so gravely about other dangers, Pyris felt a flicker of doubt.


    ["She has a point, Pyris,"] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind. ["Ss may have been the beginning, but there are muchrger threats waiting. You need to think bigger."]


    Liez leaned in closer, her eyes glowing with a dangerous intensity. "Ss is a pawn, Pyris. Someone far more dangerous is pulling the strings. Your family''s influence has reached into the Immortal Realm, and you know it. Tell me, is someone like Ss really worth your concern?"


    Pyris was quiet for a moment, shaking his head. "No... I guess not. But if he was a pawn, then who''s ying the game?"


    Liez sighed, her voice softening as she caressed his cheek. "That''s what you need to figure out. Pyris, even the smartest and strongest among us have demons. Ss has been one of yours for too long, and it''s clouding your judgment."


    Pyris''s expression shifted, a mix of frustration and realization crossing his face. "I''ve let him get to me more than I should have, haven''t I?"


    "I''m afraid so," Liez whispered. "But you''re not alone in that. We all have our weak spots, Pyris. It''s nothing to be ashamed of."


    Pyris sat down, running his hand through his hair as he thought about everything. "I have so much more to aplish," he muttered. "The enemies will only grow more dangerous the higher my family rises."


    Liez nodded, her expression grim. "Even the Dragon Imperial Family has their sights on your family''s power. They''re afraid of your mother... but not enough to stay out of it forever."


    Pyris''s jaw clenched. He knew this. The Dragons had always been interested in gaining more influence over Obsidian Tech. But now that his mother had stepped back, leaving the reins to him, they would see it as an opportunity to tighten their grip.


    "And it''s not just the Dragons," Liez continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The Vampires, the Humans, the Demons... They''re all nning in the shadows. They''ll wait for the right moment to strike. Your family is too powerful to ignore."


    They both sank into the couch, their minds sinking even deeper into the storm of thoughts swirling around them. The weight of the world seemed to hang on Pyris''s shoulders, but now, with Liez beside him, he felt like he could see the bigger picture.


    "So where are you in all of this?" Pyris asked quietly, his voice low. "Your ''family'' is soon going to scheme against mine. I don''t want you caught in the crossfire."


    Liez smiled softly, resting her hand on his chest. "You worry too much, darling. My connection to the Chaos Demons of Beginning is thin. Only my sister is tied to them through marriage, and I can distance myself easily. Besides, I''ve always been loyal to you, Pyris. I won''t betray you."


    Pyris nodded, his heart easing slightly. But before he could say anything more, Liez''s expression darkened, and her voice dropped to a near whisper.


    "But your worries shouldn''t stop at the mortal realm, Pyris. There''s something bigger on the horizon. I think we''re about to witness another Heaven Decree."


    The words sent a chill down Pyris''s spine. Even Lia seemed stunned into silence as the room trembled slightly.


    *******


    Lia''s voice might change to ["..."] Forever so that we can distinguish her from the systempletely!


    Power stones guys. I want you motivation, I''m putting alot of effort and I want to see the appreciation, a revtion that you guys enjoyed the work.


    If stone are too much thenment and let me know what you think and give your reviews.

 Chapter 39 You Can Rule The Goldy Realm!

    "But your worries should go beyond the mortal realm, darling. I think we''re on the verge of witnessing another Heaven Decree," Liez said, her figure shuddering at the mere mention of those two words.


    The phrase Heaven Decree was enough to send a chill down anyone''s spine. The mortal realm had been irrevocably scarred by thest Heaven Decree, and the very mention of it made thunder seem to rumble in one''s ears. It was a cmity no one dared speak of lightly, especially not in front of an Obsidian.


    For House Obsidian, those words carried far more weight than for others. Their family had been a prime target during that dark time, and the impact had lingered for centuries. If it were within Emberly''s power, she would have sought revenge long ago.


    Seventy percent, if not more, of the mortal realm despised and med the Obsidians for what happened during that ancient conflict. However, only a brave few, like Ss, dared to voice their hatred openly.


    And yet, despite the simmering resentment, ny-five percent of the poption was dependent on the Obsidians'' influence, their business empire, and the technology they controlled.


    The Obsidians had a stranglehold on the mortal realm''s development, and as much as people might hate them, they could not afford to sever that rtionship.


    "Why do you think that, Liez?" Pyris asked, his expression contemtive. He had his own concerns, but he hadn''t thought anyone outside the family would see things the same way. Especially not someone as disconnected from the internal affairs of House Obsidian as Liez.


    "Why haven''t you thought of it, Pyris?" Liez asked in return, her gaze steady as if she couldn''t believe how dense he was being. "I mean, why would the gods concern themselves with us now? Compared to our ancient glory, we''re barely a shadow of what we used to be." Pyris thought


    She wasn''t wrong. Most viewed the Obsidians as a relic of the past, a family that had lost much of its influence, and Emberly, for all her power, was no longer even among the top three most powerful individuals in the mortal realm.


    No one in the Obsidian family was a threat to the gods¡ªnot anymore. And yet, Liez''s words gnawed at him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Exactly," Pyris muttered. "Compared to the gods, we''re nothing now. Why would they even consider us a threat?"


    [But everyone is forgetting one crucial detail...] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, low and serious.


    "But everyone''s missing one crucial thing," Liez continued, her voice firm. "...In the ancient era, when your family was at its height, you didn''t have the mortal realm dancing in your hands the way you do now! Your family''s influence has grown through means the gods never anticipated¡ªtechnology. Right now, House Obsidian controls the very tools that most mortals rely on.


    That alone is enough to rm them."


    Pyris''s brow furrowed as Liez''s words sank in. Lia didn''t stop there, though.


    [Technology has always been a threat to the gods, but now that your family is using it to bypass the limitations of magic, they will consider you a danger far greater than raw magical power alone. The gods will fear whates next.


    They''ll suspect you''re aiming to create something even they cannot control. Soldiers that don''t need ascension? The creation of bloodlines? Immortality without divine intervention? These are the fears that will drive them to call for another Heaven Decree.]


    Pyris''s chest tightened as Lia spoke. The gods would never leave the Obsidians in peace. Their family had long been branded as dangerous, and with their rise through technology, the gods would see them as an even greater threat.


    House Obsidian was no longer just a ck sheep¡ªit was a threat that could no longer be ignored.


    "They can''t leave us alone, can they?" Pyris muttered, frustration bubbling up in his voice. Though he didn''t expect an answer, Liez provided one anyway.


    "It''s worse than that," she said, her voice lowering. "It''s not just the gods. The Immortals are getting involved too."


    Pyris''s eyes widened. [What does she mean?] Lia asked in his mind before he could vocalize the question.


    "The Immortals?" Pyris repeated, disbelief creeping into his tone.


    "You haven''t heard, have you?" Liez sighed, giving him a disapproving nce. "You''ve been too preupied with running thepany, haven''t you?"


    Pyris clenched his jaw, realizing how out of touch he''d been. He had been so focused on the mortal realm''s affairs, on protecting his family from mundane threats like Ss, that he hadn''t noticed the storm brewing on arger scale.


    "Recently, an envoy arrived from the Immortal Realm. They''ve been seen in the Beast Nation of all ces, and whispers say it''s a group of four powerful Immortals. My sister confirmed the rumors. She wanted me to warn you. She thought you''d already be aware of their presence."


    Immortals? In the mortal realm? Pyris felt the weight of this revtion sinking in. It wasn''t just the gods watching anymore¡ªImmortals were making moves too.


    "Your sister still cares, doesn''t she?" Pyris asked with a hint of humor, though he couldn''t shake the unease building inside him.


    "Of course she does," Liez replied, rolling her eyes. "But she also knows how dangerous things are bing. ording to her, the Immortals are interested in Obsidian Tech, but they haven''t made their intentions known to your family yet. And trust me, when they do, it''s not going to be as simple as an investment."


    Pyris''s mind spun. He wasn''t just dealing with mortal enemies orpetitors now. His family had caught the attention of the very beings that ruled over the immortal and godly realms. And those beings didn''t toleratepetition¡ªespecially not from mortals.


    "Everyone wants a piece of us," Pyris muttered bitterly. "Or worse, they want to wipe us out entirely."


    "You need to understand something, Pyris," Liez said, her tone turning grave. "In the Godly Realm, your family are seen as viins. And if you don''t see yourselves as that, you''re going to lose everything. You''re no hero. There are no heroes left in this world. Only those who survive and those who fall."


    Her words cut deep, but Pyris couldn''t deny their truth.


    "If you don''t im what''s rightfully yours, Pyris, the gods and the Immortals will take it from you. All of it. They''re not going to let you y nice. They''reing for everything you have, and if you don''t act, they will devour you. Don''t fool yourself into thinking otherwise. The time for passivity is over."


    Pyris was silent, her words settling heavily in his heart. Everything she said was true. He had been ying it safe for too long, holding back his true potential. But there was no room for restraint anymore.


    The gods, the Immortals, the powers that be¡ªthey wouldn''t rest until House Obsidian was crushed beneath their feet. If he wanted to protect his family, if he wanted to preserve their legacy, he had to take the offensive.


    Liez turned on her heel and left the room, leaving Pyris to grapple with his own thoughts.


    [She''s right,] Lia whispered in his mind. [There are no heroes left in this world. Only survivors. And if you don''t act soon, you won''t be one of them.]


    Pyris took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. But then, something shifted within him.


    His mind cleared, his resolve hardening. He wasn''t the na?ve boy he had once been. He was Pyris Obsidian¡ªdescendant of one of the most powerful bloodlines in the history of the mortal realm.


    "I guess I have no choice," he murmured to himself, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I''ll show them what it means to cross an Obsidian."


    It was time to embrace his destiny and potential matter where it took him.

 Chapter 40 Silas!

    The world of Argos operated under the guise of perfection¡ªa world where a standing judicial system held criminals ountable for their actions, delivering what was deemed "justice." The Argos Supreme Court, a body created with the cooperation of all empires, was supposedly a beacon of fairness, ensuring peace and protecting the weak.


    It was a system praised by the masses, a symbol of unity, and for decades, it had kept the fragile peace from shattering.


    But those in power knew better.


    Behind the court''s facade of righteousness, the elites understood it for what it truly was¡ªa weapon of control wielded by the empire''s rulers to maintain dominance. The system wasn''t created to protect the weak but to keep the rich and powerful, such as Emberly Obsidian, in check.


    The real purpose was far more sinister: to ensure the ruling ss could flourish unchallenged, their interests shielded under the pretense ofw.


    On the surface, criminals were brought to justice, but behind closed doors, hideous deals ran rampant.


    "Justice for the Obsidians!"


    "Justice for the weak!"


    "Justice against the criminal Ss!"


    The crowd outside the Supreme Court chanted furiously, holding posters and banners high in the air, their anger directed at one man: Ss Count Drac, a vampire who had tried to annihte House Obsidian.


    Today, they believed, they would finally witness justice served. It was the final day of the hearing, and the masses had gathered in anticipation of the ruling, expecting to see Ss sentenced to execution. In Argos, major crimes like his warranted death, should the used be found guilty.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The tension grew as the judicial vehicle carrying Ss came to a halt before the imposing ss structure of the Supreme Court.


    "There he is! Let''s kill him ourselves!" the crowd erupted in fury, hurling magical attacks toward the vampire as he was escorted out of the vehicle by a team of guards d in ck armor.


    The air buzzed with the energy of spells racing toward their target.


    But before any attack couldnd, a dome of grey energy materialized around the group, effortlessly negating the iing barrage. The crowd recoiled in surprise¡ªthe same void energy used by the Student Council President during the academy battle had been employed here.


    This was Void Matter, an energy harnessed in the armor of the guards protecting Ss.


    "Interesting," Ss sneered, ncing at the shimmering dome around him. "The Obsidians... they''ve found a way to weaponize Void Matter into armor? Impressive." He chuckled, his crimson eyes shing with amusement. "That mother-son duo never ceases to amaze me."


    The vampire was a towering figure, well-built and handsome despite the baldness and unkempt beard. His vamparic horns protruded menacingly from either side of his head, and his glowing red eyes flickered with malevolence as he took in the enraged crowd.


    They could scream all they wanted, but it mattered little to him. He would have his day in court.


    With the angry masses left to chant their hatred, Ss was escorted into the Supreme Court, the ss walls glinting ominously in the light.


    ___


    Inside the Courtroom


    Once inside, Ss was led to the defendant''s cubicle, nked by his guards. The courtroom was packed¡ªpowerful figures from all across Argos had gathered to witness the ruling. Among them were Emberly, Anastasia, and Emilia Obsidian.


    Emberly sat with a cold, emotionless expression, her face betraying nothing of the emotions swirling beneath. Anastasia and Emilia, however, were visibly tense, their eyes burning with fury at the sight of Ss.


    Ss, noticing Emberly in the crowd, gave her a wicked grin, mouthing the words, "I''ming back, and I''ll bring a force that will tear you down." He expected her to be rattled by the threat, but instead, she responded with a soft, knowing smile, unnerving him.


    Before Ss could dwell on her reaction, the Supreme Judge entered the room. The gallery fell silent as the judge, a striking elf with flowing white hair and golden eyes, took her seat.


    She was a beauty that rivaled Emberly, her voluptuous figure barely concealed by her judge''s robe. Despite her appearance, there was no aura of power radiating from her, though everyone in the room knew who she was¡ªone of the few Rank 20 awakened beings in the mortal realm, and the sister of the Elven Emperor.


    Some believed she was beyond Rank 20!


    The judge skimmed through the documents before her, then fixed her piercing gaze on Ss.


    "Ss Count Drac, are you representing yourself?" she asked, her voice devoid of emotion.


    "That''s right," Ss replied with a smug grin, stepping out of the cubicle, his hands free of any restraints.


    The judge then turned her attention to the intiff''s side, where Obsidian Tech''s legal team, representing the family andpany, sat ready. They had prepared an overwhelming amount of evidence against Ss¡ªevidence of embezzlement, theft, attempted murder, and more, all of which stemmed from Ss''s deep-rooted hatred for House Obsidian.


    His obsessive actions were driven by his belief that the Obsidians had robbed him of his rightful power, preventing him from awakening the full potential of his elements.


    The legal team began byying out the evidence piece by piece¡ªdocuments showing how Ss, in his position as head technician at Obsidian Tech, had stolen valuable assets and technology, all while funneling resources to further his personal vendetta.


    They were meticulous in their presentation, each usation building on thest.


    But as the court session dragged on, Ss''s cunning shone through. He masterfully countered each usation with ease, using his intellect and deep understanding of legal loopholes to undermine the arguments presented by the prosecution. With every rebuttal, he tore down their case, piece by piece, leaving the intiffs deted.


    The court grew tense as it seemed Ss might walk free.


    "I would like to present new evidence against Ss Count Drac!" a voice called from the back, the doors of the courtroom swinging open as a woman marched forward, a red dagger encased in a containment bag clutched tightly in her hand.


    "Esmeralda?" Ss hissed in surprise, his confidence momentarily shaken.

 Chapter 41 Cursed Goldy Rank Weapon!

    Esmeralda & The Free Ss


    In her hands was a red dagger, glowing ominously under the courtroom lights, the kind of weapon that could unsettle even the most hardened of warriors. The dagger pulsed with malevolent energy, its sharp edges glittering with bloodlust, while the hilt absorbed the light like a piece of the abyss itself.


    The cursed aura it exuded made the entire court shudder in unspoken terror. This was no ordinary weapon.


    Emberly''s heart skipped a beat as she saw it. Her breathing became shallow, the icy calm demeanor she wore slipping away as fear wed at herposure. She knew that dagger well. It had nearly imed her son''s life. Worse, she knew of the curse bound to it¡ªa Godly Rank weapon, an artifact capable of erasing even an Obsidian''s soul from existence.


    There would be no reincarnation. No redemption.


    Seeing her master''s distress, Emilia pulled her into aforting hug, gently patting her back, while Anastasia raised her glowing hands, her Life Mana pouring into their mother. The golden-green light shimmered as it weaved into Emberly, calming her, steadying her breath.


    The courtroom watched in stunned silence. Few knew the true significance of that weapon, but those who did, those with knowledge of ancient times and the Obsidian legacy, sat frozen in their seats.


    Esmeralda, the vampire with the blood of Count Drac, held the dagger with an unsettling nonchnce, fully aware of the stir she was causing.


    Emberly regained herposure but couldn''t tear her eyes away from the cursed weapon. It had a history, a dark one only her family and Emilia truly understood. The Elemental Deity had once wielded this weapon in his battle against Lucy, he''s one of the most powerful beings in the God Realm. Though it hadn''t donesting damage to her, the dagger had wounded her.


    As punishment to House Obsidian , the Elemental Deity cursed the de before leaving it behind when he ascended.


    That dagger... it could annihte an Obsidianpletely¡ªbody, soul, and spirit.


    It had been lost to time, the curse forgotten, but it had found it''s way into Ss''s hands back then. Ss hadn''t even realized the depth of the curse bound to it. He had believed it to be his key to destroying the Obsidian family, and he nearly seeded. Pyris had been inches from death.


    Emberly''s grip on the bench tightened. She fought to control the fear rising in her chest, the same fear she had felt when she discovered Ss had used it to attempt to murder her son.


    "A Godly Rank weapon!" someone whispered from the jury, their voice trembling.


    Ss, standing with his typical arrogance, widened his eyes at the sight of his sister. "Esmeralda?" he called, surprisecing his voice.


    Esmeralda smiled, a wicked gleam in her crimson eyes. "Yes, brother."


    Ss stiffened at her response. He could read the malice behind her sweet tone. Esmeralda was more than just a sister. She was dangerous, cunning, and known as the ck sheep of the Count Drac bloodline.


    She had always been the outcast of the five Drac siblings, but here she was¡ªtestifying against her own brother.


    Esmeralda stood tall, her ck dress hugging her perfectly sculpted figure, showing just enough tomand attention while maintaining a cold, calcted elegance. Her medium-sized chest was modest but perfect for her frame, and her curves were impable, as if carved by the goddess of beauty herself. White hair, streaked with ck strands, fell over her shoulders, framing her pale face.


    Her blood-red eyes glimmered with danger and amusement. Every move she made was with purpose, and every nce she cast sent chills down Ss''s spine.


    "Allow me to present my solid evidence, court of the jury!" Esmeralda''s voice wasmanding, crude but confident. She showed no respect for the court, nor her brother. She had an agenda, and no one could stand in her way.


    The judge, calm and collected despite the chaos unfolding, simply nodded. "Of course, you may."


    Esmeralda''s lips curled into a wicked grin as she held up the dagger. "This is the weapon my brother, Ss, used in his attempt to murder a six-year-old boy¡ªPyris Obsidian." The courtroom went deathly silent as she spoke. "He managed to infiltrate the Obsidian estate using his Space Element, leaving no trace behind. However, this dagger was left behind.


    If it pleases the court, I have video footage to present."


    The judge gave a nod of approval. With graceful precision, Esmeralda walked to the disy screen, inserting a ck sh drive into the port. The room dimmed as therge screen flickered to life, showing the captured footage.


    In the grainy night-vision recording, Ss was shown sneaking into a dimly lit room. He was holding the same red dagger, gripping it tightly as he approached the bed where young Pyrisy asleep, blissfully unaware of the danger looming over him. The dagger in Ss''s hand emitted a faint red glow, reacting to the presence of its intended victim.


    ____


    The courtroom was transfixed as Ss knelt on the bed, hovering over Pyris with the weapon raised, his intention to strike the boy''s heart clear. The dagger hummed with an eerie red light, almost as if it was hungry for an Obsidian blood.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But just before the fatal strike couldnd, a voice shattered the silence.


    "Pyris!" Emberly''s voice echoed in the room, freezing Ss in his tracks.


    In a sh, the scene shifted. Emberly, fueled by fury and maternal instinct, stormed into the room, her icy aura filling the space. The portal Ss had opened to escape began to crumble under her overwhelming power. But with quick reflexes, Ss tossed the dagger into the portal just before it closed.


    The video ended abruptly, and silence reigned once more.


    The courtroom was stunned. Everyone knew of Ss''s obsession with House Obsidian, but to see the actual footage, to witness the cold-blooded attempt on a child''s life, left them speechless.


    Ss, however,ughed. "Hahahaha!" Hisughter cut through the tension, dark and cruel. "Do you truly believe this? Do any of you actually believe this pathetic footage? A murder attempt? On a child?


    I never did such a thing!" His voice boomed across the courtroom.


    "You''re being yed for fools!" Ss sneered. "Do you really think I would ruin my life¡ª as one of the few Six Elements Awakened over a boy? Pyris means nothing to me. This is all a setup because I''m the only one who canpete with Obsidian Tech! They want me dead, silenced forever. The Obsidians have orchestrated this entire trial!"


    His voice rang with conviction, and his words held a strange, twisted logic. His contributions to Obsidian Tech a decade ago were significant, and though their technology had surpassed his inventions, he had indeed yed a part in their earlier sesses.


    His argument made sense to those who didn''t know the depths of his madness.


    "Why would I, a man revered for my Six Elements, risk it all for a boy who was nothing back then and is still nothing to me now?" Ss pressed further, his confidence growing as murmurs spread through the court.


    Esmeralda, however, was unmoved. "Because of your obsession, Ss. You''ve always med the Obsidians for your failures. You said it yourself¡ª''If it wasn''t for that cursed family, I would have Father''s blessing. I would be the next leader!'' You hated them for that!" Esmeralda''s words hit Ss hard, hisposure slipping for a moment.

 Chapter 42 Goldy Realms Villain!

    "Look who''s talking, Esmeralda!" Ss snapped, his fury rising. "The ck sheep of our family. You always hated me for my talent, for my Six Elements! You were always jealous, weren''t you?" His eyes gleamed with hatred.


    Esmeralda''s expression hardened. She had always loathed Ss, not because of his talent, but for reasons only the two of them knew. Reasons she wouldn''t speak of here.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The court waited, breathless. The fate of Ss hung in the bnce.


    __


    Right. She hated him. She still hates him, but not because of his talent. It was for another reason¡ªone she wouldn''t dare mention in front of everyone.


    And Ss knew it. That''s why he was confident that bringing it up would render her speechless, handing him his victory.


    It was time for him to win this case and secure his freedom. His gaze lingered on Emberly, puzzled by her unnerving calmness. The woman he remembered would have killed him on the spot when she found him in her son''s bedroom, yet she had let him live, as if nothing had happened.


    And right now, she wasn''t the least bit bothered by the fact he was about to be released. The thought gnawed at him, creating a sense of unease.


    But he had a case to win.


    "So, I find myself doubting the authenticity of this video," Ss began, his voice smooth with practiced innocence. "Wouldn''t you think that my sister, who has always hated me, would go to any lengths to get me killed? What better opportunity than this?"


    He gestured dramatically to the evidence. "In my entire life, I''ve never even held an Immortal rank weapon, let alone a Godly rank one. If I had one, I''d certainly keep its existence hidden. We all know how powerful Godly rank weapons are. So why, then, would I waste it on a mere child? Doesn''t it seem ridiculous to you?"


    He looked at the courtroom, feigning bewilderment. "My sister orchestrated this entire setup to get rid of me! Going to the extent of even willing to lose such a valuable weapon! She is the real viin here, not me!"


    Everyone couldn''t help wishing they could get their hands of that weapon, but none of them knew that the dagger couldn''t even bring out 2% potential a real godly rank weapon should have!


    ____


    Meanwhile, Pyris sat where Liez had left him, lost in his thoughts. His mind still ached slightly from unsealing his consciousness, as he epted his deatiny and potential, an ufortable throbbing persisted in his temples.


    Lia had learned her lesson and refrained from carelessly poking around in his thoughts. She realized navigating his mind was like swimming in a vast oceanpared to the shallow pools of normal awakeneds. Without guidance, she risked drowning in the sea of his consciousness.


    ["What are you thinking? What''s your next move?"] Lia asked cautiously. Although Pyris looked aloof and cold, she knew the real him was still there¡ªjust... changed.


    Pyris let out a low hum, the sound both chilling andforting to Lia. "Join the kids, of course. I can''t run away from my responsibilities now, can I? Besides, I n to unite the academy under one banner. Soon enough, they''ll all belong to me," he said, his toneced with quiet ambition.


    If his family''spanies would grant him control over the older generation and the outside world, then the academy was his stepping stone to controlling the younger generation¡ªthe future of Argos.


    "And they''re easy to manipte. Give them power, and they''ll worship you. Give them fame, and they''ll be your loyal dogs. Grant them influence, and they''ll revere you. I n to do more than that. I want them all," he dered, his words filled with a viinous confidence that would make the gods tremble.


    ["You''re right. Empower the most talented, while you tame the weak with kind gestures. They''ll dance to your tune without even realizing it,"] Lia added with a mischievous tone.


    "Exactly my n. But first, they need to understand what true potential looks like. No one would follow a leader without real capability. I''ll show them what it means to be an Obsidian," Pyris replied as he stood, striding confidently out of the room.


    His demeanor had changedpletely. The carefree teenager was gone. What remained was a figure of authority¡ªan immortal walking among mortals, indifferent to their struggles. He radiated a regal air, his presencemanding the attention of everyone he passed.


    Students whispered among themselves as he walked by, their eyes following his every movement.


    "Is that the CEO of Obsidian Tech?" one murmured in awe.


    "He''s not just a businessman¡ªhe''s royalty, through and through," another said, his voice tinged with envy.


    Pyris stood before a massive door with a bold sign above it that read, "OBSIDIAN ROAR." He looked up at it, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.


    "And the roar of an Obsidian will echo across the mortal realm for years toe," he muttered to himself. Just as predicted, the door swung open from the inside.


    A voice called out as the door swung open. "Pyris!"


    He turned slightly, his expression one of calm superiority. His posture and demeanor instantly gave off the impression of someone untouchable. The woman who called out to him faltered for a moment, taken aback by his presence.


    "I was just about toe looking for you. Lucky for me, you''re here," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she recovered.


    Pyris smirked. "The club president sent you?" he asked, already knowing the answer. He could sense her unease, and it amused him.


    She nodded. "Yes, but¡ªhow did you¡ª"


    He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "And how exactly were you going to find me?"


    Her eyes widened, realization dawning on her that she hadn''t thought it through.


    "Well... I, uh... Anyway, you''re here now, so no harm done," she stammered, trying to recover.


    "You already did," he teased lightly, watching her face flush in embarrassment.


    She managed a smile. "You''re impossible. So, what''s your next move, Mr. CEO?"


    Before she could make a joke, Pyris interrupted. "What''s your name?" he asked, his tone casual yetmanding. "I can''t keep calling you ''beautifuldy'' every time we meet, can I? Especially since it looks like we''ll be seeing a lot more of each other in this club."


    She blushed at thepliment, her heart racing. "I''m Alexandra Eloise, but my friends call me Alexa."


    "Is that an invitation!" Quite bold of her, at his question she nodded looking at the side slightly feeling shy and embarrassed.


    Pyris''s smile widened. "Then let''s be that  Alexa... friends."


    There was something deeper in his words that sent her heart fluttering. She dismissed it as overthinking. But she had no idea the deep waters she was stepping into by bing close with him¡ªthe heir to on of the most powerful families in Argos.


    *****


    I have added an auxiliary chapter to check it out, I will be updating new things there often! If you''re enjoying the story, let me know, and so if you have something you want to pass on, leave ament.


    A review would be great.

 Chapter 43 Child Of Godly Realm!

    "I''ll ept the invitation, then, Alexa. Let''s be... friends!" The way he said it made Alex feel the deep, hidden meaning behind his words, which she thoughtid the foundation of their rtionship.


    ''Maybe I''m overthinking!'' How wrong she was¡ª the princess of the human empire had just stepped into treacherous waters!


    Sure enough...


    [Ding! Emergency quest activated!


    Quest: Conquer Alexandra Eloise.


    Benefits: Hidden (??)


    Rewards: Lust Dragon ability, 1000 LPs


    Punishment upon failure: Permanent lock on all unacquired Lust Dragon abilities!]


    Pyris managed to stop his eyes from widening, not because of the sudden quest¡ª though it wasn''t evenbeled a mission by the system¡ª but because of its nature. From the "benefits," something he hadn''t seen since acquiring the system, to the absurd rewards and severe punishment.


    The rewards were disproportionately high, and the punishment, equally exaggerated. Why was the system giving him so many LPs for this girl, who, by his own observation, was on par with Varalie? And Lust Dragon ability? Did that mean the system had locked some of his Bloodline abilities without his knowledge or consent? Failing this quest would mean losing them permanently?


    ''This girl... Why did the system value her so much?''


    Status! he called out mentally.


    Meanwhile, Alexa stood there, seemingly lost in her thoughts, unaware of the outstretched hand Pyris had extended for a friendly handshake. Herck of response was causing quite a stir in the hall. With Pyris'' presence, all eyes were on them, their curiosity piqued.


    ____


    Name: Alexa Eloise.


    Race: Human.


    Bloodline: ??? (Sealed)


    Race Trait: Fate Dreamer! (Sealed), Divine Eyes! (Unknown¡ªSealed), Child of the World.


    Titles: The One Who Sees (Sealed)


    Rank: Rank 5/20


    Elements: Light, Divinity (Unknown¡ªSealed)


    Age Limit: 18/200


    Strength: 70/90


    Agility: 70/90


    Vitality: 70/90


    Stamina: 70/90


    INT: 80/90


    ____


    "Joh-ahaeyo!" Pyris said to Alexa with a wide grin upon seeing her status. He was speechless, utterly so.


    "Huh?" Startled, she snapped out of her daydream and shook his hand, but not before remembering something.


    "What did you just say? I didn''t understand a word!" she asked, slightly embarrassed, thinking she was once again being ignorant, mocking herself in front of him.


    ''She''s rather cute at times. I wouldn''t mind!'' Pyris mused.


    [I agree. Save her OP status!] Lia chimed in, clearly impressed.


    ''We''ll discuss thatter''. Pyris brushed it aside.


    "You really think so little of yourself, don''t you, Alexa?" It was the second time she had considered herself ignorant and foolish. Pyris didn''t quite understand why, but he decided not to probe further.


    "And that''s anguage I don''t think anyone in Argos knows, so don''t beat yourself up over it!" he added, and Alexa nodded before letting out a small chuckle.


    "What?" Pyris asked, confused, before a realization hit him.


    "No one in Argos? Surely it''s not some godlynguage. If it is, I''ll believe you!" sheughed beautifully, her smile so radiant that Pyris found himself mesmerized by it.


    Her pearly white teeth were half-hidden behind her cherry-pink lips, which, coupled with her short, delicate face and sparkling blue eyes that glittered like the sky, made her simply breathtaking. The golden hue of her hair only added to her charm, like a sunset by the riverside. Her tall, slender figure was perfectly proportioned, and Pyris couldn''t take his eyes off her.


    "You look stunning when youugh, Alexa," Pyrisplimented her.


    Of course, his sudden ttery made her freeze midughter. She nced at him, her cheeks slightly flushed.


    "That was... unexpected," she murmured in a small voice, managing to squeeze the words out despite her surprise.


    "Thank you. I don''t usually receivepliments like that," she admitted, unusually talkative, sharing her thoughts with him. Pyris, too, was getting caught up in her innocent charm, his heart melting slowly.


    "I''m happy to be the first to notice how beautiful you are. I hope that''s not... a bad thing?" Pyris asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.


    "Don''t be silly, of course not!" she smiled warmly.


    "I wonder, though... Why hasn''t anyone else noticed how beautiful you are, Alexa? With your personality and looks, I''d think anyone would want you by their side at all times." It was an honest question.


    "Pyris~" she blushed, her heart fluttering at his sweet words. "You really don''t know?" She asked softly, and when he shook his head, she sighed, feeling disheartened.


    ''Will he avoid me if he finds out?'' she wondered, the weight of her insecurities sinking in. Pyris wasn''t just a powerful man; he was a noble, the CEO of a majorpany, and a young lord of House Obsidian. Surely, someone like him would keep his distance from her... a disgrace.


    ''Am I doomed to be alone forever?'' she thought. Despite her beauty, no one respected her. Even the arrogant club president had her running errands, and she was a princess!


    Pyris sighed. He could sense she was getting lost in her thoughts, spiraling into self-pity. Was her situation really that bad?


    "Alexa, look at me," Pyris gentlymanded, drawing her out of her mind. Their eyes met, her blue ones locking with his deep amethyst gaze, and she found herself captivated.


    To everyone''s surprise, Pyris took both of her hands in his, causing a stir in the hall. Though no one could hear their conversation thanks to Pyris concealing it, their actions were visible to all. The crowd gasped in shock¡ªthe popr Pyris Obsidian was holding the hands of a girl considered the "disgrace" of the human empire!


    No one was more shocked than Alexa herself.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "P-Pyris, let go!" she stammered, but despite her words, she made no effort to pull away. Pyris, on the other hand, didn''t seem to hear her.


    Her eyes darted to the students around them, many holding their phones, capturing the moment. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes¡ªshe was going to ruin his reputation. She was on the verge of breaking down.


    "Alexa..." Pyris smiled reassuringly before doing something that would shock everyone even more.


    *****


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 Chapter 44 For Goddesss Safety?

    "Alexa~" Pyris gave her a reassuring smile. She looked up at him again, wondering to herself if she could ever get enough of that smile. Even if from afar, unable to be held by him like right now, as long as he smiled, that would be all she could ever ask for.


    After all, he was the first person in so long to show her this kind of care.


    Before she could muster the courage to confront her own thoughts about why she hadn''t pulled away when he touched her, Pyris did something that shocked the entire hall of students.


    "Come here~" he said softly, pulling her gently into his chest. He turned his back to the students, blocking their view as they snapped pictures of him and Alexandra.


    "P-P-" Alexa tried to speak, but no words woulde out.


    She remained still, her head nestled against his chest, feeling the warmth of his body. His chin rested gently on the top of her head¡ªthanks to her height, she wasn''t much shorter than him.


    "Don''t say anything, Alexa. Don''t think about anything. Don''t worry about anything. Just, for once, be selfish. Focus on this moment, whether you''re happy or angry at me for daring to hug you like this," Pyris whispered, his voice soft and soothing.


    "Take this time to decide how you''ll punish me for my shameless action. After all, I hugged you without your consent! Whatever you decide, I''ll ept it¡ªmake it big, something that''s worth your while. But if you like this moment, if it brings you anyfort, forget all your worries.


    Stay here, and I will protect you for as long as you are with me!" Pyris didn''t fully understand why he felt such sympathy for her.


    Maybe because I''ve been in her ce before? He didn''t know the details of what was going on in her life, but her mncholy was something he recognized, as well as her forced bravado and how easily sheughed at even the smallest things. He did the math and could guess what she might be going through.


    His actions might have seemed inappropriate to others, but he didn''t care about their opinions. Her feelings were all that mattered.


    What Pyris didn''t realize was that the world was already passing judgment. His position was both a blessing and a curse, and he knew his life would never be fully private.


    "Pyris..." Alexa whispered, trying to say something. But Pyris silenced her with a gentle finger to her lips.


    "Don''t say anything," he said softly. "Keep the punishment to yourself. Are you trying to scare me? If you do, my embrace might not be as warm as you''d like!"


    She smiled softly, her heart fluttering with warmth. Finally, her timid arms found the courage to creep around his back, hugging him in return.


    As the twoplete strangers embraced, some students began to grow increasingly angry the longer itsted. They were waiting for Pyris, but instead, he was busy being affectionate with her¡ªthe so-called disgrace.


    The club president, watching the scene unfold, was livid.


    "Student Pyris!" he shouted,manding everyone''s attention¡ªeveryone except Pyris and Alexa, whopletely ignored him. He called again and again, but the results were the same.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ____


    While holding Alexa close, Pyris was mentally conversing with Lia. Both were astonished by Alexa''s status, and it answered the question of why the system was being "sensitive" about her.


    ____


    Name: Alexa Eloise


    Race: High Human


    Bloodline: ??? (Sealed)


    Race Trait: Fate Dreamer! (Unknown¡ªSealed), Divine Eyes! (Unknown¡ªSealed), Child of the World


    Titles: The One Who Sees (Sealed)


    Rank: Rank 5/20


    Elements: Light, Divinity (Unknown¡ªSealed)


    Age Limit: 18/200


    Strength: 70/90


    Agility: 70/90


    Vitality: 70/90


    Stamina: 70/90


    INT: 80/90


    ____


    ''Alexa is a princess of the human empire, and being a High Human shoulde with benefits like a powerful bloodline and traits, but they''re all sealed, except for her third trait, Child of the World. I assume that''s not very powerful¡ªat least not yet, enough to grant her significant abilities.''


    Sealed bloodlines were unheard of after someone awakened. Alexa''s situation was even stranger. Pyris assumed that only he, with the system, could see her hidden powers. That exined why she was viewed as a disgrace rather than a treasure.


    In a world ruled by power, a royal or noble without potential was nothing short of a disgrace to their family, just like Alexa now, and Esmeralda.


    [The strangest part is, not even the system knows the name of her bloodline. But, Pyris, her element... Divinity? Does that ring a bell?] Lia asked, intrigued.


    As far as Lia knew, this was the first time she had encountered divinity as an element. Usually, people with divinity-rted gifts were simply light element users, and divine power was an ability, not an element. These people were exceedingly rare.


    Even in the God Realm, only a handful possessed the gift of divine power. Among all the realms, only a few individuals, if any, were capable of it. But Alexa was different in every possible way¡ªher sealed element, her unique traits.


    ''Yeah, the system said I have all elements except one. Apparently, only a favored child of the Godly Realm can awaken it! The system mentioned that no one has awakened that element in billions of years. So, what does that make Alexa?'' Pyris mused.


    ''If word got out about her, forget the Immortal Realm¡ª even the gods woulde swarming, wanting her immediately!'' Pyris hypothesized.


    [I agree with you, and I think the Goddess could help!] Lia suggested.


    ''No!'' Pyris refused immediately. It wasn''t that he didn''t trust the Goddess, but it would be dangerous for both of them! We have to figure this out ourselves!


    [How can you be sure it''s dangerous? You do remember she''s a Goddess, right?] Lia countered.


    ''And you know better than anyone thatpared to other gods, she''s... absurdly weak!'' It hurt him to say that, but it was the truth. ''If others found out what she knew but hadn''t shared, it could put her in danger.''


    Pyris was determined to y it safe. He was confident he''d find a way¡ªhe never failed. And this time would be no different.

 Chapter 45 Academy Clubs!

    As the days passed since his transmigration to this world, Pyris could feel the weight of his new reality slowly bearing down on his shoulders. Though only a few days had gone by, the pressure was mounting. The life he had stepped into was far from the utopia he had imagined.


    Argos, the realm in which he now existed as the sole heir of House Obsidian, was proving to be a crucible of responsibilities, a stark contrast to the world he once knew.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The longer his soul lingered in this ce, the more Pyris began to understand what it truly meant to be a man of responsibility. His family needed protection¡ªnot just from mortal enemies but also from gods and immortals alike. The fate of his loved ones was intertwined with the dangerous position his family held. Merely being associated with House Obsidian painted a target on their backs.


    In the mortal realm, the rulers and leaders of various factions were eyeing his family''s wealth and influence. They sensed that House Obsidian was on the brink of bing untouchable, a looming force they feltpelled to eliminate before it was toote. And it all fell on Pyris to safeguard them from this impending storm.


    ''At least I''m not alone in this madness,'' he thought, feeling a small sense of relief. Despite the chaos surrounding him, Pyris had the system and Lia, his faithfulpanion. The system ensured his personal growth, guiding him step by step toward his goals. Lia, on the other hand, was the anchor that kept his mind from spiraling out of control. She helped him remain focused amidst the turmoil.


    But more than anyone, Pyris owed a deep gratitude to the Goddess. Her generous gifts were a beacon of light in his otherwise darkened mind. Whenever he felt like he was on the verge of losing himself, Lia and the system would present him with a new purpose¡ªsomething to drive him forward, all in the name of his rise to power.


    Now, one of those purposes was nestled within his chest, the burden of her insecurities and worries slowly dissipating like a kite caught in a violent storm. Pyris had vowed to be Alexa''s shield, not just because of the mission he had been given but because he had genuinely made up his mind to stand by her side.


    He would protect her from the fury of her enemies, regardless of the cost.


    Little did he know, however, that Alexa was no ordinary girl.


    ["She''s a fearsome monster!"] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, still awestruck by Alexa''s impressive abilities. Pyris couldn''t help but smile. He had always suspected Alexa was special, but her traits far surpassed anything he had anticipated.


    ''I''m still trying to wrap my head around her power. ''Fate Dreamer''¡ªit sounds like she can peer into the fabric of destiny itself. If that''s true, Lia, the world will one day kneel before her divine presence,'' Pyris mused, drawing from the vast knowledge of fantasy novels that had be an inherent part of him.


    The "Divine Eyes" trait likely allowed Alexa to uncover the hidden secrets of the world, though Pyris and Lia were still far from fully understanding the true extent of her abilities.


    ____


    "Pyris!" a voice called out, cutting through their moment like a de. The club president approached, his sudden presence startling Alexa from the safety of Pyris'' embrace.


    Their public disy of affection came to an abrupt end, much to Pyris'' displeasure. However, he understood the interruption, even if it was unwanted.


    "Thank you, Pyris," Alexa whispered awkwardly, clearly uneasy in the presence of the club president. Pyris could tell she was ufortable, but he remained calm. Inwardly, he vowed to see this through to the end. What had Alexa endured because of this man?


    "I knew you could use a hug," Pyris said, ruffling her hair, earning a soft giggle from Alexa. "Shall we?"


    She nodded, but the man standing before them was fuming. Pyris hadpletely ignored him, treating him as if being the club president of Obsidian Roar meant nothing. Was it Pyris who saw the man as insignificant, or simply his position?


    "Cocky bastard!" the man muttered under his breath, his voiceced with bitterness.


    "Hmm? Did you say something?" Pyris tilted his head, feigning innocence as if he hadn''t even noticed the man standing there. He had, in fact, forgotten all about him.


    The club president stammered, clearly caught off guard. "I¡ªuh, Alexander Eloise. I''m the club president of Obsidian Roar!" he announced with a forced smile, doing his best to maintainposure.


    But Pyris had already called up his status screen in his mind.


    ''Status,'' hemanded mentally, allowing the system to work its magic.


    Name: Alexander Eloise


    Race: High Human


    Bloodline: Eloise Ruler Bloodline


    Race Trait: Life and Darkness Combination


    Titles: The Talented Twin, Life and Darkness Twin!


    Rank: 7/20


    Elements: Life, Darkness


    Age Limit: 18/200


    Strength: 195/210


    Agility: 190/210


    Vitality: 200/210


    Stamina: 180/210


    INT: 150/210


    ''So, he''s Alexa''s twin brother...'' Pyris thought, unimpressed by what he saw. There was nothing particrly special about Alexander aside from his rank, but it was clear the boy had trained diligently to reach it.


    ''But what''s with that clich¨¦d bloodline name?'' Pyris scoffed inwardly. ''It''s probably the royal bloodline of the High Humans. Just like House Obsidian, their family has been around for generations. It''s not surprising.''


    ["Why do they call him the Talented Twin when he''s so nd?"] Lia''s voice chimed in. ["It must be becausepared to his sister, he''s heaven, and she''s just one of many unwanted muds in Argos."]


    Pyris chuckled, unable to disagree with her observation.


    "Nice to meet you, Club President," Pyris said, turning to Alexander with a casual smile. Then, without missing a beat, he took Alexa''s hand in his own.


    Her body shivered slightly at the gesture, but a warm smile spread across her face as she looked down at their entwined fingers. Shooting her brother a sideways nce, Alexa smiled up at Pyris, stepping forward without hesitation.


    The sound of grinding teeth couldn''t escape their ears, but neither of them cared.


    ''I don''t like this brother of hers,'' Pyris confided in Lia. ''I''m petty enough that I might end up hurting him.''


    ["A n already boiling in that scheming head of yours, huh?"] Lia teased.


    ''Of course,'' Pyris chuckled darkly, alreadyying the groundwork for what woulde next.


    *****


    Thank you @great_lord

 Chapter 46 Academy Clubs! 2

    The club hall looked nothing like anyone would have expected; it wasvish, to say the least. Each member of the club satfortably in leather seats, the cushions molding to their forms.


    A cool breeze swept through the room, fed by modern air purifiers, the air fresh and pure. Pyris could sense something more, though¡ªthere was a formation pulling mana into the hall, making it even more impressive.


    ''Mother is certainly generous!'' he thought, knowing this club operated under his family''s banner. The Obsidian family had earned generous rewards from the academy over the years, recognizing their contributions through the generations.


    And of course, Emberly, his mother, poured even more money into it when needed. She had recently passed the responsibility to Pyris, which was the main reason he''d joined the club in the first ce.


    [Too bad someone wants to use the very club she funds to challenge your family''s position,] Lia, hispanion, interrupted his thoughts.


    ''A n destined to fail, now that I''m here,'' Pyris thought confidently. ''They don''t know who they''re dealing with.''


    He spotted an empty seat in the middle of the room, right among the club members. Seeing his intention, Alexa let go of his hand. "I''ll see you soon," she said softly. He smiled in farewell, and she nodded gracefully, walking away with the same poise she always carried.


    ''To think Mother would resort to such games!'' Pyris mused, a new revtion sinking in.


    [What do you expect from someone who''s run a business empire for decades?] Lia said with a hint of admiration. [She knows exactly how to y the game.]


    ''Indeed. She''s baiting them, making everyone believe we''re easy targets now that I''m in charge,'' he thought, chuckling quietly to himself.


    Pyris watched Alexa leave, her presencemanding the room as she walked gracefully toward the tform. The sway of her hips drew attention from many, but it wasn''t just her physicality that caught their eyes.


    Alexa''s entire demeanor had changed¡ªonce timid and overshadowed, she now exuded the aura of royalty, walking with confidence and grace. She no longer seemed crushed beneath the oppressive gazes of her peers.


    Her transformation was evident to all. The students stared in silence, feeling the weight of her presence. Every step she took echoed in the room, even though her footfalls were nearly silent. It was as though the very air bent to her will, and the students¡ªwho once disregarded her¡ªnow looked at her with a mix of awe and respect.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even her brother, who had once overshadowed her, went unnoticed in her wake, despite walking just behind her.


    Even Pyris found himself momentarily entranced by Alexa''s newfound power. His gaze, however, soon shifted to Alexander, the club president. The hatred Alexander harbored for his sister was almost tangible, but no one else seemed to notice.


    They were all too caught up in Alexa''s quiet spectacle.


    ''He''s a snake,'' Pyris thought, studying Alexander closely. ''A venomous snake wrapped in the skin of a virtuous man. If left unchecked, he''ll drag this club¡ªand my family''s legacy¡ªinto ruin. But he''ll be fun to deal with¡­ for a little while.''


    Pyris had no intention of allowing Alexander and his scheming family to tarnish the reputation of the Obsidian Roar, the club that was the face of House Obsidian at the academy. The club had fallen on hard times, despite Emberly''s efforts to fund it. It was the lowest-ranked club at the academy, and Pyris was beginning to understand why.


    His sharp eyes scanned the room, finallynding on Alexa, now seated at the front of the hall among the club''smittee members.


    Even Lia dared not interrupt his thoughts, though she had ignored his warnings before, learning the hard way what it meant to cross him.


    At the same time, Alexander, a ck-haired, blue-eyed youth, arrived at the tform. He didn''t sit down, but instead faced the students. Standing between the fivemittee members, he scanned the room, his eyes briefly meeting Pyris''s, though Pyris seemed lost in his own world.


    Alexander''s smile was fake, a facade that fit his pristine blue suit. His good looks were not lost on the female students, many of whom shot admiring nces in his direction. Though the attention boosted his ego, he maintained hisposure.


    "Ahem," Alexander cleared his throat into the microphone, his voice reverberating through the hall. He made a point to grab Pyris''s attention, annoyed by the dragon''s indifference.


    "We don''t usually make a spectacle of weing new members to the club, but today is an exception. This is a special asion, given the Obsidian family''s deep ties to our club." All eyes turned toward Pyris.


    "Let''s give a warm wee to Pyris Obsidian!" Alexander''s voice dripped with false enthusiasm, and the students nodded politely in acknowledgment of Pyris.


    ''This bastard,'' Pyris thought, his patience wearing thin. ''I had no intention of confronting him immediately, but this arrogance is uneptable. How dare he insult me so tantly!''


    Alexander''s words implied that Pyris was only worth their recognition because of his family, not for any merit of his own. The sharper students in the room picked up on the underlying insult.


    One of the boys sitting next to Alexander tried to speak. "Club president¡ª" he began, but Alexander cut him off, continuing his speech.


    "We''ve decided, as themittee, to make Pyris Obsidian the vice president of the club. While we don''t normally have this position, we''ve created it specially for him, given the circumstances." Alexander''s tone wasced with condescension, and the tension in the room grew thicker.


    Alexa bit her lip, helpless.


    ''So this is how you y?'' Pyris thought, his anger bubbling to the surface. ''Public insults? Fine, let''s do that.''


    Without warning, Pyris stood up, his movement catching everyone by surprise. He didn''t wait for Alexander''s permission to speak.


    "I don''t need any special treatment," Pyris began, his voice cold andmanding. "I came here as a member of this club, to participate in all the activities I''m capable of. But what I''ve found here... I''m disappointed. You would bend the club''s long-standing policies just because someone with a recognizable name joined? Is this how you lead, Alexander, as the president of the Obsidian Roar?"


    The hall fell into stunned silence. Alexander, caught off guard, had expected Pyris to revel in the offer of a high position. Instead, he was being openly challenged.


    "What do you mean, student¡ª" Alexander began, but Pyris cut him off.


    "Don''t you dare say my name! Vice president? You think you''re fit to lead this club, let alone make me your subordinate? The audacity!"


    With a few steps, Pyris was on the tform, standing inches away from Alexander. The two locked eyes, the air between them charged with intensity, neither backing down.


    *****


    Check out my other novels, I have resumed the Demon Lord''s Harem right today.


    More reviews,ments to let me know of your thoughts and most importantly, power stones.

 Chapter 47 When An Obsidian Roars

    Pyris stood tall, his voice unwavering and resolute. Every word that came out of his mouth wasced with authority and contempt. His eyes burned with intensity as he stared down Alexander, who now seemed to shrink under the weight of Pyris''manding presence.


    The silence in the hall was oppressive, as if the very air had been sucked out of the room. Each person held their breath, eyes darting between the two as the confrontation reached its peak.


    "Don''t you dare mention my name!" Pyris'' voice was sharp, like a de cutting through the tension. "Vice president? You think you''re fit to lead this club, let alone make me your subordinate? The audacity!"


    In a swift motion, Pyris moved forward, his steps deliberate and powerful. He was now standing on the tform, face-to-face with Alexander. Their eyes locked, an unspoken battle raging between them. Pyris'' authoritative aura was so overpowering that itpelled Alexander to take a step back, an instinctual reaction to the force before him.


    A gap formed between them, the power dynamic visibly shifting.


    Alexander''s lips parted, but no words came. His mind scrambled for a response, for something to counter Pyris'' assault, but he was lost. He stood there, exposed, unable to muster a single coherent thought. Pyris had cornered him. A small smile curled on Pyris'' lips¡ªhe knew he had won the psychological battle, at least for now.


    The hall was as silent as a graveyard, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Everyone was watching, frozen in ce, uncertain of what would happen next.


    This wasn''t just a personal feud anymore¡ªit was a battle that threatened the delicate bnce of the club, a struggle for power between themittee president and a descendant of the club''s founding family, an Obsidian.


    "This is uneptable!" Alexander finally managed to squeeze the words from his quivering lips, his voice betraying his fear. "How can you threaten the club president like this?"


    Pyris'' response came swiftly, his voice booming across the room without the need for a microphone. "Uneptable? Do you know what''s truly uneptable, club president?" His tone was dripping with disdain. The intensity in his gaze settled once again on Alexander, pinning him in ce.


    "What''s uneptable is you using the authority of this position to settle your petty grudges against me¡ªa grudge, I might add, for reasons I don''t even know!"


    A collective gasp rippled through the room as Pyris'' usation hung in the air.


    "Grudge? Don''t be¡ª" Alexander started to defend himself, but Pyris cut him off without hesitation, his voice like thunder.


    "I couldn''t care less about your hatred! You don''t even rank in the top 1% of people who despise me, and unlike you, most of them have actual power. You¡ªyoung prince of the human empire¡ªyou''re nothing to me, nothing but your title. So hate me all you want; it means absolutely nothing."


    The crowd was stunned into silence. Even those who had once supported Alexander found themselves questioning his leadership. Pyris wasn''t just throwing usations¡ªhe wasying bare the ugly truth for all to see.


    "But what angers me," Pyris continued, his voice a low growl, "is how you''ve used my family''s club¡ªthe name we have protected for generations¡ªto satisfy your personal vendettas. You had the audacity to demand I be your subordinate, and in such a shameful manner no less!"


    He turned his gaze toward the othermittee members, his eyes lingering briefly on Alexa, who seemed more fascinated than rmed by the unfolding drama. Pyris found no judgment in her gaze, only admiration.


    "I''d say you''re unfit for this position," Pyris dered, his voice firm. He then addressed the room atrge, his question sharp. "Members, how do we electmittee members in this club?"


    As if under a spell, the entire room responded in unison, "Through voting!"


    Pyris smiled. He knew the tides had turned in his favor. "Club president, you went against the very policies of this club for your own selfish interests!" He turned back to themittee members and the assembled crowd. "What has Alexander Eloise done for this club in the past three years?


    What has his leadership aplished for Obsidian Roar, and how have you, talented individuals, benefited from his presidency?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The silence that followed was deafening. Everyone was thinking back over Alexander''s tenure, and the answers were clear. The club had been in a steady decline, its once-glorious reputation tarnished under his leadership. Even the newer members could see the damage that had been done.


    "What are you trying to do?" Alexander''s voice cracked as he shouted, desperation evident. But Pyris paid him no mind.


    "Nothing," Pyris said calmly, "because nothing has been done under your watch. Apart from using this club for your personal gain, you''ve driven it into the ground. My family''s legacy, buried under your ipetence."


    There was no denying it now¡ªPyris had been ruthless, perhaps even petty, but the truth of his words could not be ignored. He wasn''t afraid to cast aside Alexander, to remove him from power for even the smallest slight. And he didn''t care.


    "You want to wield authority over what''s mine?" Pyris'' eyes shed dangerously. "Then here, take it!"


    He turned to themittee members and, with a voice that echoed through the hall, dered, "I hereby vote for the immediate stepdown of Alexander Eloise as the club president!"


    The weight of Pyris'' words had ignited a wildfire in the hall, a frenzied buzz of discussions and whispers rising among the club members. They weren''t just talking about what was happening in front of them¡ªthey were trying to wrap their heads around how quickly the bnce of power had shifted in such a short span of time.


    As the realization of the gravity of the situation sank in, members murmured among themselves, exchanging worried nces. They began to question the credibility of Alexander, the man who had held the highest position in the club for the past three years.


    His authority, once seen as unquestionable, now seemed flimsy under Pyris'' merciless scrutiny.


    Alexander, still reeling from the public dismantling of his leadership, stood frozen. He could feel the weight of the room pressing down on him, a silent judgment from all sides.


    His gaze, full of burning rage, was fixed on Pyris, as though he could burn holes into him with sheer anger. But Pyris didn''t flinch. He had cornered Alexander without needing to raise his voice or use physical force. He had done it all with his words¡ªcold, calcted, and devastating.


    By all means, what Pyris was doing was legal, even within the framework of the club''s policies. His challenge to the club president and his call for an immediate vote weren''t acts of rebellion, but of rightful procedure.


    Pyris wasn''t abusing his position as the descendant of the Obsidian family. If anything, that lineage only added weight to his words, further solidifying his ims and the righteousness of his cause.


    It seemed like Pyris was seeding.


    Alexander nced around the room, desperately searching for support. He stered a fake smile on his face, hoping that his fellowmittee members, at least, would stand by him.


    *****


    My work has gone premium, thanks for the support throughout and finally we''re here, don''t stop, this wasn''t the end goal, but the first step into thepetitive deep waters!


    Continue the support

 Chapter 48 Celeatial Foxes!

    He knew the majority of the general members would vote against him if the voting process continued fairly, but if themittee members¡ªthose with direct influence¡ªremained on his side, he could stem the tide of opposition.


    But hope turned to despair when the first person to raise their hand was the very member he had rudely cut off earlier in the meeting¡ªa young man whose opinion he had disregarded.


    Alexander''s heart sank as he realized that his once-loyal supporters might not be as dependable as he thought.


    The young man''s raised hand wasn''t just a symbol of dissent¡ªit was a public betrayal. His silent vote was clear: he no longer stood with Alexander.


    The gesture threw Alexander''sst hope into the pits of despair. He could see the wave of discontent spreading among the other members, some of whom were once his closest allies.


    "I also vote for the immediate stepdown of Alexander Eloise as the president!" The words rang out, reverberating through the hall like a thunderp. Roars of shock and disbelief echoed, cutting into Alexander''s very core, no matter how much he wanted to block it out. This wasn''t just a casual betrayal¡ªit was a public deration that his reign was crumbling.


    The young man who had cast the decisive vote was known to be one of the kindest members in the club.


    His dedication to Obsidian Roar had earned him the respect of his peers, though he had always been powerless under Alexander''s oppressive rule. He was just one person against royalty¡ªtwo powerful backgrounds as president and a royal prince, propping up Alexander''s fragile ego.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What could he have done alone?


    But now, the tides had turned. The young man hade to the academy under unusual circumstances.


    His sister worked as a maid for House Obsidian, under the watchful eyes of Mistress Emberly. He had caught her attention through sheer talent, which had earned him a ce at the academy.


    In every sense, he felt indebted to the Obsidian family. They had given his family¡ªhis sister and mother¡ªa home, security, and a future. They took care of his family''s needs without ever asking for anything in return.


    Despite the power dynamics, he knew Emberly didn''t want repayment. She had only ever wished for Rose, his sister, to focus on her work without the burden of worrying about her family''s welfare.


    So she had gifted them a home in the heart of the city, where him and their mother could livefortably, while Rose stayed at the family abode to fulfill her duties. This act of generosity had earned his unshakable loyalty to the Obsidian family.


    His loyalty to Pyris, the descendant of that same family, was not just out of respect but also out of gratitude. Alexander''s power meant nothing inparison to the debt he owed to House Obsidian. His vote, in favor of Pyris, was the ultimate symbol of that loyalty and loyalty to the club itself!


    "Mhmm~" Pyris let out a soft hum, clearly satisfied by the young man''s stance. He knew exactly what that vote meant¡ªit wasn''t just about removing Alexander; it was about restoring the dignity of the Obsidian Roar''s name and ensuring that those who truly cared for the club were the ones who led it.


    The hall was filled with murmurs now, a growing swell of voices questioning Alexander''s authority. The club president, once so secure in his position, now stood alone, grasping at thest strands of power slipping through his fingers.


    Pyris'' calcted moves had done more than just undermine Alexander; they had given the members the courage to finally voice their frustrations and call for the change they so desperately needed.


    Alexander''s reign was over¡ªit was just a matter of time before the rest followed.


    ''Status''


    Name: Jasper.


    Race: Fox


    Bloodline: Celestial Moon Bloodline!


    Race Trait: Moon Empowerment!


    Titles: The Moon Embracer


    Rank: 6/20


    Elements: Light, Life.


    Age Limit: 18/700


    Strength: 190/210


    Agility: 190/210


    Vitality: 195/210


    Stamina: 200/210


    INT: 196/210


    ____


    [A Celestial Fox, huh? Too bad it''s just a diluted version of the real Celestial Fox bloodline!] Lia''s thoughts were filled with intrigue, despite the dilution. Even though it wasn''t the purest form, she found it impressive¡ªespecially since, by her observation, the one who held the bloodline was a good person.


    ''Celestial Fox? Are they that strong?'' He asked, genuinely clueless but willing to trust Lia''s judgment. After all,ing from the God Realm, her standards were sky-high, and she didn''t hand outpliments lightly.


    [Abnormally so! Their leader, for instance, can annihte the entire mortal realm with a single swipe of their paws!] Lia''s admiration seeped into her voice as she continued to describe them.


    [In the God Realm, they''re a force to be reckoned with!]


    The gravity of her words settled in his mind, though he remained outwardlyposed. "I see. They are powerful indeed," he said with deliberate calmness, trying to absorb the weight of what Lia was saying.


    [You don''t sound impressed!] Lia''s yful usation rang in his mind.


    ''I am, yeah, I''m impressed,'' he responded, though his tone remained cool, not betraying the awe building inside him.


    Jasper suddenly bowed to him...


    Pyris observing Jasper carefully, intrigued by the respectful bow that had taken everyone by surprise.


    It wasn''t just the formality of the gesture that caught people off guard, but the fact that someone like Jasper¡ªa respected and prominent figure in the club¡ªhad openly shown deference to Pyris, someone whom many of them barely knew but admired so much...


    That simple act of respect sent a ripple through the room, changing the atmosphere in a way Pyris hadn''t anticipated.


    Jasper, with his lean build and striking appearance, didn''t let his emotions show easily. His white eyes gave off a cool, detached vibe, masking whatever turmoil was brewing beneath the surface.


    Pyris, who had been trained by Rose to understand beast-human behaviors, could sense that Jasper wasn''t entirely at ease.


    Still, Jasper''sposed exterior and the unexpected respect he showed made a strong impression on everyone present.


    "You''re?" Pyris asked.


    "I''m Jasper," the young man introduced himself, his voice steady, despite the tension that had filled the room moments earlier. His bow, though simple, seemed to carry the weight of trust¡ªa trust the other members quicklytched onto.


    They knew Jasper wouldn''t show respect to someone unworthy, and in that moment, their doubts about Pyris began to melt away.


    Jasper on the other hand straightened his posture, he knew Pyris wasn''t aware of the former''s existence as a brother of his personal maid.


    And he wasn''t obliged to know her family, so Jasper would rather live that for his sister to share.


    Pyris smiled slightly, understanding that this was more than just a formal greeting. Jasper, the head of club activities, was clearly a key figure, and Pyris knew he had to establish a good rapport with him.


    Jasper''s influence could sway the remaining undecided members, and Pyris needed to unite the club if they were to move forward from Alexander''s reign.


    The vote for Alexander''s dismissal had concluded, and the general members, one by one, had cast their votes, each in favor of his immediate removal. It was unanimous¡ªAlexander Eloise was overthrown.


    The room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief, though it was still thick with the aftermath of such a sudden change.


    But now, with the fall of the president, the real question hung in the air, looming over everyone: who would take his ce?

 Chapter 49 Changes & New President!

    Alexa, the club''s mobilizer, was thest to cast her vote for Alexander''s removal, but her role didn''t hold as much power as others.


    Figures like Jasper, the head of activities, Jessie, the financial manager, and Bofur, the dwarf responsible for the club''s logistical needs, were crucial.


    Jessie and Bofur, a dwarf, had also voted for Alexander''s removal, fed up with how the prince had monopolized the club''s resources.


    Under his leadership, funds had disappeared into thin air, and while royalty like Alexander might not have considered doing such a cheap thing, the sheer amount of money¡ªfigures reaching eight zeros every month¡ªwas staggering.


    The fact that Alexander had funneled those resources into his own hands while only a fraction was used for the club''s benefit had left a bitter taste in everyone''s mouth. His downfall was inevitable.


    Now that he was out of the picture, the members turned to Pyris. His coup had been swift and decisive, but Pyris wasn''t looking to grab power for power''s sake.


    Even Jasper''s loyalty wasn''t tied to blind ambition¡ªhis allegiance was to the Obsidian family, the very foundation of the club.


    Still, Pyris hadn''t officially positioned himself as the next president.


    Jasper nced at Pyris, measuring him. Pyris hadn''t sought the position yet, but it was clear to most that he had the qualities the club needed.


    Jessie, Bofur, and the others were waiting, unsure of what would happen next.


    Pyris, sensing the question that loomed over the room, spoke calmly. "Obsidian Roar has been through enough. It''s time for a leader who puts the club before themselves."


    The members listened, and slowly, a sense of understanding settled over them. Pyris didn''t need to announce himself¡ªhis actions had already done the speaking.


    If the club wanted to return to its former glory, it was clear who the next president needed to be.


    Jasper, looking around the room at the nodding members, turned back to Pyris. "I believe we''ve already found our next president," he said, his voice steady and sure.


    "No, I don''t intend to take over the club presidency!" Pyris'' voice cut through the room, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. The members, who had been all but certain he would im the position after his decisive role in overthrowing Alexander, were visibly shocked by his refusal.


    Whispers broke out almost immediately, spreading through the crowd like wildfire.


    The idea of Pyris leading had seemed so obvious just moments ago, and now that he had rejected the role, the members were left confused and uncertain about what would happen next.


    Jasper, who had clearly hoped that Pyris would step up and take control, looked particrly disappointed. His respectful bow earlier had been a sign of his trust, his belief that Pyris would restore order to the club and lead it toward a brighter future.


    But now, Pyris was refusing that responsibility.


    The room felt unsettled, the weight of Pyris'' rejection hanging in the air. Even those who hadn''t openly supported him were taken aback.


    After everything that had happened, it seemed only natural that he would step into the position he had so effectively paved the way for.


    Pyris noticed Jasper''s expression, the slight dip in his posture as disappointment flickered across his face. It was clear that Jasper had been counting on him, perhaps even looking up to him as a leader.


    But Pyris had his reasons, and he wasn''t about to take up the mantle just because it was expected.


    "I''m not here to rule," Pyris continued, his voice firm but calm. "I did what I had to because the club deserved better. But I believe in finding the right leader, not just the most powerful or influential one."


    The members fell quiet again, listening closely. They knew that whatever Pyris was about to say would be important; although he didn''t hold any position on themittee, he was an Obsidian!


    "I have faith that the club already has strong, capable people who can take this position and lead it the right way." Pyris'' eyes flicked over to Jasper, who straightened up slightly under his gaze. "People who care about the legacy of Obsidian Roar as much as I do."


    Jasper, though still surprised, seemed to regain a bit of hope. Pyris wasn''t leaving the club in chaos¡ªhe was simply refusing to force himself into a position of leadership where he felt others might be better suited.


    The room buzzed with uncertainty, but also a sense of possibility.


    If Pyris wasn''t going to lead, then the question remained: who would take up the mantle and guide Obsidian Roar into its next chapter?


    Alexander stood off to the side, his gaze fixed on Pyris, his eyes smoldering with barely concealed rage.


    He watched the unfolding scene, every word and gesture from Pyris stoking the fire of resentment burning within him.


    Having just been dethroned, Alexander''s pride was in tatters, and watching Pyris refuse the presidency¡ªa role he had been so effortlessly poised to im¡ªonly deepened the fury festering inside him.


    His fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he fought to contain the torrent of anger.


    To see the very person who had orchestrated his downfall now rejecting the seat of power was a bitter pill to swallow. It felt like an insult added to the injury of his public humiliation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Pyris had taken everything from him, and yet, it seemed as though he didn''t even care for what he had won.


    As the club members whispered among themselves, their attention focused on Pyris, Alexander''s thoughts raced. He couldn''t stand the idea of being cast aside, forgotten as the club moved on without him.


    His mind reeled, cycling between thoughts of vengeance and the desire to reim what had been ripped from his grasp.


    But for now, he remained in the shadows, his face betraying the storm of emotions he struggled to suppress. He wasn''t done¡ªnot by a long shot.


    Though his position had been stripped from him, his sense of entitlement remained intact, and deep inside, Alexander knew this wasn''t over.


    He would find a way to rise again.


    But that wasn''t possible as long as he was a member of Obsidian Roar.


    ___


    Pyris, on the other hand,, scanned the room, his sharp gaze flicking over each of the members as if weighing their potential. His eyes eventually settled on Alexa.


    She was pure-hearted, someone who held the club''s ideals close, but Pyris knew better than to nominate her.

 Chapter 50 Interest!!

    Pyris scanned the room, his sharp gaze flicking over each of the members as if weighing their potential. His eyes eventually settled on Alexa.


    She was pure-hearted, someone who held the club''s ideals close, but Pyris knew better than to nominate her. While she was capable, her innocence and unwillingness to engage in the tougher, sometimes more ruthless aspects of leadership meant that she wouldn''t be able to handle the full weight of leading Obsidian Roar.


    The name itself demanded more¡ªa depth of responsibility, decisiveness, and at times, harsh judgment.


    Despite his admiration for her, Pyris buried his ambition of having Alexa lead, and she didn''t hold the same interest in leading the club unlike what Pyris wanted for her.


    He knew it wasn''t meant to be.


    Instead, his thoughts turned to Jasper. It was clear, not just to Pyris but to the entire club, that Jaspermanded the respect of the other key members.


    He wasn''t royalty, nor did he carry the same legendary lineage as Pyris, but Jasper had earned his ce. He was the foundation on which many members leaned¡ªcalm, capable, and well-liked.


    The room''s mood had shifted after Pyris'' refusal to lead, and the gaze of the club had naturally begun to shift toward Jasper.


    Pyris understood the weight that had just been lifted off his shoulders after refusing the presidency, but he also knew that the club couldn''t remain without a leader. The time for action hade.


    With steady resolve, Pyris made his decision.


    "I vote Jasper as the club president!" Pyris announced, his voice clear and unwavering.


    The room, already tense with anticipation, seemed to hold its breath.


    Many of the members nodded in agreement, as though Pyris had simply voiced the unspoken consensus. Jasper''s eyes widened for a moment, caught off guard by Pyris'' public nomination. He had been expecting to y a supporting role, but this... this was a different kind of responsibility.


    Jasper, despite the uncertainty flickering in his eyes, stood tall. He could feel the weight of expectation settling on his shoulders, but he knew that this was not a burden to shy away from.


    The club needed strong leadership, and if Pyris believed in him¡ªif the other members believed in him¡ªthen he couldn''t let them down.


    The murmurs of agreement grew louder, and the tide was turning in Jasper''s favor.


    ____


    "I vote for Jasper as the club president!" Alexa was the first to speak among the fourmittee members. She smiled warmly at Jasper, a gesture of congrattions. Jasper, in return, bowed slightly and smiled back. Following Alexa''s lead, the other members cast their votes in agreement.


    Jasper had now be the new president of the Obsidian Roar. Unbeknownst to Pyris, on his very first day, he had already influenced the club''s leadership. Though he was not fully aware of the depth of the academy''s club politics yet, he would soon find out. This was the necessary first step for Pyris to see his nse to fruition.


    From the moment he set foot in the club, he had caused a stir like a hurricane.


    With a polite bow and a smile, Jasper acknowledged everyone''s support. In response, they all bowed back, recognizing the beginning of a new chapter. Pyris wasted no time, calling out, "Your first orders, President!"


    Everyone could sense what was about to happen next. Phones were pulled out, ready to record the fresh history of Obsidian Roar as it was being written in real-time.


    All eyes turned to Alexander, whose gaze flickered ufortably. He knew exactly what wasing.


    "Alexander Eloise," Jasper began confidently, walking toward him, "your past misdeeds as president of the Obsidian Roar will be forgiven but at the cost of your membership. You are hereby no longer one of us." Jasper handed Alexander his belongings as he finished his statement.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You dare,moner!" Alexander shouted in fury, his aura of royalty surging as he attempted to intimidate Jasper. Despite the pressure, Jasper stood firm, his resolve unshaken.


    "Unlike before, Alexander," Jasper retorted calmly, "you are just a prince within the academy walls. Out there, your royalty matters, but here, I hold more authority. Now leave."


    Jasper had never been afraid of Alexander personally, only of the power his former position held. But now, with Alexander''s status reduced to just another prince, his influence paled inparison to Jasper''s, who was now second only to the Student Council President.


    *Ahem*


    Just as Alexander moved to confront Jasper, perhaps to strike him out of humiliation, Pyris gave a loud cough, a subtle reminder of where Alexander now stood. Reluctantly, Alexander turned and stormed toward the door, leaving in disgrace.


    Videos of the incident spread rapidly across the academy blog, and within minutes, half of the student body knew what had transpired.


    Jasper, Alexander, and Pyris quickly became the most searched names on the academy blog, with additional attention on Pyris as he was soon to be officially announced as the new CEOter that evening¡ªa highly anticipated event in the business world.


    After the ceremony, Jasper sat down in his new chair, settling into his role as president under the watchful eyes of the remainingmittee members.


    With one position now vacant, a new member was voted in. She was an elf, just like Jessie, but unlike the forest elf and financial manager with her signature green hair, this neer was a high noble from the Elven Empire.


    Pyris couldn''t help but wonder what a high elf noble wanted with the Obsidian Roar, a club that had lost some of its former glory.


    Still, he let it slide¡ªdespite its fading poprity, the club still had certain perks that attracted interest.


    The position was first offered to Jessie, the green-haired elf, but she declined. Jessie preferred to remain in her current role,fortable in her position. It was only after Jessie''s refusal that the high elf noble stepped forward to ept the responsibility. No one else had been eager to fill the seat Jasper once upied.


    Seated quietly in the middle of the hall, Pyris'' gaze lingered on Jessie. Her short build wrapped in the academy uniform, the skirt entuating her shapely legs, made her stand out. Her face, with its round, slightly chubby cheeks and glittering green eyes, was expressive, darting around with interest. What struck Pyris the most, however, was her figure.


    Her short stature contrasted with her curvaceous frame, and her uniform struggled to contain herrge chest.


    Her serious demeanor only added to her appeal in Pyris'' eyes. He couldn''t help but find her both cute and inviting. Pyris was always drawn to certain physical traits, and in Jessie''s case, her bust and figure ranked high on his list of reasons for admiring her¡ªthough, if he were honest, he genuinely liked her personality first and foremost.


    Lia, the voice in his head, chimed in, [I agree! No one else could handle her but you. Just imagining someone else massaging those big mounds, but you, my perverted master!]


    ''Who are you calling a pervert?'' Pyris interrupted their yful bickering, trying to focus as the discussions around them continued.

 Chapter 51 Ellie!

    As Pyris conversed with the girl beside him, she exined the history and structure of the academy clubs, giving him a clearer understanding.


    "Originally, when the academy was first established, the clubs were racially divided for several centuries. Each race had its club, and for dragons, that club was the Obsidian Roar." Catching her breathe she continued on.


    "Other clubs were named after their respective races, such as the Human Club and others. However, this separation led to growing tensions. The differences between the races almost caused the peace at the academy to copse."


    As she exined Pyris listened with interest.


    Students frequently shed, and even the teachers began to show favoritism toward their own races, often discriminating against others.


    The conflict eventually spread beyond the academy''s walls, involving princes and princesses from the royal houses, further straining the fragile peace.


    Realizing the severity of the situation, the academy''s leaders enacted new policies to address these issues.


    The clubs were no longer racially based and were given neutral names.


    However, the Obsidian Roar remained intact thanks to the contributions it had to the academy. The new system divided students from different races into various clubs, encouraging a culture of coexistence.


    Fortunately, the students adapted quickly to the changes, and the new environment fostered unity. Upon registration, most students were assigned to clubs, though there was an option for some to choose their own if they paid a hefty fee to the academy¡ªa rare urrence.


    Additionally, a unique aspect of this system was that clubs could purchase students from other clubs if a mutual agreement was reached.


    The purchasing club would pay both the student and the club they belonged to.


    The most sought-after students were those with exceptional talents, as clubs prepared forpetitions that took ce throughout the academy term, culminating before the holidays.


    "Usually, the magicpetition closes off the term! There are rewards for winning thesepetitions, ranging from magical resources and money to opportunities with powerful organizations or magic artifacts," the girl exined. "Those in entertainmentpetitions often catch the eye of the entertainment industry, and this has be a growing trend. Competition in that sector is fierce!"


    As Pyris listened, he couldn''t help butpare this magical world to Earth. ''For a world focused on magic, Argos isn''t dull. There''s more to it than just fighting!'' he thought, realizing that Argos had room for everyone, magician or not.


    At that moment, an idea struck him. If the Obsidian family were to venture into the entertainment industry.


    Lia, who had been following his thoughts, chimed in. [While you''re at it, why not build a full-fledgedpany to take on all aspects of the entertainment world?] Pyris nodded. ''Exactly! The youth today, whether they''re magically gifted or not, love these kinds of things! They now make up arger part of the poption than the older generations, especially those just graduating from the academies.''


    Why not build an entertainment empire? While this wouldn''t grant him direct control over the mortal realm, Pyris knew that targeting the 30% of the poption uninterested in magic was a powerful strategy.


    With a new flesh idea burning intensely in his mind, Pyris thanked the girl who just smiled.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "It''s nothing worthy of mention!" They both paid undivided attention to the discussions going on.


    "...


    Yes and in weeks, the sportspetitions willmence, Bofur and Ellie will be organizing the sports team, and we will be facing the Wild Dragons, they are a force to be reckoned with in all sports activities, no, they''re good in every way, that''s why they have the student council presidenting from their club!" It seemed Pyris had missed quite a few important something, but he figured he didn''t need them.


    Raising his hand, getting their attention, Pyris mentioned he would be participating in basketball; it was a surprise to some, but Jasper knew from Rose that Pyris was good at the game.


    He had Ellie register Pyris on the team, she happily obliged as the new activities manager.


    The golden-haired High elf and curvaceous girl was dressed in a short white dress with a belt around her alluring waistline. When she stood up, the dress went until her knees showed part of her long legs, her breasts were medium-sized, but her ass was big.


    (Want the image? Comment and add a review!)


    Her hair was tied in two twin ponytails, showing off her beautiful face with a pink hue on either side of her cheeks. Her eyes were golden, like her hair, just like most of High Elves.


    Ellie a High Elf, hails from a prestigious noble family within the Elven Empire, known for their deep-rooted traditions and strong connection to nature.


    Growing up in avish estate surrounded by ancient forests, she was trained in the arts of magic from a young age. Despite her privileged upbringing, Ellie often felt isted due to her family''s expectations and the weight of her heritage.


    ''She seems to be calm andposed, often appearing aloof to those around her.'' Pyris analyzed her with intensity.


    Ellie''s conservative nature makes her wary of change, but she possesses a curiosity that asionally breaks through her reserved exterior. Though she appears unapproachable, she is sensitive to teasing and often finds herself blushing in response.


    Ellie wields powerful life and time magic, allowing her to manipte the flow of time and harness the vitality of nature.


    However, she struggles with the responsibility thates with such power, often questioning her ability to use it wisely.


    Although she was talented, she sometimes questioned her beliefs and the views her family trained her to. Ellie yearns to break free from the confines of her noble status, seeking adventure and the chance to forge meaningful connections, although her aloofness makes it difficult for her to reach out to others.


    Her ultimate goal is to find her ce in a world beyond her sheltered life, where she can use her magic to make a difference.


    Ellie has few close rtionships, mainly due to her reserved nature. She often feels like an outsider among her peers, which leads to a sense of loneliness.


    However, she secretly admires the bravery and camaraderie of adventurers. Her desire for connection might have led her to Obsidian Roar; given its legacy, she wanted adventurouspanions, offering her a chance to grow and change.


    ****


    Want mentions to resume?

 Chapter 52 Obsidian Tech Support!

    Now that was out of the way a new worry awoke, regarding the entertainmentpetitions;


    Jasper paced the room with a troubled expression, his hands gesturing in frustration. "We''repletely outmatched in the entertainmentpetitions. No musicians, no actors, no models¡ªnothing!"


    His voice wavered as he addressed the group. "I don''t know how we''re supposed topete when other clubs have full teams for this. Obsidian Roar''s reputation could take a hit if we don''t do something."


    The members around him shared his concern, murmuring amongst themselves. Tension hung in the air, but no one seemed to have any solutions.


    Jasper sighed again, clearly at a loss for how to move forward.


    That was when Pyris, sitting in at the back, raised his hand. His calm yetmanding presence caught everyone''s attention. "I think I can help with that," Pyris said, stepping forward with confidence in his stride.


    "Look around," he said, gesturing to the group. "We have untapped potential here. Jasper may be worried, but I see an opportunity." The atmosphere in the room started to shift as everyone''s attention focused on Pyris. He had the ability tomand a room effortlessly, and now he was using it to bring a fresh perspective.


    "Competitions are about showing up with what you have and making the most of it. So, instead of scrambling to buy talents from other clubs, why don''t we focus on developing what we already have? We have musicians, we have people who can learn, and more importantly, we have time."


    Jasper looked at Pyris with a renewed sense of hope. It wasn''t the response he had expected, but it was certainly better than the defeatist attitude that had started to creep in.


    "Let''s get a few practice sessions going," Pyris continued. "Anyone who''s willing to put in the effort, step up. We''ll work with what we have and surprise everyone. No one expects us to shine in this, and that''s our biggest advantage."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As murmurs of excitement spread through the room, Pyris smiled wider. He had managed to shift the entire energy of the club with just a few words. "And for the modelingpetition," he added, "I think it''s time we redefine what this club is about. Let''s show them we''re not just a one-trick pony."


    "Although I''m going to attract other talented individuals into our club willingly, I want to see the talents we have here so that you don''t miss out on this opportunity!" The moment the words left his mouth, four members ran to the front: three girls and a boy, the girls; the two of them were dragons, sharing a striking resemnce, ck hair, and ck eyes; the other girl was a vampire with ck hair while the boy was a demon, an incubus.


    His long pink hair and eyes made him stand out the most apart from his handsome face; he was lean and a good height.


    His name was Zaranrel, a striking, handsome young man; still with Pyris around, he was just the second handsome boy in the hall.


    "Y''all are artists I assume?" They nodded to his question, to which he just smiled, "You will do just fine; I n to make all of your great talents.


    "Zaranrel, right? You will be the leader of the group!" Zaranrel bowed; he gracefully stepped to the side, and so did the three girls, leaving enough space for the next bunch.


    Pyris found out through his appraisal skill that these four weren''t so talented in magic and didn''t have second names just like Jasper; they weren''t nobles, either... which meant they entered the academy through rmendations.


    He could guess how Zaranrel became a student here. After all, he was an incubus; getting a female teacher wasn''t that hard, and the other three girls? He wasn''t nning to pry into their privacy either.


    He was just her for their talents, not personal matters.


    "Models!" His cry was answered by ten volunteers, equaling in numbers, five girls and boys; just a few shared the same race; good enough, in each race, he had a model volunteer.


    Pyris looked through them one by one, passing back and forth. They were also not so talented by his standards, but they weren''t bad either, their talents just enough to earn them recognition to enter the academy.


    "Y''all can act as well right?" They nodded, and with a smile, he carried on, "You will be actors as well as models! Julienne, you will be the leader!" The human girl with ck hair tied in a ponytail stepped forward.


    She smiled and bowed, watching not too far; Alexa smiled; Julienne was her friend, and the two suffered the same criticism, but unlike Alexa, Julienne was shielding the former.


    The two smiled at each other, it didn''t escape Pyris.


    With all back to their seats, Pyris answered the question on their minds.


    "All for you I know you''re curious, I will cut to the chase. Mypany will be opening up a new sector, the entertainment sector, soon. And I n to start with you, the active members of Obsidian Roar and I will make sure to see you to the top of the industry! Wee to Obsidian Entertainment!" His smile added another angel of beauty to his beautiful words.


    Pyris was going to start with the members of Obsidian Roar as the original members at the start, their brilliance and poprity in the outside world was what will attract others from other clubs.


    It was not to join Obsidian Roar, per se, but to join Obsidian Ent, as he was going to call it! His n wasn''t at any point focused on thepetition; thepetitions were going to be the reflection of what Obsidian Ent was capable of thereby making it easy to sign other talents.


    Through all this time, he will try and porch more experienced idos, and mo; Emilia will find him the right person to run Obsidian Ent, thepany that will swallow all other entertainment giants; he had money, and he was visionary!


    ____


    Cheers erupted in the hall; they were excited by the opportunity, and not just the volunteers but everyone was happy.


    They knew what House Obsidian was capable of; this newpany they were opening up was an assured sess right from the get-go!


    It wasn''t just going to elevate the name of House Obsidian but boost the talentsing directly from theirpany. Some had hope that, although they weren''t part of Obsidian Ent, they would find a ce in thepany as long as they showed exceptional talents.


    Their burning eagerness was exactly what Pyris wanted to see, in not just them but all other members of the academy.


    After all, his ambition was to target the academy, not just Obsidian Roar.


    They were all just following the devised n of the viinous dragon who not only wanted good for himself but saw them shining as well but, of course, under his family banner!


    "Jasper, Jessie~ the Obsidian Tech wishes to support Obsidian Roar in any way possible!" Pyris'' goal was to make Obsidian Tech a bit tied to the club of his family, this will not only help the club''s poprity to soar again ther by attracting other students, it will give Obsidian Tech a direct involvement in the academy.


    It will be easy then to dictate the academy activities, he will bring other clubs under thepany through the Obsidian Ent.

 Chapter 53 Alexandras Inner Stir!

    At the time of leaving the academy, Pyris wasted no time. He bid his farewells to the everyone ready to set off toward Obsidian Tech. As he made his way to the tform, there she was¡ªAlexa. Her beauty was like a beacon, overshadowing everyone around her.


    The pure, vibrant mana saturating the air enhanced her radiance, making her smile seem even more captivating in the serene atmosphere of the hall. It was a sight thatmanded attention, wrapping all present in an almost ethereal purity.


    Pyris waved subtly as he approached, and Alexa''s smile brightened even further upon seeing him. Next to her, Julienne, noticing her friend''s glowing smile, turned to see the handsome young man not too far from them.


    He wore the same kind of smile¡ªgenuine, unrestrained, and pure¡ªa smile Julienne had never seen on him before, at least not until now, and only ever in Alexa''s presence.


    "Alexa~ aren''t your standards a bit too high?" Julienne teased, her tone light but yful. The teasingment caused Alexa''s cheeks to flush a deep shade of red as she yfully smacked her friend, embarrassment flickering across her face.


    "Don''t be ridiculous, Julienne!" Alexa retorted, but even as she spoke, she walked gracefully toward Pyris, her movements fluid and elegant. As she reached him, Pyris gently took her hand, his expression soft but resolute.


    "Regretfully, I have to take my leave now, Alexa," he said, his voice calm yet tinged with reluctance.


    Alexa nodded, understanding his packed schedule without needing further exnation. She knew well enough how busy he had be, especially now that he was the head of thergest tech corporation in the empire.


    "You should indeed be on your way then," she replied warmly, though her eyes lingered on him a moment longer. "I''ll be leaving shortly after you."


    Just as Pyris was about to part ways, a thought struck him. "Fancy a ride?" he asked, his voice casual yet inviting. Alexa, caught off guard by the offer, blinked in surprise. Her eyes sparkled for a brief second, a glimmer of surprise, before her expressionposed itself into one of serene eptance.


    She nced over at Julienne, who had tactfully stepped a bit farther away from the tform to give them some privacy. Sensing Alexa''s gaze, Julienne looked back and smiled, waving at them.


    "Don''t worry about your friend; she''lle with us," Pyris reassured her smoothly. "I''ve already arranged for Emilia to pick her up. She''ll also bring my sister, since she doesn''t want to head to thepany with me."


    Relieved, Alexa turned and beckoned for Julienne, who, though clearly excited, tried her best to contain it. After all, Pyris wasn''t just any handsome, popr figure¡ªhe was now her boss as well. The trio exited the academy together, their footsteps echoing in the grand hall.


    Outside, Emilia was already waiting beside a luxurious vehicle, Aurelia standing calmly by her side. Pyris''s face lit up with unrestrained joy when he saw his sister.


    "Sister, I''ve missed you!" he called out, his voice filled with warmth. Before anyone could react, he pulled her into a tight hug, his happiness palpable. Aurelia, though initially taken aback, quickly softened, her aloof demeanor melting under his affection.


    The scene shocked not only the three girls present but also the other students who happened to witness it. No one had expected Pyris to be so openly affectionate toward anyone, let alone to this extent.


    "Emilia, please take Julienne to the hotel," Pyris instructed, ncing back at his sister onest time. "I''ll meet you there." Without waiting for a reply, he bade a quick goodbye and walked off with Alexa, leaving Emilia to escort the others.


    As the two walked away, the sight of Alexa, a human princess, stepping into the car of Obsidian''s heir caused a noticeable stir among the onlookers. Alexa, however, couldn''t care less about their whispers and stares.


    She knew well enough that the rumors would eventually reach her father''s ears. She could already imagine him calling her soon, likely with some thinly veiled plea to connect their family to Obsidian.


    ''He''ll try to use me to forge ties between our families,'' she mused silently as she settled into the plush seat of the car. The thought of her father''s shamelessness made her lips twist in a bitter smile.


    The emperor¡ªher father¡ªhad treated her like an outcast for so long, to the point where she''d felt no choice but to flee from her own home. Yet now, he''d likely overlook all of that if it meant forging an alliance.


    But when the inevitable order came¡­what would she do? The question hung unanswered in her mind, a thread she wasn''t ready to tug on just yet. Since encountering Pyris, though, something had changed in her.


    A new confidence had awakened, one she never knew she had, as though his mere presence unlocked parts of herself she had kept buried.


    Meanwhile, as Emilia beckoned for Julienne to step into thevish van, the human girl hesitated, momentarily stunned by the sheer luxury of it all. It wasn''t just a vehicle; it felt like a mobile suite. The back seats were arranged like a sitting room, with a separate space where men''s clothing¡ªboth formal and casual¡ªhung neatly.


    ''These must belong to Boss Pyris,'' she thought, her awe growing as she settled into her seat. Aurelia, seated slightly farther away, seemed indifferent to her surroundings, though her aloofness softened in Pyris''s presence.


    The two girls sat in silence, with Julienne too overwhelmed to strike up a conversation.


    Aurelia, checking apartment near her, casually pulled out a handful of high-tier mana cores. Julienne gasped audibly, eyes wide with disbelief. ''Who keeps such expensive mana cores in a car?'' she thought, barely able to contain her shock.


    Noticing her reaction, Aurelia sighed, clearly exasperated. Without a word, she tossed three mana cores in Julienne''s direction.


    "T-These¡­?" Julienne stammered, her voice trembling as she struggled to find the words.


    "Yes, seriously," Aurelia muttered, rolling her eyes. "I don''t want you staring at me while I''m practicing. Just distract yourself with those." To Aurelia, it was a simple matter of self-preservation¡ªanything to stop the human girl from gawking at her.


    Julienne, though lost for words, nodded vigorously, clutching the mana cores as if they were priceless artifacts.


    The swirling, colorless energy inside them was mesmerizing, particrly since they were elemental-less and could be cultivated regardless of one''s magical alignment.


    She stole a nce at Aurelia''s mana cores, which were saturated with dark energy so potent that it made her shiver involuntarily. The death energy within them was that fearsome.


    While this unfolded, Emilia hopped into the driver''s seat, her phone pressed to her ear. "Yes, bring the rest of the recruits to the hotel as per the boss''s orders," she instructed briskly. "We''ll be there soon. Yes... Zaranrel? The leader of the other bunch of recruits is with me!


    Don''t waste time!"


    After hanging up, she nced back at the girls with a yful smirk.


    "Don''t worry, youngdy''s like that," she said, addressing Julienne. "Just focus on your practice. This might be a daily urrence for you!" With a chuckle, she started the car, the hum of the engine bringing a calm to the otherwise luxurious ride.


    Meanwhile, in Pyris''s car, he and Alexa chatted lightheartedly about trivial things, their conversation flowing naturally. Yet, under thefort of his presence, Alexa found herself opening up about her past, her words spilling out as she recounted the painful memories of her family.


    As she spoke, Pyris''s expression darkened with quiet fury. The way her family had treated her¡ªit was nothing short of barbaric. He couldn''t bear it, the thought of Alexa suffering under their cruelty igniting a deep anger in him.


    For a brief moment, Pyris entertained the idea of severing all business ties between hispany and the human Imperial family.


    But he quickly dismissed the thought. Business was business, and with his long-term ns, maintaining those ties could prove beneficial.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''When the timees,'' Pyris thought grimly, ''I''ll deal with them personally. Their cruelty toward her is unforgivable.''


    In his heart, Pyris had already made a vow.


    Whatever business Alexa had left unfinished, he would take it upon himself to see it through. He was petty, yes, but when it came to her, he didn''t care.


    They shared something he couldn''t put his hands on and to that Pyris felt the deep need to protect her since a few hours ago.


    "Let''s go to my room when we reach the hotel," Alexa said, breaking him from his thoughts. "I have something I want to show you." There was no hesitation in her voice, no awkwardness. She trusted himpletely.


    Though surprised by the request, Pyris grinned. "Sure," he replied, his curiosity piqued.

 Chapter 54 Beauty & The Beast!*

    Nestled in the heart of the Imperial Capital, at the very core of the Dragon Empire, a sleek, ssy skyscraper towered over the surrounding buildings, cutting an imposing figure against the skyline.


    The nearby structures seemed to pale inparison, almost bowing to its grandeur as if acknowledging it as their superior. This was the Obsidian Hotel, a marvel of modern architecture that gleamed under the golden rays of the evening sun, exuding both regal elegance and amanding presence.


    As cars passed by or lined up to park near the hotel, one particr vehicle stood out, surpassing the others in both beauty and opulence. Heads turned and whispers spread through the crowd, as everyone recognized the car and its well-known owner.


    The vehicle came to a smooth stop, and from it emerged Pyris, dressed casually yet exuding an otherworldly allure that immediately captured the attention of onlookers.


    Cameras shed, capturing his every move, but Pyris paid them no mind. Instead, he walked to the other side of the car and opened the door, revealing a striking beauty¡ªAlexa, a face familiar to many.


    Her radiant smile lit up even more under the barrage of camera shes, her presence drawing almost as much attention as Pyris himself. Unbeknownst to her, journalists had been tailing Pyris, eager for a glimpse of his private life.


    "I didn''t expect it to be so chaotic here," Pyris apologized, his tone polite as ever. But Alexa merely waved off his concerns, ustomed to the constant attention that came with being in the spotlight.


    "Don''t be so modest, Pyris. They''re just doing their job," she replied with a gentle smile, understanding the nature of their celebrity status. As a royal, she was no stranger to this kind of public scrutiny, even if she wasn''t as prominently known as her more illustrious siblings.


    Before they could proceed into the hotel, a team of staff hurried out to greet Pyris at the entrance, forming a respectful line to wee him. A man, striking in appearance and likely in his mid-thirties, stepped forward from the group.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    His demeanor was one of practiced deference, revealing him to be the hotel manager overseeing the Obsidian Hotel, one of many enterprises under the Obsidian family''s vast empire.


    "Young Lord!" the ck-haired manager greeted, bowing deeply in respect. Pyris recognized him instantly, acknowledging his position with a brief nod.


    "There''s no need for formalities. I''ll be in the penthouse. If I need anything, I''ll let you know. Otherwise..." Pyris left the sentence hanging, but the message was clear. The staff remained silent, their heads bowed as Pyris guided Alexa past them and into the opulent interior of the hotel.


    As they disappeared from view, the manager let out a small sigh of relief, the tension easing from his shoulders now that Pyris had passed.


    ____


    "Hey, are you always that imposing?" Alexa teased lightly once they were alone, a yful glint in her eyes.


    Pyris smiled faintly, amused by her question. "It''s be second nature to me. I grew up in a world where this is the norm, you''re familiar with this too and I''m an Obsidian; it''s just how I''ve learned to be."


    "Luckily, you''re not disrespectful," Alexa remarked with a grin, hugging his arm as they stepped into a private elevator, away from the prying eyes of the outside world. The intimate gesture was a rare disy of affection, hidden from the public but genuine in its intent.


    "Only when necessary," Pyris replied, his voice soft. His thoughts, however, were elsewhere, entirely absorbed by the sensation of her arm wrapped around his. It was as if the storm of thoughts raging in his mind had quieted, leaving only her presence and the warmth of her touch.


    "Mhmm~ that''s perfect; although I might not be the righteous kind, I don''t like those who look down on others for fun," Alexa continued, unaware that Pyris was lost in his own world.


    He barely registered her words, his attention captivated by the sight of her lips moving¡ªpink, thin, and temptingly inviting.


    It was almost humorous how a mind as sharp as his could be so utterly fixated on just one thing, a testament to the power Alexa held over him.


    "Alexa~" Pyris whispered, his voice carrying a depth of emotion.


    "Mhmm?" she responded, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. In that moment, something stirred within Pyris¡ªa beast that had never truly been at rest, now awakened by the mere sight of her, craving what it could never fully get satisfied with.


    Something wet pressed onto her lips before it seized them with no room for escape, enveloping her lips with the incredible softness of his wet lips.


    The allure had be too great for the dragon.


    "Mhmmm~~" Alexa moved two seconds exactly after Pyris captured her lips kissing her without warning.


    Kissing her in between her momentary surprise, Pyris changed between her lips, kissing one at a time before shifting to the other.


    "Mmmm~" Although surprised, Alexa found her resolve as she took in the situation, one she didn''t wish to end.


    Afraid he might suddenly break away, she turned her body to hisfort falling into his embrace.


    The action made it easy for Pyris to snake his tongue into the mouth, tasting her warm insides; at the same time, he made sure to ensure he had not just her inside but her outside body as well.


    He held her slim waist, his hands causing tremors coursing through Alexa''s unprepared body; she would then wound her hands around his neck, bringing him even closer.


    "Ahmmhh~" she moaned between the kiss.


    The height difference brought her to her tip toes trying to reach deep into his embrace, although Alexa didn''t find it ufortable.


    It was rather hot.


    Pyris increased the intensity of the kiss, harder yet smooth and fast.


    Their tongues battled with each other, and although he won, his merciful tongue humored hers; instead of fighting, they danced with deadly intertwining describing the desires they had for one another.


    His hands loomed her beautifully well-refined back, traveling the unchartednds of her divine, unawakened body.


    From her middle back, they moved slowly and dangerously, following the traces left behind by the line in her back, eager to know exactly where it would bring his viperlike hands.


    Handwork never failed to pay off; his hands were rewarded with an incredible softness yet plump meatballs in the form of her ass.


    A gentle squeeze of the sshing mellows...


    "Ahh~" she broke the kiss with a beautiful long moan, her voice throwing Pyris'' desires into chaos.


    "Ahaann~~" she cried moaningly, unable to take a hot suck at her neck quietly; she pressed her body into him like an unforgiving spear, and her firm breasts pierced straight onto his chest.


    A roar... The dragon had woken up from its slumber, bulging through his clothes, pressing onto her pussy, throbbing ufortably through the thin fabrics of her cloth safeguards.


    "Alexa~ I want to have you now!" Before she could reply, she was already in his hands, lifted in the air, her legs voluntarily wrapping around his waist as if they belonged there, his bulging member below her ass settling in the ass bridge.


    The nature of her pants inside her outer clothes didn''t guard them very well.


    In one swift move, he kissed her neck sucking her hard.

 Chapter 55 Beauty & The Beast! 2**

    The warm coziness of the dimly lit room could be attributed to the gentle hum of the automatic air conditioning, which created a perfect, soothing atmosphere. Under the safety of a beautifully designed ceiling, the space felt like aforting embrace, inviting anyone inside to rx and unwind.


    A coupley naked on a big bed, lost in each other''s desires.


    Kissing her on the lips, short as though it was a peck, Pyris hovered above the naked body of Alexa, who couldn''t remember where she had lost her clothes, only caring about the love she was getting.


    Slowly as though to write the sight of her naked body in his mind forever, Pyris continued to kiss Alexa until his desire-inducing tongue reached her chest, lingering a bit in his mouth just a couple of dangerous inches away from the round firm piercing beauty in form of her breasts, Pyris''s hands traced across her body sensually.


    "Anhhh Pyris~" her face looked otherworldly whenever she opened her mouth while moaning under him.


    "Alexa~ you look so beautiful like this~" unable to wait any longer, he dived to the feverish dish, sucking on to her breasts, ignoring the hard erect nipples purposely.


    "Ohhh~ yes Pyris. I never... Oh~ I never felt like this before... Anhhh~" her eyes closed taking in the ecstatic feeling.


    "Mmm~ this is how it''s like to be loved dear Alexa~" his hand squeezing her ass from underneath the bed, hard the other supported him as his mouth did wonders to her breasts.


    Her pussy squeaked with love juice, his dick soaring rock hard, ready to conquer, giving asional caresses to her pussy as his body moved about slowly but deliberately.


    "Ohhhhh~ then please don''t... Mmm~ don''t stop loving me Pyris~ love me so much Pyris..." Her legs wrapped around his naked back, her feet touching part of his bare ass.


    "Alexa~ lemme make love to you~" With deration serving as a beacon for his actions, he squeezed her nipple between his lips but very perfectly gentle.


    "Pyrissss~ oh my goodnesssss~~~" her toes curled as a wave of desire coursed through her; Pyris didn''t show signs of stopping.


    His hands exchanged roles, massaging her body at the same time, not abandoning her perky ass.


    Slowly, her breasts were now upied by his one hand, letting himself fall deep between her legs, presenting to him her naked, watery, uncharted garden brimming with fruits of life.


    "It looks beautiful here, Alexa~" a bit embarrassed, she tried to cover her pussy, but Pyris was already buried there, gently out her hands away.


    "Lemme~" massaging her thighs, he slowly kissed her inner thighs causing another different pleasure in her.


    "Oh~~~ Dear.... oh, it feels so good, Pyris~~" he just smiled, which she couldn''t see, parting her legs wider; her pussy was so close to him.


    He took a long inhale, sniffing her arousal.


    "Smells like a morning dew~" he drew closer and...


    "Ahhh~~" Alexa''s voice broke the silence that stared at them in the room.


    "Mhmm...and you taste so good too~" apliment apanied by his tongue in her pussy.


    "Mmmm~~" she held his head, pushing him in her pussy without realizing it, "it''s....so fuckin'' good~~" She lifted her ass slightly before she fell back to the bed, and soon her ass moved in rhythm with his tongue.


    While he ate her pussy Pyris didn''t forget any part of her body, her ass, and breasts.


    "Something!" She shouted pushing his head even deeper in her pussy. "Something''sing~ Anh... Oh, Pyris~~~" he lunged his tongue deeper.


    "Ahhhhhhh~~~~" she came with onest shout, her hands letting go of his head and the aftermath wearing off slowly.


    Squeak! Squeak!


    Pyris took all her squirt to thest drop before licking the entrance of her cave clean.


    Haaa! Haaa!


    Alexa caught her breath.


    Her eyes lifted, finding Pyris looking at her with a smile, she was satisfied, but he wasn''t.


    ___


    "Alexa, from here, you will bepletely mine!" He dered, looking at the young woman, his dick right on her entrance ready for the conquest.


    "Pyris~" she smiled, looking at the handsome man looking at her with affection, admiration, and dominantly ready to conquer her.


    Her eyes reached the raging member, she shivered at the size of the proud member between his legs.


    "Make me yours forever!" She yanked him, making him fall on her; she kissed Pyris passionately and slowly extended her body backward until his member reached inside her into her pussy, past the entrance.


    "Mhmm~" she felt so full.


    "You''re mine, I will always be your shield, and Alexa, I will make you feel loved!" Kissing her forehead Pyris moved swiftly, pumping his hips forwards; his cock raced forward, breaking through the barriers and breaking its reach to the deepest parts of the warm pussy he had waited to eat for so long now.


    He broke her hymen, taking her virginity in one move!


    "Anhhhhhhh~~!!!" A painful cry cut through the thick fabrics of silence, a wave of pain invading her body; she felt as if her body was being torn apart.


    Alexa hugged Pyris hard, both her hands and legs, not letting him move.


    "Pyris it hurts!" She wailed in his embrace; he smiled softly at her cry, "It''s not what I expected."


    Imperial royalties were given education about sex and all, but it seems like someone had skipped.


    "You''re doing great!" He reassured.


    Slowly, he caressed her hair, kissing her here and there; he could feel her grip lessening slowly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    On cue, he started moving his dick but notpletely moving out, letting her adjust; his dick slowly changed in size, bing bigger and longer, and now just half of it felt her pussy.


    Yes, that''s how Alexa wanted it: a bigger and taller, sex-crazy woman.


    "Yess~ this feels so good..." She held his ass with both hands pushing him deeper into her pussy


    As she adjusted Pyris started moving faster.


    "Doesn''t hurt anymore?" He teased her with a bite on the cheek reminding her earlier words.


    "Ahhh~~Just fuck me, don''t tease me!" She pped his ass, Pyrisughing pistoned her harder.


    "Mmm~~ your pussy is so tight Alexa... You''re gripping me so tightly!" Pyris let out, giving her breasts a hard squeeze.


    Raising her legs to his shoulders, her ass lifted opening more ess to the deepest parts of her pussy.


    p!!


    The sound reverberated as he pped her ass from below.


    "So brutal, Daddy ~~ fuck this bad girl, Daddy... Oh yes, fuck my pussy, my dragon daddy. Oohhhh~~ conquer my pussy daddy! Ahhhhhhj~~~" Alexa moaned in ecstasy calling Pyris daddy.


    "You naughty girl, here take it!" With one leg kneeling and the other stepping hard in the bed, he pushed harder in the pussy of the human princess.


    [Ding!]

 Chapter 56 Split Personalities!**

    Alexa''s high-pitched moans continued to pierce through the room, breaking any other sound from invading the personal space, but still.


    Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah!


    The sounds of their flesh hitting each other managed to escape the captivity of her moans.


    "More~ harder... Go harder, ahhhh~" On her fours, she buried her face in the softness of the mattress, moaning without any care of her usual grace, and Pyris liked every bit of it.


    "You have... Mhmm so tight~~ You have a split personality huh?" Through his question Pyris grunted his big dick being squeezed by the tight embrace of her pussy.


    His hands didn''t hold her ass to help him move her body back and forth; no, Alexa was moving her waist, meeting his piercing hard dick and impaling herself deeper; Pyris would move his waist rhythmically to meet her, burying his big dragon in her cave.


    Given how big and long his dick was, it never once came out. Alexa used this advantage to move further to increase the momentum, mercilessly impaling herself.


    Twak! Twak!


    "Oohhh fuck Pyris~~~ yes just like that, spank my ass... Ahhhh, I''m about toe once more~"


    Pah! Pah! Pah! Twakkkk!! Twakkkk!!


    Her voice trailed off, allowing the two flesh sounds to reverberate, producing echoes as they faded.


    "And who has allowed you toe!" His dominating voice and one hard push made Alexa cry out loud, she felt a rush of pleasure wash over her body, yet she didn''t cum; the denied climax was a feeling she couldn''t fathom.


    "Pyris~~~ it feels so good; I feel like I''m cumming nonstop~~" the feeling never faded; the human princess felt like she was experiencing the feeling of a being in the ninth heaven, starry skies wrapping lovingly around her.


    p!


    "Anh!" She cried, fetching her hands from the side; Pyris held them on her back before he yanked her slightly, lifting her upper body off the bed...


    "You craaazzzzyyyy~~ anh, Pyris, the pleasure is too much!" Managing to tilt her neck, she could see a smirk on his face, and that dominating look on his face as he conquered every each of her pussy senselessly made was a huge turn-on for her.


    "I can imagine your look after this, Alexa," he teased not only her emotions but her erect nipples hanging about so hard.


    "Yessssshhhhh~ pinch my nipples~~ ah like that, oh Pyris, you''re so fucking g- ahhhh~ I''m dying with so much pleasure!" Her upper body hangs in space, moving back and forward, her hands no longer hers anymore.


    The sight looked so beautiful that Pyris felt like granting her a wish of hers...


    "Tell me Alexa~ how are you going to face me after this slutty disy..." Twaaakk!! Another p on her bouncing behind, he then squeezed her bosoms.


    "Ahhhh~ daddy.... I can only care about your dick to worry about anything else, oohhh daddy fuck me harder, harder~ yes, yes, yes... Anhaaannn~~~" A long moan conquered the room.


    Pyrisughed at this; now he had her pussy, hands, and breasts, at the same time trailing kisses on her back while crouching on the bed.


    He didn''t stop for once as he swapped his positioning; her pussy never missed his moving dick, even for a second.


    "Good answer now you I can give you what you want, cum for me, my slutty baby girl, M-ugh." With a groan, Pyris felt like he should as well color her insides, a blessing he made her wait for so long.


    "Ohhhhhhhhh~~~ yessshh... Anhhan mhm daddy~~ I''m cummmmmiiingggg~" A shout came along with a torrent of squirt she is wetting first his dick and then the bed under.


    "Mhhmmm~~~ the dyed cumming sure does wonder!" He moaned at the feeling ofrge amounts of her love juice squeezing their way through the nonexistent opening between his dick and her pussy, narrowly escaping.


    "Mhhhmmm~~~ I''m still so sensitive~~" Alexa''s body twitched shivers of sensitive pleasure going through her like earthquake tremors as Pyris continued to fuck her pussy.


    "Mhmm, your pussy is so great Alexa. You want to suck my cum out forcefully with that suction?"


    "AhhnnnMmhhmm~ I''m cumming Alexa take it all in~" With one powerful push into her pussy he emptied deep inside.


    "Daddy~" she cried weakly, copsing on the bed; she passed out.


    [You went so hard on her for the first time!] Liamented with a chuckle.


    "She''s so fun to fuck, she''s apletely different person when having sex, and I like both personalities so much!'' pulling himself out of her pussy Pyris stood up.


    His dick dripped with the mixture of their mixed fluids, and her pussy, too; the fluids flowed out slowly.


    [You pervert you even forgot that you had business to attend to?] She licked her tongue.


    "Look who''s talking!" He shifted Alexa to the clean side of the huge bed, covering her, he headed to the showers.


    "You call me a pervert after peeking at your master fucking with his women, you perverted spirit!" He could already imagine the flushed cheeks of Lia... if she had a body that is.


    [I, I did n- ahh, I d-did no such a thing!] Her embarrassed voice cracked in his; heughed, continuing to tease her until he was done with a shower.


    ____


    "Show me the notifications!" After he was dressed in a formal suit blue suit, Emilia must have prepared it beforehand, Pyris wrote a note for Alexa.


    Calling out his system the notifications popped up in his sight.


    [Ding! Mission aplished!


    Quest: Conquer Alexandra Eloise.


    Benefits: Hidden(??)


    Rewards: Lust Dragon ability, 1000LPs


    Punishment upon failure: permanently locking all the unacquired Lust Dragon abilities!


    Status:pleted!]


    A line of pink characters appeared before him, lining up one by one in neat session. As Pyris read through them, a satisfied smile spread across his face. Not only had he secured the trust andpanionship of someone he vowed to protect, but he had alsopleted a significant system quest.


    [Ding! Distributing rewards...]


    [1000 LPs added.]


    [New Lust Dragon ability unlocked.]


    [New ability: ?]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Description: A lost legacy of ???? Lost to time, this ability once made gods tremble and elevated the Lust Dragon to the most feared entity in existence...]


    Pyris''s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he read the mysterious description. He could feel the weight of this new power, an ancient force that had oncemanded the respect and fear of even the most powerful beings.


    The vague, cryptic nature of the ability intrigued him even more, hinting at a potential that went beyond anything he had yet experienced.


    *****


    Mass release.

 Chapter 57 Eternal Seal & Essence Devourer!

    [Ding distributing rewards...


    1000LPs added.


    New Lust Dragon ability unlocked.


    New ability: Eternal''s Seal!


    Description: A lost legacy of unimaginable power. Lost in time is an ability that made gods tremble and the Lust Dragon the most feared entity in existence¡ªan ability only the extinct Lust Dragons could possess!


    With this ability, the bearer can ce a soul seal on an individual, enving any entity binding their fate to their master and obeying the master''s orders.


    Pyris stood at the precipice of an ancient power long thought to be extinct, a lost legacy that once made even gods tremble.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was an ability so potent that the Lust Dragons, the most feared entities in existence, had been erased from history, leaving no trace of their dominion. And now, that very power flowed through him¡ªThe Eternal Seal.


    A sudden Ding! Resounded in his mind, and a voice rang out, brimming with authority:


    [The host is too weak to fullyprehend the depths of Eternal Seal on their own, you can only use actively with LPs]


    Pyris clenched his fists instinctively, barely registering the warning.


    [Warning: The host can only ce the seal on those weaker and equally strong. For those marginally stronger than you unless; certain unknown conditions are met for higher targets.]


    His heart raced, not with fear, but excitement. The Eternal Seal was a soul-binding ability, one that could enve any being¡ªgods, creatures, or men¡ªwho fell beneath its influence. The bearer could bend their will, fate tethered to the master like a marite on invisible strings, obeyingmands without question...


    [The ability leaves no traces during or after use, the host''s action can therefore go unnoticed!] The system went on.


    ...and yet, there would be no trace, no ripple in the fabric of reality.


    The world would never know it had been vited.


    For a brief moment, Pyris''s thoughts flickered to the centuries of power this ability must have brought to his ancestors.


    No wonder history was so careful to erase them.


    Before Pyris could fullyprehend what had just awakened inside him, a surge of power erupted, burning through his veins like moltenva.


    He gasped, eyes wide, as his legs trembled under the weight of the sensation.


    He grunted, stumbling before falling to one knee, struggling to retain control. It was an intoxicating, overwhelming rush¡ªdangerous, yet exhrating.


    He closed his eyes, letting the storm rage through his body.


    Then, another Ding! Interrupted the chaos in his mind.


    [The host has unlocked a secondary ability: Essence Devouring!]


    The information poured into his mind, a torrent of knowledge fusing with his consciousness.


    Essence Devouring¡ªthe ability to consume the very essence of souls from those he killed. Apart from their power, they would be his, strengthening his magical powers and soul strength.


    He saw visions of enemies in, their spirits dissolving into tendrils of energy that seeped into his being, amplifying his might.


    [The more powerful the devoured essence, the more strength the host gains.]


    A sickening thrill filled Pyris. This wasn''t just a gift¡ªit was dominion, the kind of dominion that would topple kingdoms and break gods.


    With a grunt, Pyris copsed to the floor, chest heaving, drenched in sweat. He felt weak, yet paradoxically stronger than he''d ever been.


    His limbs quivered as though they were not his own, but the power settling in his bones was undeniable. ''This was mine all along,'' he thought...


    ''It''s part of my very bloodline¡ªthe Lust Obsidian Dragon Bloodline.'' A legacy once sealed, And now wed its way back to him.


    Shaking off the euphoria of his newfound powers, Pyris pulled himself together, eager to test his abilities but knowing he had more immediate concerns.


    He left his hotel suite, exiting the elevator with a deliberate stride. His appearance was nothing short ofmanding, every step radiating control, every nce enough to turn heads.


    The lobby hushed at the sight of him, all eyes drawn to his figure like moths to a me.


    The hotel manager scurried to his side, bowing with reverence, hardly daring to speak unless addressed. Pyris paid him no mind, his focus already on what awaited outside.


    Through the ss doors, Pyris could see the convoy awaiting his arrival.


    Five sleek cars, armored and imposing, lined the front entrance. In the middle of the convoy, his personal favorite¡ªa car resembling a Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine, modified to amodate ten seats, with a striking grey finish.


    It was a symbol of power and luxury, much like himself.


    And there, by the limousine, stood Emilia¡ªdressed in a crisp, formal white suit that only entuated her beauty and authority.


    Her presence was maic, drawing attention with every movement she made. She was more than a mere subordinate¡ªshe was his right hand, always ready to carry out his will.


    As Pyris approached, the security team surrounding the convoy¡ªsix individuals in total, four men and two women, all dressed in ck suits with earpieces¡ªimmediately bowed, acknowledging his superiority without a word.


    "Young Lord!" they greeted in unison, voices filled with deference, together there were other two women probably his subordinates, part of his new team


    Pyris gave them a curt nod, a mere acknowledgment of their loyalty, before stepping into the limousine. Emilia followed, taking her ce beside him.


    "Boss!" the driver called from the front seat, bowing slightly before his hands returned to the wheel. Pyris''s eyes flicked toward him, and for a brief moment, he tried to gauge the man''s strength, only to be met with error messages.


    Once seated, Emilia handed him a sleek tablet, the same version as his phone butrger. Pyris epted it without a word, his mind still processing the lingering effects of the power surging through him.


    His eyes scanned the documents on the tablet with lightning speed, his mind now working far beyond its human limits, more like a quantumputer than anything mortal.


    A grin spread across his face. "So much for the new CEO," he mused. "Has Mother beenzing around this whole time?"


    Emilia let out a small sigh. "Your mother has been focusing on ARGO and your new car design for the past five months. Thepany, as a result, is... messy."


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed, flipping through reports and articles about Obsidian Tech''s internal turmoil. Executives plotting behind the scenes, thepany''s public image wavering¡ªit was clear that his mother''s absence had allowed chaos to fester.


    But now that the Obsidians were back, with new power at his disposal, they would soon learn who they truly served.


    "Emilia," Pyris began his voice smooth butced with authority, "Create me a pseudonym. Let''s go with... Petne. And for the surname? Chaos¡ªit fits, don''t you think?"


    She nodded, quickly typing on her device. "Right away, Young Lord. "And by the way, someone contacted your office. They want to partner with you directly, not thepany!" Emilia said, surprised by the request.


    She would have refused, finding it suspicious, but Pyris liked handling things himself.


    absolutely."


    *****


    How do you like the novel so far? Add the answer to the reviews and win yourself a mention!!!!

 Chapter 58 Chaos?

    "Mhmm? Interesting," Pyris smiled, a hint of suspicioncing his expression. The other party hadn''t revealed their true identity or intentions, but he knew this was something he would handleter, on his terms.


    "Oh, and deposit 100 billion Ar into the new identity''s ount. Have our journalists follow even the smallest whisper of gossip or rumor about the executives. I want every dirty secret exposed¡ªbut only when I say the word."


    Emilia''s fingers flew across her tablet with practiced precision. "Understood. Should we make Petne Chaos anonymous?"


    A dark chuckle escaped Pyris''s lips, a gleam of mischief lighting his eyes. "Absolutely."


    The role Petne Chaos was going to y had to be discreet, moving in the shadows, obscured by the brilliance that Pyris intended to cast. The shadows were his domain.


    "Done." Emilia handed him the tablet, and Pyris scanned the details she had arranged. As always, her efficiency left him quietly impressed.


    "You''re amazing, Emilia~" His voice softened as he spoke, his hand reaching out to affectionately caress her head. It was an almost unconscious gesture, one that momentarily forgot she was far older and far more experienced than him in so many ways.


    [You''ve grown bold, you dragon!] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, still tinged with embarrassment from theirst interaction. [Hmmph, congrattions!] Lia could feel the subtle change in his aura, the shift brought about by the new abilities he had acquired. Emilia felt it too.


    "You''re different." Emilia''s voice was teasing, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Was the human princess really that good?"


    Pyris merely smiled back,fortable in the unspoken understanding between them. They were close¡ªcloser than most¡ªand their yful teasing came naturally, free from the confines of formalities.


    "Are you jealous, Emilia?" Pyris fired back, his tone light but probing. The subus''s ears flushed a deep red, though her self-control was far greater than most would ever realize.


    "Hmph! Why would I be jealous?" she said with a triumphant smile. "At the end of the day, you alwayse back to me, no matter how many hours you spend with someone else."


    "So, you''re my uncrowned queen, then?" Pyris''s tone shifted, no longer yful but serious¡ªtoo serious for her to dodge with her usual wit.


    "Could I be any better?" she quipped, her fingers tapping away at the tablet again, a soft smile ying on her lips. It was a deliberate attempt to steer the conversation away, but Pyris wasn''t fooled. He could sense her hesitation.


    "You can be," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. "I want you to be my woman, Emilia. You know that."


    Her eyes widened at his directness. His confession sent her heart racing, though she tried to keep herposure, masking the excitement that threatened to spill over.


    But Pyris knew her well¡ªhe could see through the veil of control she wore so well. In a swift motion, he pulled her by the waist, drawing her dangerously close, their bodies just barely touching. The warmth of her demonic energy pulsed against him, electrifying the air between them.


    "Pyris¡­" she began, her voice soft, but he silenced her with a finger pressed gently to her lips.


    "Is it my mother?" Pyris asked, his eyes searching hers. The question hung in the air, and Emilia nodded, confirming his suspicion. The weight of his mother, Emberly, loomedrge in Emilia''s mind, the powerful matriarch casting a shadow over any rtionship they might have, so she thought.


    "Don''t be afraid of that. I can handle my mother," Pyris said, his voice filled with reassurance. His smile was confident, unshakable.


    His mother had always been a formidable presence, a force in his life, but she was also someone he knew how to manage. His mind wandered briefly, thinking of how to address that challengeter, but he let the thought drop.


    "We''re here!" Emilia''s voice cut through the tension as she quickly created distance between them, breaking free from the intimate proximity. Pyris released her, his gaze lingering for a moment before he handed back the tablet.


    Both adjusted their clothing, preparing to step out of the vehicle.


    "Where''s my secretary, Emilia? You were supposed to get one for me, right?" Pyris asked, his voice returning to a businesslike tone. He couldn''t have her juggling multiple roles, not when there was so much on her te with the new project, Obsidian Enterprises.


    "I did. You''ve met them, but I haven''t had the chance to formally introduce you," Emilia said, her words trailing off as the car door swung open, courtesy of one of his guards.


    Pyris''s driver, a striking man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, hurried around to open the door for him. Pyris nced at the man, a subtle unease prickling at the back of his mind. He had tried to use his system to assess the driver, but the man remained a mystery.


    "Young Lord," the man greeted with a bow as Pyris stepped out of the car. His movements were fluid, his expression youthful, but something about him felt off¡ªunsettling.


    Pyris buttoned his suit, his phone in one hand, but couldn''t shake the feeling. There was something deeply wrong about this man. It gnawed at the edges of his focus, a mystery he couldn''t unravel.


    "You''re part of my security, correct? The head, I assume?" Pyris''s voice was neutral, emotionless, as his mind churned over the unsettling presence of the driver.


    "Yes, young lord," the man answered, bowing once more. Despite his youthful appearance, there was a power within him, something hidden deep beneath the surface.


    ''How can someone that young be this powerful, able to conceal himself even from the system?'' Pyris thought, frustration and intrigue warring in his mind.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [I don''t sense anything familiar about him either. It''s like he''spletely shielded from us, I can''t tell his rav!] Lia''s voice mirrored Pyris''s thoughts, the mystery deepening.


    She could only think of one possibility but she immediately dismissed the thought, it couldn''t be right?


    This man, whoever¡ªor whatever¡ªhe was, posed one of the greatest enigmas Pyris had ever encountered. If there was nothing amiss, this man could very well be one of the most talented awakened beings in Argos, given the potent energy he concealed so effortlessly.


    Shaking his head, Pyris handed the man his phone intentionally before walking off. The bodyguard quickly fell into step behind him, moving with an agility and precision that only deepened Pyris''s curiosity.


    The young guard''s stance betrayed his readiness, prepared to take a shot for Pyris if necessary.


    His entourage waited at the entrance, lined up to greet him. High-ranking executives stood at attention, respect etched onto their faces as they awaited his arrival, in reverence, each one aware of the weight of his arrival.


    Only the highest-ranking officials had gathered to greet him, respect etched into their expressions.


    Humming softly, Pyris walked with a steady yet authoritative pace, every step asserting his dominance. His security detail remained behind, except for the mysterious young bodyguard who now walked between him and Emilia, nked by the two women behind them.


    Despite his youth, the guard radiated confidence and an imprable air, unshaken by the grandeur surrounding them.


    Pyris strode confidently toward the towering Obsidian Tech headquarters, a sense of purpose radiating from his every step. His entourage followed behind,posed and prepared, while his mysterious young bodyguard walked closely beside him, unwavering in his readiness.


    Emilia, with herposed demeanor, matched Pyris''s pace, her tablet still in hand, as the towering structure loomed ahead of them.


    *****


    Mass release still on!

 Chapter 59 Owning Imperial Capital!

    As they entered the building, the lobby''s grandeur mirrored the empire the Obsidians had built.


    Everything was falling into ce. The secrets, the shadows, the power ys¡ªit was all part of therger picture.


    And even though the mystery of the bodyguard gnawed at the edges of his thoughts, there was something even moreplex in his mind¡ªthe delicate, shifting rtionship between him and Emilia.


    His ambition was vast, but so were the alliances he needed to maintain. And Emilia... she was far more than an assistant.


    "You''re handling everything seamlessly, Emilia," Pyris His tone was casual, but it carried an underlying warmth that betrayed the seriousness of his earlier confession. Emilia, however, remained cool on the surface, her fingers continuing their work on the tablet.


    "You do make things interesting, Pyris," she remarked, a teasing lilt in her voice. But Pyris knew her well enough to see past her feigned indifference. The air between them had shifted.


    There was no going back now.


    The lobby of Obsidian Tech buzzed with the energy of the awaiting employees, their respect evident as they formed neat rows, awaiting his arrival. The atmosphere was filled with a tension of anticipation, every eye locked on Pyris as he approached, the golden hues of the lobby lights casting a regal light over the scene.


    Pyris''s presencemanded attention, his aura of authority unmistakable.


    He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the employees.


    "Emilia," Pyris began as they walking through the lobby the high ceilings and luxurious decor a testament to the empire his familymanded, "make sure our new identity remains under the radar. Petne Chaos will y a crucial role in the next phase, and I don''t want any slip-ups."


    "Already in motion," Emilia replied, her fingers never pausing their rapid taps across the screen. Emilia smirked, fully understanding the strategy. "Understood."


    As they made their way deeper into the building, Pyris couldn''t help but feel the pieces of his n slowly falling into ce. Every move, every decision was calcted, and soon enough, the world would see the full extent of his ambitions.


    But first, there was the matter of ensuring his security, understanding the enigma beside him, and perhaps, most importantly, the untangling of his rtionship with Emilia. There was power in alliances, after all, and even more in the heart of someone you trusted.


    For now, though, Pyris focused on the task at hand. Obsidian Tech had much to offer, and he intended to see it rise to new heights under his leadership¡ªregardless of the shadows lurking just beyond his reach.


    With four people trailing closely behind him, Pyris and his subordinates entered the private elevator reserved solely for the highest-ranking individuals in thepany. Unlike the ten public elevators designated for employees, this one was exclusively for him, carrying him away from the lower floors teeming with activity.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As the elevator ascended, smooth and silent, it moved toward the topmost floor of the building¡ªthe 270th¡ªwhere both his and Emilia''s offices resided. The sensation of movement was barely perceptible, and yet the weight of his ambitions seemed to rise with every floor they passed.


    As quickly as it had begun, the elevator came to an abrupt halt. The soft chime signaled their arrival. They stepped out onto the exclusive floor, where only two offices were visible, along with another room¡ªits purpose shrouded in secrecy.


    No one in thepany knew whaty behind that door except for his family and Emilia. Even Emilia, for all her status and trust, wouldn''t be able to enter without an Obsidian by her side. The room was, after all, woven into the legacy of his bloodline.


    His office dominated the heart of the floor, grand and imposing, with walls of ss offering sweeping views of the Imperial Capital. Emilia''s office was further down the hallway, more understated inparison to his, but still elegant and worthy of her high stature.


    As they approached, the office doors opened automatically, sensing an Obsidian nearby. Unlike Emilia''s office, which required an encryption key, Pyris''s door responded instantly to the presence of his bloodline, a symbol of both his power and the security afforded to his family.


    ___


    Inside, Pyris took a brief moment to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the space, though he was no stranger to it. This office had once been shared with his mother during their early years working together, shaping him into the man he had be.


    It felt less like an office and more like a second home¡ªfamiliar, yet steeped in the authority and responsibility he now bore. Large screens adorned the walls, shing with streams of information that updated in real time, a constant reminder of the empire he was building.


    (Comment if you want image if you want them, whenever! They''re all avable!)


    But Pyris didn''t linger on the d¨¦cor or the memories it evoked. He quickly turned his attention to the two women standing before him, their expressions carefullyposed. His gaze, sharp and prating, settled on them, and under the weight of his scrutiny, they instinctively straightened, though they couldn''t hide their nervespletely.


    His cold, calcting eyes stripped away theirposure, leaving them feeling exposed, but they held their ground, refusing to avert their gaze.


    He smiled, a slow, deliberate gesture that softened his expression just enough to put them at ease¡ªbut only slightly. Without a word, Pyris moved toward the floor-to-ceiling ss windows, his gaze shifting from the two women to the sprawling cityscape below.


    From his vantage point, the Imperial Capitaly beneath him, dwarfed by the towering Obsidian Tech headquarters. The world appeared small from here, insignificant inparison to the ambitions he harbored.


    "Imperial Capital," he whispered softly, his voice carrying a quiet reverence. A smile curled at the edges of his lips as he thought of the hidden entities lurking in the shadows of the city, the dark forces that skulked within the alleys and boardrooms, all with eyes set on his family''s vast wealth.


    To them, the Obsidian fortune was like a tantalizing treasure, a prize they all sought to im. But they were mistaken if they thought it would ever fall into their hands.


    ''Soon, this city will be mine. My base, my stronghold, from where I will conquer the mortal realm,'' Pyris mused silently, the dying rays of the sun casting a golden glow across his face.


    The sun, retreating behind dark clouds as night threatened to overtake the sky, seemed to bear witness to his silent thoughts. As the city prepared to embrace its chaotic nightlife, Pyris plotted his rise, his ascent above the petty power struggles of the capital.


    ''First, I''ll rid my family''s empire of these leeches. Every one of them. Then, I''ll take control of the pawns in my businesses.'' The thought of Petne Chaos crossed his mind¡ªan identity he was preparing to unleash when the time was right, a shadow to do his bidding in the dark corners of this world.


    Soon, very soon, everything would be set in motion.


    For fifteen minutes, Pyris stood in silent contemtion, his mind orchestrating the moves he would make. Each decision was calcted, each step part of arger n. His fingers lightly tapped against the ss as his eyes surveyed the capital below, the weight of his ambition settling heavily on his shoulders.


    Finally, he turned away from the window, a smile breaking the stillness on his face.


    "So?" he prompted, his voice breaking the silence as he shifted his gaze to Emilia, it was time to unravel mysteries.

 Chapter 60 Phantoms! 1

    Emilia stepped forward, her postureposed and professional, ready to deliver what he sought. "This is¡­" she began, gesturing toward the two women standing by her side. "Lizzie and Suzie. I hired two instead of one, as per your request. Lizzie will serve as your secretary, and Suzie will act as your second assistant in my absence."


    The two women, dressed impably, bowed respectfully before Pyris, acknowledging his authority. Both were aware of the privilege¡ªand the burden¡ªof working so closely with him. They remained still, waiting for his reaction, their expressions carefully controlled.


    They would be sharing the same huge office space with Pyris now as his very close surbodianates.


    Pyris gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable as he studied them briefly. For now, they would do. Emilia escorted them out of the office, leaving Pyris alone, save for the enigmatic bodyguard who had been a silent presence at his side.


    Once the others had left, Pyris turned his attention to the mysterious bodyguard, his curiosity gnawing at him. The man had remained an enigma from the moment Pyris had met him, his power shrouded in secrecy.


    Pyris had tried to assess him, to appraise his abilities with his system, but nothing had worked. No amount of scrutiny had revealed the truth about him.


    Now, in the quiet of the office, Pyris couldn''t suppress his curiosity any longer.


    "Who are you?" Pyris asked, his voice calm but charged with authority. The question lingered in the air, as heavy as the ambitions Pyris carried within him.


    The bodyguard didn''t flinch. His expression remained impassive, his eyes unreadable.


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the man before him. Now that he truly considered it, the man''s features bore a striking resemnce to the people of Earth, particrly from South Korea.


    His short ck hair, sleek and meticulously styled, framed a face that could easily belong on a high-fashion runway. His strange dark eyes were unnerving, unlike anything Pyris had seen before, adding to the man''s enigmatic presence.


    His build was lean but perfectly bnced, like a coiled spring¡ªan embodiment of power concealed beneath a deceptively calm exterior.


    He was, in every sense, an ideal specimen.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    There was something about him that reminded Pyris of a Korean actor¡ªone of his favorites, though he couldn''t quite ce the name at the moment. As his mind wandered, attempting to recall the actor''s name, the man bowed deeply, his posture radiating a mixture of respect and submission.


    "I am Song," he began, his voice steady and resonant, a reflection of the immense power he clearly possessed. "Your personal guard. The mistress assigned me to your security detail."


    ''Same sir name huh?'' he mused in his head, not only the face but the name was the same with that guy too, he couldn''t help smiling.


    Though...


    Pyris rolled his eyes, though he knew that the question he wanted to ask would yield little information. Still, it didn''t hurt to try. At least it gave him a starting point. Humming softly, Pyris studied Song more closely.


    The room was bathed in the soft glow of the office lights, and the numerous screens mounted on the walls only added to the surreal atmosphere of their exchange.


    Determined to uncover the mystery that shrouded Song, Pyris''s tone shifted dramatically. The calm indifference drained from his voice, reced by a grave seriousness that cut through the air like a de.


    "That''s exactly what doesn''t make sense," Pyris spat, his voice a low growl. "Do you take me for a fool, Song? I can feel the power within you¡ªpower that far exceeds my own. And at such a young age?"


    Pyris paced back and forth, each step filled with simmering frustration as his eyes raked over the guard. There was something deeply unsettling about the contradictions Song presented.


    Song, for his part, remained utterly still, rooted to the ground as if carved from stone. His expression betrayed nothing, and his thoughts were a realm beyond Pyris''s grasp.


    At the mention of his age, Song''s eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, though Pyris missed the subtle reaction entirely. But the unease in the air was palpable.


    "You possess talent, Song, although I can''t quite fathom the extent of it," Pyris continued, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.


    "With the power you hold, you could easily be one of the strongest in your generation. You could have a future that stretches far beyond being a mere guard¡ªprivileges and status that would elevate you abovemoners. Yet here you stand, guarding me. Why? What is this to you? And more importantly, who is my mother to you, that you would so willingly cast aside such a future to serve her son?"


    The usation hung in the air, a tangible thing. Pyris''s suspicion was evident, and given the severity of the current situation, he wouldn''t be wrong to suspect Song of something more sinister¡ªperhaps even of being a spy.


    In this world, treason was dealt with swiftly and without mercy. And Pyris knew better than anyone how merciless his mother, Emberly, could be when it came to threats against House Obsidian.


    Song, however, remained calm, though Pyris could sense the weight of the words pressing down on him. With no clear path to counter the barrage of questions, and with Pyris''s suspicion only growing, Song knew he had to respond.


    "Mistress¡­" Song began, his voice soft but filled with unshakable loyalty. There was a depth of gratitude in his tone that Pyris could not ignore. "Mistress Emberly is our benefactor, the one to whom we owe everything. We have sworn an oath of loyalty to her¡ªan oath we would never betray. The young lord has no need to be wary of me. I am no spy, nor do I harbor any intention of bing one.


    My loyalty to House Obsidian is absolute."


    Song bowed deeply, his reverence unmistakable.


    Yet instead of feeling reassured by Song''s exnation, Pyris''s curiosity only deepened. There was no doubting the truth in Song''s words, but they raised more questions than they answered.


    And while Pyris dared not question his mother''s motives, the revtion that Song wasn''t the only one bound by this mysterious oath intrigued him. The way Song had said "we" suggested arger group¡ªan allegiance far deeper than Pyris had first imagined.


    "Benefactor, you say?" Pyris''s voice was nowced with intrigue, his suspicion giving way to a burning curiosity. "Who else is bound to this oath? You spoke of ''we''¡ªwho are they? And how did my mother be such an important figure in your lives, to the point that you would give up everything to serve her?"


    His final question hung in the air, thick with implications, as Pyris''s gaze bore into Song, seeking to unravel a mystery even immortals would hesitate to touch.

 Chapter 61 Phantoms! 2

    "To think it would be this easy!" The woman''s voice,den with amusement, slipped through the oppressive shadows of the alley. Her tone betrayed her joy, even if her figure remained hidden, basking in the thrill of her achievement.


    In one of the narrow, forgotten alleys of the Imperial Capital, the day still lingered but the darkness of this part of town always crept in faster. This corner of the city, shunned by the light, had long been bathed in the unsweetened cruelty that only the capital could serve in abundance.


    A figure, wrapped in shadows, stood still¡ªher form only vaguely visible in the dim light. Her hand sped something with rapt attention, a relic or object of immense power and importance.


    Whatever it was, it had not only drawn her interest¡ªrare for someone of her stature¡ªbut it exuded an influence so great, so potent, that even she was captivated.


    Suddenly, her shadowy figure froze. Her ears twitched, catching the hurried, chaotic footsteps of a group approaching from the distance. Their rush and disorganized scurrying betrayed the urgency of their pursuit.


    "She''s here, boss! I swear she came this way!" a voice rang out, carried by the thick darkness. It wasced with fear, yet tinged with pride¡ªlikely one of the thugs who thought he had found her trail. If they could retrieve both the item and the thief, the reward from their "big boss" would be monumental.


    But it wasn''t just theft that marked her transgression. She had ughtered four of theirrades in the blink of an eye, her ruthless efficiency leaving no mercy in its wake. The memory of those deaths clung to the man''s mind. He could still see their heads, dismembered, flying through the air like weightless kites, before crashing to the ground.


    Hiis skin prickled with cold fear as sweat beaded on his forehead, his steps faltering under the weight of his terror.


    "What are you doing, idiot?! Slowing down when you''re supposed to be guiding us?!" the boss''s voice boomed through the alley, shattering what little peace remained. "Are you trying to disrespect me?!"


    The man swallowed, the fear of his boss overtaking that of the woman they hunted. He dared not voice his thoughts¡ªthat his fear of her was far greater than his fear of his employer. His life could be ended just as swiftly, and more likely, by the thief they hunted.


    "No, boss! I''m moving!" he stammered, quickening his pace to lead the group of seven deeper into the darkness.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They trudged forward, unaware that their hunt was futile.


    In a hidden corner, the woman''s ck eyes gleamed, piercing through the walls and shadows with supernatural rity. She saw them¡ªthose foolish mortals who considered themselves predators¡ªmoving into the trap she had so carefullyid.


    She was to leave no evidence, not when it involved her race and the Madame.


    "Idiots," she whispered, her voice dripping with disdain. Little did they know, the predator they sought had led them here of her own ord. Why? Because she could. And they had fallen right into her hands.


    "Now... die." Her voice was low, almost caressing, but it reached the thugs from where she stood, far from sight.


    As her voice reached their ears, they dropped to their knees¡ªeach one copsing in agony. Blood began pouring from their eyes, noses, mouths, and ears as if some unseen force was crushing them from within.


    Even the boss, a Rank 17 Awakened¡ªfeared for his monstrous strength¡ªwas no match. He was reduced to a bleeding husk, his immense power insignificant before hers.


    Before they couldprehend what was happening, their heads snapped violently, bending at grotesque angles as their necks broke in unison. All it took was a mere wave of her hand¡ªa casual gesture of destruction¡ªand their lives were snuffed out.


    *Kaboom!*


    Their bodies erupted, spraying blood through the alley, though none of it touched the surrounding structures. Every drop of blood was drawn toward her, swirling through the air like a crimson mist before being absorbed into the dark aura around her. The blood turned to raw, dark energy, disappearing into her ethereal form, merging with her essence.


    There was no trace of the seven guards¡ªno bodies, no remnants. Even their souls had been obliterated, devoured by the very air around her, leaving nothing behind.


    She stood tall, her form untouchable to mortal senses. Though only a shadow of her true self existed in this realm, even this was more than enough to annihte those weaklings.


    The mortal world could barely handle the mere presence of her "shadow"¡ªthe projection of her true being. Her full power could not be unleashed here without breaking the very fabric of reality, not unless she wished to attract unwanted attention.


    "It would''ve been nice to indulge longer..." she mused, her tone light and amused, reveling in the rush of dark energy now coursing through her. "Mortals... such an exquisite meal. Too bad I can''t overindulge, not without drawing the attention of *them*."


    She sighed, knowing full well that even with her subtlety, the gods might notice her if she pushed her power much further. Immortals wouldn''t daree after her, for even her shadow''s aura was enough to reduce them to mere food.


    The gods, however, were a different matter. Too much attention, and they would hunt her down relentlessly. Not even the Phantoms could afford to wage war with the gods¡ªyet.


    But one day, that would change. "The young lord will grant us full freedom," she whispered, her voice filled with conviction. "One day, we''ll walk freely without fear of gods."


    She licked her lips, her ominous aura restrained only by the bracelets on her wrists. These enchanted cuffs, marked with the proud insignia of Obsidian Tech, prevented her dark energy from tearing the realm apart.


    "I''m jealous of Song," she muttered to herself, a wry smile on her face. "That bastard can use his body in this realm freely, even if he has to restrain his powers. That jerk... he deserves his ce as my second-inmand."


    With that, her form began to dissolve. She disintegrated into kes of ck snow, vanishing into the shadows.


    ___


    In the office, Song stood across from Pyris, looking unbothered yet raging uncertainty in his mind "We are Phantoms," he said quietly, his voiceden with the weight of their name.


    It was a word that sent gods into a frenzy, their very existence shaking at the mere thought of the Phantoms¡ªthose who defied the natural order.


    They were the second Universal Abominations, and their power terrified even the gods.


    *****


    A new force hase into y now, what are your thoughts? Lemme know inments!

 Chapter 62 The Banished Races!

    Much to anyone''s expectations, the mention of Phantoms didn''t ring a bell for Pyris, as was typical for someone who had spent their entire life in the mortal realm. Song mused inwardly, acknowledging the stark reality: how could someone as young as Pyris know the existence of such fearsome creatures?


    Their very being had been shrouded in the deepest shadows of time, their history erased, their whereabouts concealed from the minds of mortals as the centuries marched on.


    Before long, the Phantoms disappeared from the annals of history, slipping into the realms of the unknown. Even the most influential figures in the empires¡ªthose whomanded armies and entire kingdoms¡ªhad no inkling of their existence.


    Song could only admire how fiercely protective Emberly had been of her children, going so far as to hide life-threatening secrets such as the Phantoms from them.


    ''Mistress holds such high expectations for the young lord that she allowed me to indulge in our existence¡ªshould he ever wish to know,'' Song thought to himself, though he doubted Pyris would ever be the savior the Phantoms needed.


    His leader believed in the boy''s potential, saying even the heavens themselves would envy his strength, but Song wasn''t so sure. Pyris? A savior? Someone who would defy gods and emerge victorious? That seemed far-fetched.


    But unlike Pyris, someone else knew about the Phantoms¡ªand that someone couldn''t stop trembling within the young dragon''s mind. Lia''s voice quivered as she tried to exin, her words dripping with fear. Pyris had never heard Lia so shaken before, not even when she had talked about the Celestial Foxes, creatures of immense power. But this¡ªthis was different.


    The mere mention of the Phantoms sent tremors through her very essence, a race she had once witnessed in action¡ªan experience that left her scarred by the overwhelming power they possessed.


    Powers that defied existence itself.


    "So, you know about the Phantoms, do you? Care to exin?" Pyris asked, a smirk of curiosity ying on his lips. He wouldn''t lie; he was intrigued. Lia had faced many terrifying creatures, yet the Phantoms made her voice tremble, a moment away from breaking. ''I take it they''re pretty powerful, huh?'' he teased.


    Despite the lightheartedness of his tone, Pyris was genuinely captivated. Not even when Lia had recounted the power of the Celestial Foxes had she been this fearful. And yet, here she was, trembling simply from being in close proximity to one Phantom. Pyris nced at Song, whose aura was enough to make Pyris feel unnerved.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But to Pyris'' credit, he remained calm andposed, not allowing his emotions to betray him.


    What none of them knew, however, was the true extent of Pyris'' resilience. His encounter with the Goddess¡ªa divine entity¡ªhad left his soul reconstructed, fortified by her will. As a result, the typical pressures of a powerful aura like Song''s had little effect on him.


    More to the point, Pyris had been blessed with two abilities of unknown rank, courtesy of his intimate encounter with Alexa. These divine gifts, though a mystery to him, had granted him an unshakable resolve.


    As Lia struggled to exin, Pyris turned to Song and asked for a more in-depth recounting of the Phantoms. Who were they? What was their history? How had his mother, Emberly, be their benefactor?


    [T-they''re the most feared group and the gods were always wary of them than the other two races they casted out of the god realm!] Lia started.


    ''Races? What races were cast from the god realm?'' Pyris asked both Lia and Song, his curiosity burning even brighter. He had only known the legends of the mortal realm¡ªthe world he was born into. But this¡ªthis was new.


    [Yes, three races were cast out of the god realm in ancient times,] Lia began hesitantly.


    [Though two could be called groups rather than actual races. First are the Fallens¡ªwhat mortals call Fallen Angels¡ªthen the Phantoms. Their existence was erased so far back that hardly anyone remembers them now. And finally, the Phoenixes, cast out ten thousand years after the Phantoms. The Fallens were thest to be banished.]


    Lia''s exnation faltered when it came to the Phantoms, avoiding the details as if speaking of them would summon their terrifying presence.


    [What would the Goddess think if she knew of this?] Lia thought to herself. Even the gods feared the Phantoms, didn''t they?


    ''Say what? Phoenixes were cast from the heavens?'' this was surprising to say the least.


    Pyris couldn''t hide his surprise this time. ''Wait¡ªPhoenixes were cast from the heavens too? But why? Aren''t they considered creatures of virtue? Holy and pure, the next representation of life after the elves?'' Pyris furrowed his brow, trying to wrap his head around it.


    ''What could they have done to deserve being cast out?''


    It was Song who answered next. "Us¡ªthe Phantoms? We''re a race that once lived in the god realm," Song said calmly. He waited, expecting a reaction¡ªshock, disbelief, something¡ªfrom Pyris. But, disappointingly, Pyris remained indifferent.


    Not even a flicker of surprise crossed the dragon''s face. Most mortals would have been rendered speechless by such a revtion, but not Pyris. Not even when Song mentioned their time in the divine realm.


    Even Emberly had been astounded when she first learned about the Phantoms'' existence!


    Yet here Pyris was, lounging casually on the couch, unbothered. He simply leaned back, crossing his arms and legs as if Song were recounting the weather. "Carry on," Pyris said, gesturingzily.


    [Yes, Phoenixes could be considered a pure race, their connection to life unmatched,] Lia stammered, finding her voice once again. [But there''s one thing you''ve forgotten¡ªand most people think it''s a myth. It''s reincarnation¡ªor rather, the fact that Phoenixes werepletely immortal.] Lia''s exnation caused something to click in Pyris'' mind. He had heard whispers of this before.


    Something from old legends.


    "Nirvana," Pyris muttered to himself. Nirvana¡ªthe epitome of immortality.


    Lia, on the other hand, sighed heavily. [Yes, Nirvana¡ªthe Phoenixes'' ultimate gift and their curse. To rise from the ashes endlessly, but at what cost? Their power over life was too much for the gods to tolerate.]


    As Song continued, he revealed the deeper truth about the Phantoms, a truth thaty beyond what Lia had spoken of. The Phantoms didn''t just disrupt life¡ªthey controlled non-existence itself. While the Phoenixes toyed with life, the Phantoms could undo the very fabric of reality, erasing not only life but everything from existence¡ªmatter, memories, souls.


    And the gods? They feared them more than any other race, for the Phantoms held the power to erase gods themselves.


    *****


    Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation, more power stones, gifts and golden tickets


    |Thank you young_master27 for the gift and the golden ticket! |

 Chapter 63 Phoenix Nirvana!

    Pyris, the young dragon, leans back on the luxurious couch, his legs crossed, maintaining an aura of calm indifference. His amethyst eyes flick between Song, the mysterious Phantom standing in front of him, and Lia''s voice in his mind, trembling slightly as she recalls the horrors she''s witnessed.


    Though Pyris remains impassive, his mind is turning, intrigued by the revtion of these ancient, dangerous beings¡ªthe Phoenixes and the Phantoms.


    Song, standing tall with a calm butmanding presence, watches Pyris carefully. He speaks in a low, steady tone, exining the truths long hidden from mortal knowledge. At the same time, Lia, the voice in Pyris''s head, continues her own exnation, her voice marked with both reverence and fear.


    Lia''s Voice in Pyris''s Mind:


    Lia her voice trembles slightly exined [The Phoenixes, Pyris¡­ they weren''t just cast out because they represented life and purity. You''ve heard of their rebirth, their immortality¡­ but that''s only part of the story. Their power¡ªNirvana¡ªgoes far beyond that. It''s absolute immortality. The Phoenixes could control when and how they return.


    Every time they die, they wouldn''t just resurrect; they chose their return, retaining everything they were before. That''s what made them a threat.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris was Internally, intrigued "Nirvana¡­ more than just rebirth, then? A choice, a control over life itself?"


    Lia let out nervously, [Yes. The gods were frightened by that power. They feared the Phoenixes would defy even them. Imagine a race, eternally reborn with no weaknesses, no need for the gods'' intervention. They could have made everyone immortal, reshaping the very bnce of life and death. The gods couldn''t allow that.


    That''s why they were banished, Pyris¡ªto stop them from changing the fabric of existence itself.]


    Pyris although his voice calm, but his mind was literally racing "So they were punished for challenging the natural order, for transcending it."


    In the ancient cosmos, where gods ruled over realms and life flowed through the intricate threads of creation, two races existed as outliers¡ªbeings that defied the natural order the Phoenixes and the Phantoms.


    Both were once inhabitants of the god realm, though their existence diverged in purpose and power. Together, they embodied the ultimate opposition¡ªlife, death, rebirth, and the annihtion of all that is.


    The Phoenixes, the Guardians of Life and Immortality


    The Phoenixes were a race revered for their deep connection to life and the cycle of rebirth. Known in mortal legends as the embodiment of purity and renewal, their me was more than mere fire¡ªit was a beacon of hope and transcendence.


    Mortals saw them as near-divine beings, immortal in essence, rising from their ashes after each death, their powers tied to the core of creation itself.


    The Phoenixes'' defining ability was their control over Nirvana, a mystical power not only representing their resurrection but giving them mastery over the process of death and rebirth.


    Unlike other races, which followed the naturalws of life''s beginning and end, Phoenixes could choose when and how they returned after death. They were immortal not only in body but in will, able to retain their memories and powers each time they resurrected.


    As long as they mastered Nirvana!


    This made them nearly unstoppable¡ªno matter how many times they were killed, they would rise again, stronger and wiser, their life force never truly extinguished.


    In ancient times, the Phoenixes walked freely among the gods, their presence a symbol of eternal life.


    But this immortality wasn''t their most dangerous attribute.


    The Phoenixes were masters of life itself; they could grant the gift of eternal life to others. If left unchecked, they could have bestowed immortality upon entire civilizations, disrupting the natural bnce of life and death, a bnce carefully maintained by the gods.


    Their control over Nirvana meant they had the potential to reshape the entire cosmos, creating a world where death held no power, where existence became perpetual.


    This power terrified the gods. The Phoenixes weren''t merely creatures of rebirth; they were a threat to the cosmic order. Their ability to defy death undermined the divine hierarchy, suggesting a world where mortals no longer feared the gods'' judgment because they could live forever.


    The very concept of mortality, the linchpin of the gods'' control over creation, would copse if the Phoenixes were allowed to continue unchallenged. And so, after an ancient conflict, the Phoenixes were cast out of the god realm, forced to wander the mortal and lower realms.


    Though many believed the Phoenixes to be embodiments of virtue and purity, their power over life and resurrection carried darker implications.


    The gods feared that the Phoenixes, left unchecked, could unravel the boundary between life and death, creating a reality where the flow of time, decay, and finality ceased to exist.


    To be immortal was to stand outside of time, and in doing so, the Phoenixes threatened to make even the gods themselves obsolete.


    Nirvana (Absolute Immortality) the Phoenixes could resurrect at will, retaining all knowledge, memories, and powers from their previous lives. This form of immortality wasn''t simply a return to life but a continuation of existence, making them ageless and undying. They chose the moment and form of their return, defying the usual cycle of life and death.


    Not even gods or immortals could do such!


    A Phoenix''s mastery over life granted them the power to influence life force itself. They could heal wounds, regenerate others, and, if they wished, bestow life upon those on the brink of death. In extreme cases, they had the potential to grant others immortality, disrupting the cosmic bnce.


    [Let''s not talk about their special me, the Nirvana mes! Their mes were not mere fire but a mystical energy tied to creation itself. These mes could burn away the most powerful curses or resurrect the dead, but they could also cleanse souls, purifying or erasing the essence of corruption!


    [This made the gods'' curses useless, people became fearless of the god curse and death, as long the phoenixes were there!] Lia went on to exin some of the abilities phoenixes bore before their banishement.


    The power over Cycle Maniption which with it the Phoenixes could alter the natural cycles of the world¡ªtime, growth, decay, and the seasons.


    Their influence over these cycles extended to controlling life at its very root, enhancing the growth of forests, revitalizingnds, or slowing the passage of time in certain regions.


    Each phoenixes bore at least one of these abilities and their leaders were believed to have all.


    Now though, although they still have all these abilities, they couldn''t utilize even a 2% fraction of their true potential, making them as powerful as normal awakeneds, nothing special but still they couldn''t be underestimated.


    Pyris shared to Song that he had an little understanding about the phoenixes and the Fallen''s banishment but not the Phantoms nor their reasons for banishement.


    *****


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 Chapter 64 ...To Erase The Existence!

    The Phantoms were said to be the masters of the Void and Non-Existence, Nothingness!


    While the Phoenixes represented life and rebirth, the Phantoms stood on the opposite end of the spectrum. They were beings of non-existence, born from the void thaty beyond creation. The Phantoms didn''t control life or death¡ªthey controlled nothingness itself.


    Their power was to erase, not just to destroy but to remove something entirely from reality, leaving no trace behind.


    Where Phoenixes could manipte the flow of life, the Phantoms could undo the very concept of existence. To encounter a Phantom was to face the possibility of being erased¡ªnot killed, not destroyed, but unmade.


    The Phantoms had the power to erase people, ces, souls, and even entire realms from the cosmic fabric, as if they had never been.


    Unlike the Phoenixes, who were feared for disrupting life''s natural flow, the Phantoms were feared because they threatened to undo creation itself.


    In the ancient times before their banishment, the Phantoms were seen as a cosmic threat even to the gods. They could manipte the void, the primordial nothingness that existed before creation, and with it, they could warp reality, time, and space.


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    Their ability to erase was not limited to the present; they could retroactively remove something from existence, wiping away memories, events, and consequences. To the Phantoms, the universe was a fragile construct, easily unraveled with a mere thought.


    Unlike the Phoenixes, who sought to transcend death, the Phantoms had no interest in life or death. They existed outside these concepts, drawing their power from the absence of all things. The gods banished them not out of a fear ofpetition but out of the sheer danger they posed to the entirety of creation.


    If the Phoenixes threatened to grant eternal life, the Phantoms threatened to end all life and existence, plunging everything back into the void from which it came.


    Abilities of the Phantoms included;


    Existential Erasure: Phantoms couldpletely remove things from existence. This was not just physical destruction; it was a total erasure.


    Anything they targeted¡ªwhether a person, ce, or even a concept¡ªwould be wiped from reality, memory, and time. It would be as if the thing had never existed at all.


    Reality Warping: The power to bend reality to their will. They could create pockets of void where thews of physics no longer applied, or where time ceased to exist. In these spaces, they were omnipotent, able to reshape or unmake the very fabric of the universe.


    With this power, the Phantoms could realize the power of other races to make them their own, although they would more than one racial powers at the time, they could keep them in their bodies, this way they would choose which one to use at the time.


    Still this ability wasn''t for any phantom to use, maybe only their leader. The most terrifying reality about this was, the phantom could use these powers to their fullest potential than the original race.


    Another power was, Void Mastery: Drawing their strength from the void, Phantoms could summon this primordial nothingness to consume entire realms.


    The void was an all-devouring force, an unstoppable power that would consume everything in its path, leaving only emptiness in its wake. To face the void was to face total annihtion, beyond life, death, or even memory.


    Soul Annihtion: Unlike the Phoenixes, who could restore life, the Phantoms could destroy soulspletely. They could consume or erase a soul, removing it from the cycle of reincarnation and from the reach of even the gods.


    Those destroyed by a Phantom would never be reborn, and their essence would be lost forever, something not even the gods could escape should a phantom target them!


    Temporal Maniption: Phantoms could manipte time, erasing events, altering timelines, and undoing histories. They were able to retroactively change the past, removing people or actions from history as if they had never happened.


    _____


    Meanwhile, Song speaks aloud, observing Pyris closely:... "The Phoenixes may have been cast out for their control over life and death, but they are nothingpared to us. Phantoms don''t simply defy life, Pyris. We defy reality itself."


    Pyris looked at Song with cold, unwavering eyes. "Reality itself, you say? What does that even mean?"


    Song steped closer, his presence heavy, as if the air around him warps slightly, "The Phoenixes can choose when to return, yes. But the Phantoms¡­ we can choose to erase. We were not cast out for meddling with life and death. We were exiled because we could undo existence. Completely."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lia''s voice cracks with fear  [He''s not lying, Pyris¡­ the Phantoms¡­ they''re beyond anything you can imagine. They can erase people, ces¡­ even realms. As if they never existed! They wield powers that defy creation itself. The gods fear them far more than they ever feared the Phoenixes. I¡­ I''ve seen what they can do.


    They¡­ they can make you cease to exist, Pyris. No memories, no traces. You''ll be gone from the world, from time.]


    He tilted his head slightly, considering both Song and Lia''s words. His voice and demeanor remained calm "And that''s what makes you the most feared race, isn''t it, Song? The power to simply erase¡­ to make something vanish not just from sight but from memory, from reality."


    Song''s eyes gleam with a dark pride, "Exactly. The gods themselves couldn''t contain us. We don''t just destroy. We undo. We remove the very idea of something''s existence from the fabric of the world. Souls?


    We devour them. Realms? We unmake them. Time? It bends to our will. The Phoenixes y with immortality, but we¡­ we y with the void."


    Lia urgently let out [Pyris, you must understand¡­ the Phantoms can undo everything. There''s no reincarnation for those they erase. Not even the gods can bring back what the Phantoms destroy. The Phoenixes can resurrect, yes, but against the Phantoms, their power is meaningless. If you''re erased by a Phantom¡­ you''re erased forever.]


    ____


    Pyris finally leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing at Song, his voice calm but with a hint of curiosity. "So¡­ the Phoenixes threatened the gods'' authority by transcending life, and the Phantoms threatened existence itself by being able to erase it. Yet here you stand, in front of me as a guard. Why hasn''t your kind consumed everything if your power is so absolute?"


    Song with a slow, dark smile spreads across his face. "Because, Pyris, unlike the Phoenixes, we were bound. The gods cast us into the unknown realms, locked our true power away. But now¡­ things are changing. The seals are weakening. The world is remembering.


    And when we''re free again, existence itself will tremble. Even the gods will not be safe from us."


    Lia''s Voice whispering in fear [Pyris, you''re sitting across from something that can destroy the world as you know it. Please¡­ be careful.]


    Pyris was unfazed though he turns his attention back to Song "So¡­ the Phantoms are bound by the gods. But you believe those bindings will break. And when they do, you''ll be free to erase everything you choose?"


    Song could help smile his voice taking on a sinister edge "Yes. And when that dayes, Pyris, not even the gods will be able to protect themselves. The void will consume all. And existence will bend to our will."


    Pyris smirked slightly, his eyes gleaming with interest, "Interesting. But I wonder, Song¡­ will you find me as easy to erase as the rest of them?"


    His yes sh as he studies Pyris, sensing something deeper beneath his calm exterior. "You, young lord, are not like the rest. That much is clear. But even you are bound by the rules of existence. The Phantoms¡­ are not."


    Pyris leaned back again, unfazed, "We''ll see about that."


    Lia''s voice softly, but with growing with unease [Pyris, this is no game. The Phantoms can end everything. Be careful!]


    [They can even challenge the Endlesses!] Thest part was quiet from Pyris to hear.


    Pyris closed his eyes, appearing calm once more. ''I know, Lia. I''m not underestimating them¡­ but neither should they underestimate me.''

 Chapter 65 Ambitious Young Lady!

    The mysteries that had once shrouded Pyris'' world nowy bare before him¡ªat least, some of them. As he sat alone on the worn couch, he could not help but marvel at the revtions that unraveled in his mind, stunning him into a contemtive silence. Song was absent, out on a mission at his boss''s request, leaving Pyris to stew in the shocking truths he''d just uncovered.


    The once-revered Virtue Phoenix race, whose legends spoke of celestial glory, now existed as mere echoes of their former brilliance, their grandeur lost to time. They had been a force so powerful that even gods, once united in their efforts, banded together to suppress them.


    The name of the Phoenix, which had once evoked awe and reverence, now carried with it the weight of an unspeakable threat¡ªa potential danger that even the gods feared. It was hard to imagine that such beings had once resided in the God Realm, only to be reduced to hiding in the mortal realm, their very existence obscured from all but the most determined seekers.


    This grim revtion gnawed at Pyris. The Phoenixes'' unmatched power had been branded as dangerous¡ªtoo dangerous¡ªcapable of threatening not only the gods but the very bnce between mortals and immortals.


    Their power wasn''t merely immortality; it was the ability toplete it¡ªto master it beyond even the gods'' grasp. Yet, despite all of this, Pyris couldn''t deny that there was something even more terrifying than the Phoenixes.


    The phantoms.


    Even a child could answer that question. The Phoenix race was nothingpared to the sheer terror that the phantoms represented. These creatures could tear through cosmic reality itself with their bare hands, their raw strength so immense it defiedprehension.


    While the Phoenixes were terrifying, they were, at best, a flickering emberpared to the inferno that was the phantoms'' unrestrained power.


    Although bound by ancient seals, the threat of the phantoms loomedrge in the minds of the gods. How long could those seals hold? What would happen if the phantoms broke free from the cosmic chains ced on them by the gods of the beginning?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Questions that no one dared to answer¡ªquestions that haunted even the divine.


    To prevent this unimaginable oue, the gods had banished them to the Voids of Beyond¡ªa realm so far removed that it existed outside of reality itself. Yet Pyris couldn''t shake the irony of it all.


    "I think the gods had loose screws in their minds," Pyris mused aloud, his voice dripping with cynicism. "How could they possibly think that banishing beings who can control the void itself to those very voids would work? It''s no wonder they ended up in the mortal realm."


    He shook his head, sharing his thoughts with Lia, the spirit who had been his constantpanion. She too wrestled with the unsettling truths they had uncovered, though her role, as always, was to assist, not to lead.


    The conversation continued in the unspoken bond between them, her voice whispering within his mind.


    [The Voids of Beyond are unlike any other voids, Pyris. Their very existence defies understanding, beyond anything we could possibly fathom, let alone control. It''s said that not even the phantoms, who were born of the void itself, can bend the Voids of Beyond to their will.]


    These weren''t just myths or bedtime stories to frighten children. The Voids were real. They existed beyond the known reaches of the godly realms, and only the ancient gods dared approach them.


    The phantoms, the most dangerous beings in existence, had been cast into this ultimate prison used to by the gods on their criminals. Pyris shivered at the thought.


    [The Phoenixes were lucky they didn''t meet the same fate,] Lia continued, her tone darkening.


    [It was only thanks to the few gods who were willing to rebel against the council that the Phoenix race avoided such a punishment. Had they not intervened, the Phoenixes would have been sealed away just the same, and a second civil war among the gods would''ve torn the heavens apart.]


    Pyris smirked, amused by the thought of gods battling over such a decision. "So, the godly realm was about to descend into chaos over the Phoenixes. I wish I could''ve seen that." His grin widened, though his amusement was short-lived as Lia''s tone became more serious.


    [This isn''t a game, Pyris. Your mother could be in danger, in more ways than she realizes. Her power in the mortal realm won''t protect her from what''sing.]


    "No, Lia," Pyris growled, his voice low and defiant. "Mother won''t be in danger. Not while I''m here."


    The air around him shifted, growing heavy as an ominous aura surrounded him, sending a chill through Lia. Even she, in all her centuries of existence, hadn''t expected this surge of power from Pyris. Yet she could not let his conviction go unchallenged.


    [You may believe that, Pyris, but you cannot deny the danger your mother faces. She''s aligned herself with the phantoms, offering them sanctuary. There''s no undoing that now.]


    Pyris closed his eyes, his mind racing back to the stories of his mother;


    It all began long ago, when Emberly, then a youngdy of House Obsidian, embarked on daring adventures to escape the shadow of her family''s fallen glory. On one such journey, she discovered a hidden portal deep within the forgotten ruins of her family''s past, buried in the far reaches of the Dragon Empire. She wanted to stay away but curiosity had always driven her beyond caution.


    The portal was dark and foreboding, a swirling mass of shadows that pulsed with an eerie energy. Without hesitation, she stepped through and found herself in an abyssal realm¡ªwhere thews of reality no longer applied. Time and space dissolved into a sea of darkness, and it was there she encountered them.


    The phantoms¡ªfrightening beings of immense power, their forms almost indistinguishable from the void itself. Despite their fearsome reputation, they did not harm her. Over time, she returned, drawn to their mystery. Through her family''s ancient books, she pieced together their story¡ªbeings once feared by the gods, now betrayed and cast into the abyss.


    Without hesitation, driven by her own rebellious spirit and perhaps a need to restore her family''s name, she offered them sanctuary. A safe ce to hide from gods and immortals alike. No strings attached. No conditions.


    Yearster, Pyris still couldn''t reconcile the mother he knew with this act of charity.


    "Mother? Helping without expecting something in return? Impossible." He smirked, shaking his head. "They must''ve been tricked by her. No way she did that without gaining something."


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    The notion gnawed at him, an idea too foreign to easily ept. His mother, the hardened matriarch who had taught him the brutal truths of the world, offering sanctuary without the expectation of repayment?

 Chapter 66 Into Blackscale Grove, The Rise of Pyris Obsidian

    [Perhaps she wasn''t the same person back then. The Emberly you know today may have been shaped by time, by the harsh realities of the Godly Realm,] Lia suggested. [Don''t forget, your family''s history with the gods runs deep. The phantoms may have been her only hope.]


    Yes, deep down, Pyris couldn''t shake the feeling that perhaps there was more to her decision. Whatever had driven her, one thing was clear¡ªtheir family''s fate was now entangled with beings far beyond their control, and the fragile peace they''d known was at risk of unraveling.


    Now, with these secrets uncovered, Pyris knew that the fragile peace they had enjoyed was crumbling, and sooner orter, everything would copse. His family''s involvement, the threat of the phantoms, the gods'' lingering fear¡ªit was alling to a head.


    "Time to buy the mask," Pyris muttered under his breath. "The training begins now."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Time was of the essence, and Pyris had to be ready to face whatever wasing.


    _____


    Pyris settled into his office, a small yet bustling space brimming with the energy of new beginnings. A smile tugged at his lips as he gazed into the emptiness, not out of curiosity but because he was lost in thought¡ªhis thoughts were focused on his new status, the power surge he had gained after absorbing Alexa and awakening the dormant abilities of his Bloodline.


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    His heart raced at the prospect of the future. There was a raw excitement in him, a feeling that tugged at the corners of his being, driving him to push beyond his limits. He felt like a caged beast, barely able to contain the anticipation of testing his newfound abilities.


    This was his moment¡ªthe beginning of something greater, something that would change the course of his life. The sense of power coursing through him was intoxicating, and the desire to train and explore the extent of it was almost unbearable.


    The urge to rise to new heights, to im the power that now seemed so tantalizingly within reach, filled him with an almost reckless ambition. His Bloodline was no longer dormant¡ªit was alive, pulsing through his veins, urging him to take the next step, to face the world with the confidence of one who could reshape destiny itself.


    "Status," he called aloud, his voiceced with barely contained excitement.


    A screen materialized before him:


    [Name: Pyris Obsidian]


    Race: Dragon!


    Bloodline: Obsidian Lust Bloodline


    Race Trait: Lust, All-Elemental Trait


    Rank: 4


    Elements: All Elements


    Mana: 4000/5000


    Age Limit: 16/900


    Strength: 108/80


    Agility: 101/80


    Vitality: 110/80


    Stamina: 111/80


    INT: 500/700


    Charm: 98/100


    LPs: 2400pts


    Abilities: Lust Breath, Charm, Lust Dragon


    Transformation, Eternal''s Seal, Essence Devouring!Techniques: None.


    Skills: Lust very, Pregnancy Control, Lust Illusions, Dual Cultivation.


    ___


    The data shed before his eyes, and Pyris couldn''t help the grin spreading wider across his face. Today had been incredibly fruitful. His stats alone were proof of his rapid ascent. But the most shocking part was the strength he now possessed.


    It wouldn''t be long before he could challenge the likes of Ragna, even if thetter had more battle experience. Pyris knew he could still stand his ground. He had grown that confident.


    He eyed his LP bnce, thinking of ways to allocate them. The temptation to spend them on stat points was strong, but Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, urging caution. What if he found himself in a situation where his only escape was Eternal''s Seal? It was better not to burn through resources recklessly.


    He had to be smart, especially when facing the unknown dangers of the training ahead.


    With a sigh, he muttered, "Shop."


    The holographic interface shifted as he scrolled, searching for something specific¡ªthe Petne Chaos mask. His fingers moved hastily, excitement bubbling within him as the mask''s description finally appeared on screen.


    ____


    [Ding! Does the host wish to buy the Petne Chaos mask?]


    Price: 2500 LPs.


    Description: The mask of Petne Chaos, an artifact that bestows the wearer apletely new identity untraceable by any inspection or biometric recognition. The host retains their body build, but everything else changes.


    Effects:


    +20 to all stats (except charm).


    Mind of Eternal: Grants immunity to mind control, illusions, and mind attacks.


    Stealth Mode: The user can blend into surroundings, bing untraceable. The user merges with the very fabric of reality. (Note: Powerful awakened beings may still sense your aura.)


    Hidden Entity: Conceal your aura from detection once per week.


    Warning: Stealth Mode and Hidden Entity cannot be used duringbat but only after, should the user choose.


    ____


    Pyrisughed¡ªa deep, resoundingugh that echoed through his office. This mask was perfect, more than he ever expected. Initially, he had only sought it out to create a second identity, one unconnected to House Obsidian or himself. A shadow, something to allow him to act without consequence to his real identity!


    But this¡ªthis was much more. The stat boost alone was impressive, but Mind of Eternal would be invaluable, especially after what he had learned from Vrie. Thest two skills were the icing on the cake. So what if they couldn''t be used in battle? There were always loopholes, ways to exploit the system''s rules.


    "The system is the best," he chuckled.


    [Ding! The system takes no bribes, host.]


    Rolling his eyes, Pyris smirked. "Buy it."


    [Ding! 2500 LP points deducted; bnce >> 900 LPs.]


    [Purchasing the mask of Petne Chaos...]


    [Purchaseplete! Item added to inventory.]


    The notifications faded, and Pyris''s hands trembled with excitement. Like a child eager for a new toy, he essed his system inventory, finding the mask lying within it. He could feel the deep connection to the empty expanse where it resided. Without hesitation, he materialized it into his palm.


    The mask pulsed with energy, though outwardly it remained still. It was a strange sensation, as if the mask was alive, its dark grey and golden hues radiating an unfamiliar, almost otherworldly energy. It was no ordinary object; Pyris could sense that much.


    [Feed it your blood!] Lia chimed in.


    With a single prick of his finger, he let a drop of blood fall onto the mask. Before the blood even touched its surface, the mask seemed to pull it in like a ma, absorbing it entirely.


    "Whoa!"

 Chapter 67 Petne Chaos!

    "Whoa," Pyris breathed, watching in awe as the mask dissolved into pure energy and flowed into him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A cool sensation washed over his entire body as the mask fused with him. His face shifted, his features morphing into someone entirely different. He gazed into the mirror, eyes widening in amazement. His hair turned a vivid pink, and his eyes, a deep shade of the same color, reflected the newfound power coursing through him.


    He no longer felt tied solely to his Dragon race; instead, he felt as though he stood at a crossroads between all races, connected to each of them in some inexplicable way.


    "This... this is incredible," he muttered, taking in his new appearance. "Although this face has one charm stat lower than mine, it''s still pretty handsome. Almost as good as me."


    He smirked at his reflection, admiring the seasoned warrior aura his new identity exuded¡ªyoung yet battle-worn, with a gaze that hinted at untold experience.


    [Oh,e on,] Lia''s voice teased in his mind, [you both look equally handsome. Just admit it already!]


    But Pyris wouldn''t. He was too proud for that.


    "Time to train in the VR before heading to the grove," he dered, his anticipation bubbling over once again. This was just the beginning.


    _____


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    The sleek, matte-ck VR capsule arrived the next morning, delivered by a team from Obsidian Tech. Pyris stood in his office, arms crossed, watching as they carefully maneuvered the machine into ce. His heart thrummed with anticipation.


    This was no ordinary training¡ªthis was his chance to hone every skill and every ability in a perfectly controlled simtion, a world where he could push himself to the edge without consequence.


    The room quieted once the instation wasplete. The capsule hummed gently, its translucent top beckoning him to enter. Pyris ran his fingers over its surface, feeling the pulse of technology intertwined with his Bloodline''s magic. The possibilities thrilled him.


    "Time to see what this body can really do," Pyris murmured to himself, stepping inside.


    As the lid slid shut, the world around him dissolved into darkness, only for the system''s voice to cut through, "Wee to the VR Battle Simtion. Please select a mode: Training or Combat."


    "Training," Pyris answered without hesitation.


    He spent the next days inside the virtual battlefield every chance he got. The VR simtion allowed him to push each of his elements to the limit, feeling the crackling of fire, the weight of earth, the sharpness of wind, and the fluid grace of water at his fingertips.


    It was like relearning how to breathe¡ªeach element, a distinct pulse of energy, flowing through him with newfound precision.


    There were moments where the lust-driven power of his Bloodline would try to surface, its influence threatening to derail his focus. But Pyris pressed on, tempering it, reigning it in as he learned the bnce.


    His Lust Breath became a tool of devastation, able to charm and cripple enemies simultaneously. His mastery over the All-Elemental Trait grew daily as he cycled through intense exercises¡ªlearning tomand, manipte, and merge them inplex ways.


    Outside the VR capsule, life rushed on in its usual chaotic rhythm.


    Pyris bnced his days between running his techpany and attending the Academy. At Obsidian Tech, he was no longer just a young CEO overseeing the day-to-day operations; he had be a visionary, steering thepany toward its most ambitious project yet¡ªtheunch of ARGO VRMMORPG.


    His office was constantly buzzing with meetings, design proposals, and development milestones. Pyris personally oversaw the design of a key item for the uing release, drawing inspiration from his VR training.


    His time in the virtual battlefield influenced every facet of his life, fueling his passion and focus.


    Emilia, his sharp-eyed assistant, had proven invaluable, handling the team of models and artists he had recruited with expert precision. She quickly became one of his trusted subordinates, seamlessly fitting into his life and understanding his vision for thepany.


    Then there was Alexa, his new lover and partner, whose presence bothforted and challenged him. Their connection deepened as the days passed, their moments together filled with both passion and vulnerability.


    Pyris found that their bond transcended mere lust¡ªAlexa had be someone he could confide in, someone who shared his ambitions and understood his hunger for power.


    Their training sessions were intense, often blurring the line betweenbat and desire, both pushing each other to the limits.


    Throughout the week, Pyris juggled these roles with growing ease. He attended Obsidian Roar meetings asionally, though less frequently than before. His focus had shifted, and while the group still mattered, his personal growth and the rise of hispany now took precedence.


    Even his time with his sister had dwindled; they only saw each other at the Academy, exchanging quick words between sses. He hadn''t visited their new home in days.


    Still, he felt no guilt. He was building an empire, after all, and sacrifices were inevitable.


    Song, his bodyguard, remained a near-constant shadow by his side. Pyris had always respected the man''s quiet loyalty, though it hadn''t been easy breaking through Song''s stoic exterior. But over time, Pyris managed to chip away at the walls, finding amon ground through shared experience.


    They weren''t exactly friends, but there was a silent understanding between them now¡ªa mutual respect that needed no words.


    The days blurred together, the hours divided between training, work, and connections. In those rare moments of solitude, Pyris would sit back and reflect on how perfectly everything was falling into ce. He was thriving in his role as CEO, designing the next phase of Obsidian Tech''s legacy.


    He was mastering his powers, unlocking new levels of strength in VR training, while also forming deeper connections with the people in his life.


    By the end of the training, Pyris felt a surge of satisfaction. He was carving out his path¡ªboth in the physical and virtual worlds¡ªand every step took him closer to his goals. The mask of Petne Chaosy dormant in his inventory, waiting for the right moment to be unleashed. His next move was already nned.


    He would rise even further, both as the face of Obsidian Tech and as the shadowed figure behind the chaos toe. He felt like a storm gathering strength, biding his time before unleashing his full power on the world.


    For now, though, he had to focus. Another day of VR training awaited, and beyond that, the release of ARGO.


    *****


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 Chapter 68 Battle Against Real Beasts!

    The ckscale Grove  an ancient forest, situated dangerously close at the edges of the Dragon Empire, serving as the boundaries between them with Corrupted Beasts


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    The forest that always pulses with a strange, dark vitality. The trees are tall and ckened, with their bark hard as iron, and the leaves shimmer with dark, metallic hues. The air here is unnaturally still, save for the asional sound of corrupted beasts prowling between the dense thickets.


    Magical energy saturates the ground, making it fertile for training, but also vtile¡ªthose practicing here must be wary of the creeping corruption that threatens to consume even skilled mages.


    Pyris steps out of the shimmering portal and into the ckscale Grove, a twisted, ancient forest located on the outskirts of the Dragon Empire. The sky above was dull gray, the thick, swirling clouds barely letting any light through. The air is thick, heavy with the scent of decaying leaves, damp earth, and the faint metallic tang of old blood.


    The forest feels alive¡ªnot with the vitality of nature, but with something darker, something corrupted.


    Towering ck trees surround him, their bark slick and cold to the touch, like polished obsidian. Their twisted branches reach out like skeletal fingers, some adorned with thick, dark green vines that drip a glowing, sickly yellow sap.


    The leaves above are dark metallic shades, shimmering with an unnatural gleam that seems to hum with magical energy. Shadows flicker between the dense trunks, movements too quick and too unnatural to belong to mere animals.


    The Grove is home to thousands¡ªno, hundreds of thousands¡ªof Corrupted Beasts.


    The ground underfoot is uneven, thick with gnarled roots that crisscross the earth like veins. Glowing fungi sprout from the sides of ancient fallen logs, casting an eerie blue light that barely pierces the darkness.


    Strange, distorted cries echo through the forest, and Pyris could feel the weight of countless hostile eyes on him. Somewhere in the distance, the unmistakable sound of low growls and rustling leaves alerts him to the presence of beasts already stalking his movements.


    Pyris stepped forward, his boots sinking slightly into the damp, leaf-strewn ground. His presence is a stark contrast to the oppressive darkness of the forest. He stood tall, d inbat armor, sleek and ckened steel intricately etched with Draconic runes that shimmer with faint, magical energy.


    The armor was lightweight yet durable, allowing him the agility necessary to face the dangers ahead. Across his chest and arms, dragon-scale patterns are woven into the armor, providing both protection and a symbol of his Dragon heritage.


    Strapped to his back is the sword his mother gifted him, a magnificent de forged from Drakos steel, as dark as the night sky.


    The hilt is adorned with a single emerald gemstone, pulsing faintly in resonance with the magical energies of the forest. This sword, forged with the intent to harness and channel the user''s elemental abilities, glows faintly as Pyris prepares himself.


    He can already feel the power of his elements stirring within him¡ªfire, ice, wind, darkness, and light¡ªall ready to be unleashed.


    As Pyris steps further into the corrupted heart of the forest, his breathes slow and measured. His senses are heightened, magic pulsing within him as he scans his surroundings. Essence Devouring¡ªhis newfound ability¡ªmakes his blood hum with anticipation.


    The very idea that each beast he ys will strengthen him, add to his magic, and increase his soul''s power is both thrilling and dangerous. The essence of those he kills will be his, merging with his soul and fueling his rise.


    [So¡­ here we are,] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, her toneced with faint amusement. She was the spirit that had been tethered to Pyris since his awakening, a remnant of his past life or perhaps something older, but that wasn''t the point right now.


    "Yeah¡­ here we are," Pyris muttered aloud, his eyes scanning the dense forest. There was an eerie silence, broken only by the asional rustling of leaves or the distant howl of some unseen beast. It felt like the entire forest was holding its breath, waiting for him to make the first move.


    [You seem nervous,] Lia noted, her voice taking on a teasing edge. [Weren''t you the one boasting about awakening all the elements? Now''s your chance to show off.]


    Pyris grimaced. "I wasn''t boasting," he replied defensively. "It''s just¡­ I don''t know, a feeling?" He reached out with his senses, trying to tap into the flow of mana that permeated the air. The energy here was different¡ªthicker, more oppressive. It wasn''t just the natural magic of the forest; there was something darker, twisted.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Still think this was a great idea?] Lia''s voice chimed in his mind, her usual teasing tone softened by a hint of concern.


    "I have to train somewhere," Pyris replied, trying to sound confident, though his voice wavered slightly.


    Lia snickered. [Right. Well, try not to get eaten. That would be embarrassing, especially after all your big talk about awakening every element.]She continued tauting him


    Pyris grimaced. "I''m still alive, aren''t I?" He took a few more steps forward, cautiously scanning the dense undergrowth. He could feel the presence of the corrupted beasts. They were out there, watching, waiting. His heart thudded in his chest, but he pressed on.


    [Let''s keep it that way,] Lia remarked dryly. [Stay alert. They''re not going to wait forever.]


    As if on cue, the first beast appeared¡ªa massive, deer-like creature, its antlers twisted and ckened by corruption. Its glowing, red eyes locked onto Pyris, and with a shrill screech, it charged at him with surprising speed.


    "Here we go!" Lia shouted. "Don''t freeze up!"


    Pyris raised his hand, calling on his fire element. mes ignited in his palm, and he hurled a small fireball toward the creature. But it was toote¡ªthe beast was already upon him. Pyris barely dodged its sharp antlers, stumbling as it barreled past him, its hooves digging deep into the earth.


    [Nice try, but maybe aim before it''s right in your face next time,]Lia said, clearly unimpressed.


    [I''m working on it!] Pyris growled, scrambling to his feet.


    The creature circled around for another charge, its breathing in harsh, ragged bursts. Pyris steadied himself, gripping his sword tightly.

 Chapter 69 Corruption!

    The creature circled around for another charge, its breathing in harsh, ragged bursts. Pyris steadied himself, gripping his sword tightly.


    This time, he focused. He summoned his wind element, feeling the air around him shift. With a deep breath, he waited for the beast''s next move.


    The moment it charged again, Pyris channeled the wind, propelling himself to the side just in time to avoid its attack. As the creature rushed past, he shed at its nk with his sword, a trail of mes bursting from the de.


    The beast let out a pained screech, stumbling as the fire scorched its fur. Pyris took the opening and lunged, swinging his sword in a wide arc. The de connected with the creature''s neck, severing its head in a clean strike. The body fell with a heavy thud, dark blood seeping into the ground.


    Panting, Pyris stood over the fallen beast, his heart pounding in his chest. He wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved but exhausted.


    [Well, that was a bit better,] Lia said, her tone light again. [Though you did almost get skewered in the first ten seconds.]


    "Thanks for the support," Pyris muttered, kneeling beside the beast. He activated Essence Devouring, his breath slowing as the creature''s dark mist-like essence rose from its body and flowed into him. The surge of power that followed was faint, but noticeable. His magic felt a bit stronger, his connection to the elements more secure.


    "How''s it feel?" Lia asked, her voice curious now.


    "Strange," Pyris admitted. "Like I''m gaining something, but also losing something at the same time."


    [That''s the corruption,] Lia exined. [These beasts aren''t just full of raw power¡ªthey''re twisted by it. You''ll have to be careful. Take in too much, and you might lose yourself.]


    Pyris nodded grimly. "I''ll manage."


    [I hope so, because herees the next one.] Lia''s voice sharpened with urgency.


    From the dense thicket, another beast emerged¡ªa massive, ck-scaled lizard with glowing yellow eyes. Its body was low to the ground, muscles rippling under its tough hide as it stalked toward Pyris. Its long, forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air.


    "Lovely. A snake-lizard thing," Pyris muttered. He readied his sword, this time trying to calm his racing thoughts. "Any advice?"


    [Yeah, don''t let it bite you,] Liaughed.


    Pyris took her advice to heart, tapping into his ice element. He could feel the cold building within him, and as the beast darted forward, he thrust out his hand, releasing a sharp burst of frost.


    The air around the Rank 3 creature instantly chilled, frost creeping along its scales. Its movement slowed, its body stiffening as the cold took hold.


    [That''s it! Now finish it off!] Lia urged.


    Pyris surged forward, his sword gleaming with icy energy. The beast, now sluggish from the cold,shed out weakly with its tail, but Pyris dodged it, bringing his sword down on the creature''s head.


    The de sank into its skull, cracking through its tough scales. With a final, shuddering hiss, the beast copsed.


    Pyris stood over the fallen creature, breathing hard. The cold air around him was sharp in his lungs, but he felt a surge of satisfaction. This fight had gone smoother than thest.


    [See? You''re getting the hang of it,] Lia said, a note of approval in her voice.


    "Yeah, but it''s exhausting," Pyris replied, kneeling once more to activate Essence Devouring. The creature''s essence flowed into him, its power bolstering his own, but this time, Pyris could feel the corruption more clearly. It was dark, heavy, and unsettling.


    [It''s not just the fighting that''s draining,] Lia said, her tone more serious. [You''re absorbing corrupted essence, and that takes a toll. Be careful not to take in too much too fast.] Stay tuned for updates on empire


    Pyris nodded, he wasn''t used to the sudden overflows of essence into his body, though he wasn''t sure how much longer he could keep going. He stood up, wincing as he felt the soreness in his muscles.


    [On your left!] Lia shouted suddenly.


    Pyris barely had time to react before a third beast¡ªa wolf-like creature with dark, oily fur and glowing red eyes¡ªleaped out from the shadows, its ws extended. Pyris swung his sword in a panic, managing to deflect its attack but losing his bnce in the process.


    This one was as powerful as him, a Rank 4!


    The creature snarled, circling him, waiting for another opening. Pyris could feel his heart pounding in his chest, the panic starting to creep in.


    [Stay calm, Pyris!] Lia said, her voice sharp. [You can do this. Use the earth element¡ªroot yourself. Don''t let it knock you down again.]


    Pyris nodded, focusing on the earth and sand element beneath his feet. He felt a connection with the ground, the solid weight of the earth grounding him. As the beast lunged again, Pyris stood firm, his feet nted. He met the creature''s charge head-on, driving his sword into its chest.


    The wolf-beast let out a yelp, copsing at Pyris''s feet. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he watched the creature''s body fall still.


    He had in a beast of equal rank, a feat few could im. This alone spoke volumes, not just of his strength, but of his uncanny ability to adapt and thrive in the face of danger.


    [Not bad for a rookie,] Lia remarked with a yful tone. [Though I have to admit, that one had me worried for a second.]


    "Yeah, me too," Pyris admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow again. He activated Essence Devouring once more, drawing in the beast''s corrupted energy. The sensation was bing familiar, but not any less strange.


    [You''ve still got a long way to go,] Lia said, her tone softening. [But you''re getting stronger with each fight. Just¡­ don''t let it go to your head.]


    Pyris chuckled, though there was a weariness in his voice. "Don''t worry. I''m too tired to get cocky."


    He nced around the dark forest, knowing there were still many more beasts out there. He wasn''t sure how much longer he could keep going, but one thing was clear¡ªckscale Grove wasn''t going to give him a break.


    [Take a breather if you need it,] Lia suggested. [There''s no point rushing if you''re just going to get yourself killed.]


    Pyris nodded. "Good idea." He found arge rock nearby and sat down, letting his muscles rx for a moment. As he rested, he couldn''t help but think about how much stronger he needed to be. This was just the beginning. There would be tougher battles ahead¡ªboth with the beasts and with himself.


    [You''re doing fine, Pyris,] Lia said, her voice surprisingly gentle. [Just remember¡ªyou don''t have to be perfect. You just have to survive.]


    Pyris smiled faintly. "Survive, huh? I think I can manage that."


    With a deep breath, he stood up, ready to continue his training. He gripped his sword tightly and stepped forward, deeper into the heart of ckscale Grove, where even darker challenges awaited.


    *****n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    I want to give you all a little insight: from here the MC''s harem isn''t about rushing into things. Now he will only brings women into his harem once there''s a genuine connection. Characters like Vrie? Their bond will be rebuilt, their lost time reignited with passion that''s earned, not forced.


    But don''t be fooled¡ªwhen the moment calls for it, you know how wild things can get in a world like this ????????


    For those craving sudden heat, trust me, you won''t be disappointed. After all, this is the Champion of Lust we''re talking about, and his story has only just begun.

 Chapter 70 The Shadow Behemoth

    Pyris ventured deeper into ckscale Grove, the forest shifting around him, almost alive in its malice. The air grew warmer, heavier, and the once-faint rustling of the wind was reced by a new sound¡ªa low, guttural growl.


    His pulse quickened, instincts screaming that something wasing.


    From the dense underbrush emerged a beast unlike the others¡ªa Blood Wolf, its dark red fur stained with the blood of countless victims.


    It moved like a predator with purpose, its crimson eyes locking onto Pyris with unsettling intelligence. The air around the wolf shimmered with raw, oppressive blood magic.


    "Of course it''s blood magic," Pyris muttered under his breath, gripping the hilt of his sword. "Because things weren''t already bad enough."


    [Well, you wanted a challenge, didn''t you?] Lia chimed in, her voice filled with a teasing edge. [This should be fun to watch.]


    The Blood Wolf let out a guttural snarl and charged. Its speed caught Pyris off guard¡ªit was much faster than the corrupted beasts he''d faced earlier. Pyris raised his hand, summoning the earth element, hoping to create barriers and traps. The ground shifted, but his control was shaky. The wolf easily evaded the hastily formed walls of stone, darting through the gaps with deadly precision.


    This one was a tricky one, although a rank 4 like the beast he just in, the Blood Wolf was in a slightly different league!


    It''s aura alone induced fear in it''s target!


    [Try harder, Pyris! It''s not going to wait for you to figure it out!] Lia shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.


    The wolf leaped, ws extended, and Pyris barely managed to raise a gust of wind to propel himself sideways, avoiding the attack by inches. He gritted his teeth, his heart racing as the beast circled back, its blood magic forming deadly crimson barriers around them. Pyris could feel the oppressive energy closing in, each barrier flickering with lethal intent.


    "Okay, this thing is way too fast," Pyris gasped, trying to regain his footing. He swung his sword, calling on his shadow element to create a field of darkness. Tendrils of shadow spread out, attempting to obscure the wolf''s vision, but the beast''s sharp senses allowed it to navigate the darkness with ease.


    Pyris cursed under his breath.


    The Blood Wolf lunged again, and this time, Pyris wasn''t quick enough. The beast''s ws raked across his side, sending him sprawling into the dirt. Pain red through his body, and the taste of blood filled his mouth.


    [Get up, Pyris! It''s not over!] Lia''s voice was a mixture of concern andmand.


    Pyris groaned, rolling to the side as the wolf pounced again, narrowly missing him. His mind raced, and his body screamed in protest, but he forced himself to his feet. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword as he summoned both fire and earth,bining them into a searing, molten trap.


    The ground beneath the Blood Wolf glowed with heat, and the beast yelped as its paws sank into the molten rock.


    [Now!] Lia urged.


    Pyris didn''t hesitate. He called on the blood element, channeling its energy through his veins. He could feel the wolf''s vitality pulsing, and with a surge of focus, he began draining it, the death element following suit. The Blood Wolf''s strength faltered, its crimson eyes dulling as its life force was sapped.


    With a final, agonized howl, the wolf copsed into the molten earth, its body searing and fading away. Pyris stood over its remains, panting, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. His hands trembled as he activated Essence Devouring, drawing in thest remnants of the beast''s corrupted energy.


    [That was close,] Lia''s voice broke the silence, softer this time. [You''re improving, but the Grove won''t go easy on you.]


    "I barely made it," Pyris admitted, wincing as the pain in his side red again. He pressed a hand to the wound, using a bit of healing magic to stop the bleeding.


    [Each beast is different,] Lia continued, her tone more serious. [They have different strengths, weaknesses. You can''t rely on one element every time. Adapt, Pyris. That''s how you survive here.]


    Pyris nodded, exhausted but more determined than ever.


    _____


    As the day wore on, Pyris found a small clearing in the Grove. Exhaustion had settled deep in his bones, and his side throbbed from the wound left by the Blood Wolf. He used his fire element to light a small campfire, its warmth a wee respite from the dark chill that surrounded him.


    The meat he had gathered from earlier beasts was tough and gamey, but he ate in silence, grateful for the sustenance.


    He was experiencing the life of an ordinary awakened!


    [Rest while you can,] Lia advised, her voice more gentle now. [You''ve had a hard day. Use this time to reflect, recover. Tomorrow, the Grove won''t give you a break.]


    Pyris sat by the fire, his thoughts drifting as he stared into the flickering mes. His body ached, but his mind buzzed with the events of the day. He had survived, yes¡ªbut barely. He knew he was improving, but the gap between where he was and where he needed to be felt insurmountable.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ve fought well today," Pyris said aloud, the words hanging in the quiet air. "But I have a lot to learn."


    [You''ve done more than well,] Lia agreed. [You''ve climbed from Rank 4 to Rank 5, and you''re close to Rank 6. Your soul power is increasing. You''re bing more connected to the elements. But remember, the Grove will push you harder as you grow stronger.]


    Pyris nodded slowly, fatigue pulling at his limbs. "I need better control. Mybinations are too weak, too clumsy."


    [That''s something only practice will fix,] Lia replied. [Each fight teaches you something new. Keep pushing yourself, and you''ll get there. Just be smart about it.]


    Pyris finished his meal and leaned back against a tree, his body heavy with exhaustion. The essence he had absorbed from the beasts coursed through him, fueling his magic. He could feel it, the growing power deep inside, waiting to be unleashed.


    ____


    The next morning, Pyris ventured deeper into the Grove, his steps more cautious now. The air grew colder, the shadows deeper. His instincts screamed that something powerfuly ahead. Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath his feet, and from the darkness emerged a creature of nightmare¡ªa Shadow Behemoth.


    It stood taller than any beast Pyris had ever faced, its massive form blending with the shadows of the forest. Its red, glowing eyes narrowed on him, and the air seemed to thicken with malevolent energy.


    "That thing looks¡­ impossible," Pyris whispered, his pulse racing.


    A rank 6 beast, and it wasn''t your usual rank 6


    [It''s not,] Lia''s voice was calm but tense. [But this is going to test everything you''ve learned. You can''t beat it with brute strength alone. Use your elements¡ªuse your mind.]


    The Behemoth let out a deafening roar, and the shadows around it rippled and surged forward, waves of darkness distorting the very air. Pyris immediately called on the time element, slowing the world around him just enough to dodge the iing wave of energy.


    [Good start,] Lia remarked. [But you can''t stay in one ce for long. Keep moving!]


    Pyris activated his superspeed, his body bing a blur as he darted around the Behemoth, trying to find an opening. The creatureshed out with massive, shadowy ws, but Pyris dodged each strike, his movements swift and precise.


    He used the space element to shift between positions, blinking from one spot to another, staying just out of reach of the Behemoth''s crushing blows. But even with his speed and agility, the creature was relentless, its shadow attacks distorting reality itself.


    "It''s too strong!" Pyris gasped, narrowly avoiding another wave of dark energy.


    [No, you''re just not hitting hard enough. Combine your elements, Pyris! You have the power!] Lia urged, her voice filled with intensity.


    Pyris gritted his teeth, feeling the adrenaline course through him. He tapped into both blood and darkness, letting the raw, primal energy flow through him. His blood pulsed with strength as he summoned a massive wave of shadow energy, aiming it directly at the Behemoth''s core.


    The creature staggered, but it didn''t fall. It roared again, and the ground shook as pirs of darkness shot up around Pyris, trying to trap him. But he was already moving, blinking through space to avoid the deadly onught.


    "Now, Pyris! Use everything!" Lia''s voice cut through the chaos.


    ******


    This Chapter is specially dedicated to @Ethan_Aranda, thanks for the support!! ?? ?? People like you motivate us authors to keep pushing!!

 Chapter 71 Elemental Connection!

    Pyris summoned the death element, channeling it through his sword. The de glowed with a sickly, dark energy as heunched himself forward, his superspeed carrying him directly to the Behemoth''s chest. With a fierce cry, he plunged the sword into the creature, pouring all of his elemental power into the strike.


    The Behemoth let out a deafening howl as thebined power of blood, darkness, time, and death tore through its massive form. Shadows writhed and screamed, and the Behemoth began to disintegrate, its massive body copsing in on itself.


    Panting, Pyris fell downpletely spent, "this is nothing like the training in Battle Stimtion!" Fights there were easy to handle, not even 6% to what reality was!


    _____


    The deeper Pyris ventured into ckscale Grove, the darker and more hostile the forest seemed. His body still ached from the previous battles, but there was no time to rest. As he walked, the sound of raised voices broke through the eerie quiet of the forest, catching his attention. Pyris frowned and paused.


    The voices were angry, and something about their tone made his instincts sharpen.


    [Trouble,] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, filled with concern. [Want to investigate?]


    Pyris sighed, already moving toward the dound. "Trouble always seems to find sce in me anyways"


    When Pyris reached the source of themotion, he found four awakeneds gathered in a loose circle. They were durrounding a girl, her small frame looking impossibly fragilepared to the others.


    She had ck hair, and her eyes were hollow, almost lifeless, as if she hadn''t eaten in days. Despite her appearance, Pyris saw the fire in her¡ªa will to survive, even when the odds were stacked against her.


    One of the group, a tall vampire with crimson eyes and a sneer of superiority, spoke first. "You think you deserve a cut of tonight''s hunt, Alera?" he spat. "You''re nothing but dead weight. We kept you alive out of pity."


    The girl, Alera, clenched her fists, her voice shaky but defiant. "I helped. I fought beside you. We had a deal."


    A second figure, a tall elf with silver hair and cold eyes, scoffed. "No one cares about you, Alera. You have no family, no friends. No one will look for you when you disappear into this forest."


    The group of four closed in on her, their expressions twisted with malice. Pyris''s hand instinctively went to his sword, his mask hiding his identity. This wasn''t a battle he wanted, but he knew he had to stop them before it was toote.


    "Well I was craving some battle!" He grinned, he wasn''t ying hero, wanted to fight fellow awakeneds too!


    And...


    "There''s something about her, my shadow element is reacting to her!" But it wasn''t that possible since he was the only one with the shadow element as far as the system exnation was concerned.


    [Why don''t we find out!] Lia pushed.


    "Bastards," Pyris muttered under his breath. "They''re going to kill her." he could feel something different about her, something the two shared, he had to find out and he wasn''t about to let someone take away what he set his eyes on.


    At least he would save her and after all she''s a woman, *ahem* sorry an innocent girl, don''t get him wrong *wink*


    [Seems like it,] Lia responded, her voice tense. [But you''re outnumbered, and they look experienced.]


    Pyris stepped forward, cutting through the tension. "Why don''t you try picking on someone who can fight back?"


    The group turned toward him, their faces shifting from surprise to annoyance. The vampire sneered, his red eyes narrowing as he took in Pyris''s Petne Chaos''s form. "Who the hell are you?"


    The elf''s sharp eyes scanned Pyris up and down. "He''s not one of the usual weaklings that wander this ce," she said, her voice cautious. "Look at him. That face¡­ no one would have looks like those"


    The third member, a burly beast-human with wolf-like features and glowing yellow eyes, sniffed the air, his nose twitching. "It doesn''t matter who he is. He''s alone. Let''s kill him, take whatever he''s hiding, and leave."


    But before they could act, the elf''s eyes lingered on Pyris''s face. Even beneath the mask, they were unnerved by his presence. "He''s¡­ too handsome. No one looks like that. Something''s off."


    The vampire snarled. "It won''t matter when he''s dead."


    Pyris readied himself, gripping his sword as the vampire lunged forward with supernatural speed, ws outstretched.


    Pyris reacted quickly, summoning the wind element to push himself backward, narrowly avoiding the vampire''s strike.


    [Wind, huh?] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind. [That''ll keep you alive. For now.]


    Before Pyris could counter, the beast-human growled and charged, his massive ws gleaming in the dim light.


    Pyris swung his sword to block, but the sheer strength of the beast-man nearly overwhelmed him. With a quick flick of his wrist, Pyris summoned the earth element, raising a stone barrier between them.


    The beast-man roared, smashing through the stone with brute force, but Pyris had already blinked away using the space element, reappearing on the other side of the clearing.


    The fourth member, a demon with ck horns


    and burning red eyes, raised his hands, summoning darkness magic. Darkness surged forward, wrapping around Pyris''s legs, pulling him toward the ground.


    [Get out of there, Pyris!] Lia shouted.


    Pyris gritted his teeth, focusing his time element. The world slowed around him as he blinked out of the shadows, reappearing behind the demon. Before the demon could react, Pyris shed with his sword, his de crackling with fire magic.


    "Aaahh"


    The demon screamed as the mes severed through his body, but the fight was far from over.


    The elf, watching the battle unfold, raised her hands, summoning green mana, Life magic. Thick vines erupted from the ground, twisting toward Pyris. He shed through the first wave of vines with ease, but the elf kepting, her magic relentless.


    [You need to disrupt her casting,] Lia advised, her voice sharp. [Or she''ll drown you in those vines.]


    Pyris nodded, focusing on his blood element. He summoned the blood of the fallen demon, coiling it around his body like a weapon. With a quick flick, the blood tendrils shot out, wrapping around the elf''s legs. She shrieked, stumbling back as Pyris pulled her toward him.


    Before he could press the advantage, the vampire and the beast-man came at him from both sides. Pyris''s mind raced. He needed to get control of the battlefield.


    Summoning all his strength, Pyrisbined


    earth and fire to create a molten trap beneath the beast-man. The ground beneath him glowed red-hot, and the beast-man yelped as his feet sank into the molten earth. The vampire lunged at Pyris again, but Pyris quickly blinked behind him, shing at his back with his sword.


    [That''s it!] Lia shouted. [Keep moving, don''t give them a chance to corner you.]


    Pyris summoned the darkness element, cloaking himself in shadows to evade the vampire''s strikes. The elf, struggling to free herself from the blood tendrils, summoned more vines, but Pyris sent a burst of fire her way, burning them to ash.


    The beast-man roared in frustration as he pulled himself free from the molten trap, his muscles seemed to have singed, quite strange.


    He charged again, but this time, Pyris was ready. Using the time element, Pyris slowed time and dashed forward with super speed, his de slicing cleanly across the beast-man''s throat. The beast-man gurgled, copsing to the ground, dead.


    [Two down," Lia noted. [But you''re bleeding, Pyris.]


    The vampire growled in frustration, his


    fangs bared. "You think this ends with me?!" he hissed. "I''ll tear you apart!"


    But Pyris wasn''t listening. He summoned the death element, his sword glowing with dark energy. The vampire lunged at him, but Pyris met him head-on, their swords shing with a burst of sparks.


    With a fierce cry, Pyris drove his sword into the vampire''s chest, the dark energy consuming him from within.


    The vampire let out one final scream before


    his body crumbled into dust.


    The elf, now thest one standing, stared at Pyris in horror. "You¡­ you''re not human¡­ no one can wield that many elements!" she gasped, her eyes wide with fear.


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed, "You shouldn''t have seen this," he said quietly, stepping forward.


    "Please¡­ I won''t tell anyone," the elf stammered, backing away. "I swear!"


    But Pyris knew she couldn''t be trusted.


    With a final surge of darkness, he wrapped the shadows around her throat, choking off her pleas. The elf copsed to the ground, her body going limp.


    Panting, Pyris stood over the fallen bodies of his enemies, his breath heavy with exhaustion.


    He activated Essence Devouring, drawing in the dark energy of the fallen awakeneds, their essencefueling his magic.


    [They never stood a chance]Liasaid quietly.


    Pyris nodded, though the weight of what he had done lingered in his mind. The girl, Alera, watched him in stunned silence, her dark eyes wide.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Who¡­ are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.


    Pyris nced at her, his expression unreadable behind the mask. "No one you need to worry about," he replied, turning away.He began walking back into the shadows of the Grove, leaving the girl and the bodies behind.


    He''s only purpose was to save her, that''s it.


    ******


    @Ethan_Aranda, thanks for the support!! ?? ??

 Chapter 72 The Shadows of the Forgotten!

    Pyris nced at her, his expression unreadable behind the mask. "No one you need to worry about," he replied, turning away. He began walking back into the shadows of the Grove, leaving the girl and the bodies behind.


    He''s only purpose was to save her, that''s it.


    Or so it seemed.


    ___


    Alera had always been an outcast, even before she could understand why. Born into the slums of a distant human city, she had no knowledge of her parents. She grew up among the forgotten¡ªthe orphans, the poor, and the unwanted, living on scraps and the asional kindness of strangers. Her small, malnourished frame made her appear frail, but even as a child, there was something different about her.


    When she turned ten, something inside her awoke. Her mana core emerged not in the typical way¡ªthrough ritual or training¡ªbut during a moment of sheer desperation. Alera had been cornered by street thugs who wanted to sell her off as a ve. Fear gripped her, and that was when her magicshed out for the first time.


    It was dark, cold, and filled with the whispers of something ancient. Shadows danced around her, moving with a life of their own, twisting and writhing until they devoured the thugspletely. When it was over, there was nothing left of them but darkened, empty streets.


    Alera had awakened her Shadow Element, but this wasn''t like the standard shadow magic that some mages possessed eons ago as the legends described. Her connection to shadow was deeper, darker, as if the shadows themselves had chosen her as their vessel. The incident left her terrified, and from that day on, Alera became even more isted.


    Experience tales at empire


    No one in the slums darede near her, fearful of the strange power that clung to her like a curse, no one believed it was magic since she awakened before age and the nature of her element left everyone in the small town terrified to mention it to anyone.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    What is she came for them at nighttime! Her "curse" was feared by all!


    For years, Alera struggled to control her power. The shadows whispered to her constantly, offering her protection but also gnawing at her will. The more she used them, the more they seemed to want to take over. Some nights, she couldn''t tell if she was still in control or if the shadows were leading her.


    When she turned sixteen, Alera left the slums, wandering from town to town in search of something, though she wasn''t sure what untill she alived in the Dragon empire where no one knew her.


    When she met a group of fellow awakeneds who offered her a ce among them, she joined them out of desperation, hoping to learn how to control her magic and find some semnce of belonging but she never used her powers only relying on the little strength her awakening gave her.


    But things never turned out the way she hoped.


    The group used her for her¡ªpushing her to fight, always taking the best spoils, and leaving her with nothing. They feared her for the aura she exuded, but also knew she wasn''t strong enough to take them on. They nned to get rid of her after their hunt in ckscale Grove, thinking that no one would ever find out.


    After all, who would care about a girl with no family, no allies, and magic just unnatural strength.


    But he was different!


    What Pyris saw in Alera after analysing her with the system, though, was something entirely different. Apart from that they shared the same element that had formed a unique connection between them... Her shadow magic wasn''t just another element¡ªit had a rare ability: Living Shadows. Unlike his shadow element, Alera''s shadows had their own consciousness, capable of independent movement and action.


    [Her shadows can fight, defend, and track targets without Alera needing to focus on them directly. She''s capable of using her shadows as an extension of herself, even splitting her consciousness between them, allowing her to be in multiple ces at once!] Lia had rified.


    Lia had knowledge of her powers although it was little since her powers were rare and only two individuals before Alera had ever actually wielded the same magic and they were all secretive.


    But there was more, the Shadows Alera wielded came from something ancient, something not tied to mere elemental magic. The whispers she heard weren''t just from her magic; they were from the Void, an ancient force that predated the Mortal Realm itself.


    Pyris could tell that much, he also had the void element, one he didn''t tell his mother and sisters fearing they might be implicated if word got out, that was Lia''s advice before they realized his mother had the children of the void itself hidden in the mortal realm thanks to her technology, no one was able to feel their presence even as they loomed freely.


    Pyris feared if he let Alera weild these powers and then coupled with the connection to the void, she would loose herself in madness.


    The shadows clung to her like an armor, a protection from the world but also a burden. Alera herself didn''t realize it, but she had the potential to wield Void Magic, the rarest and most dangerous form of magic tied to the forgotten spaces between worlds. It was this untapped potential that made Pyris pause.


    She was a risk, yes¡ªbut also a powerful ally if trained correctly.


    After rescuing her from the group that had betrayed her, Pyris saw more than just a fragile girl with dangerous magic. He saw potential. His experience in ckscale Grove had taught him that to survive and rise in power, one needed strength, strategy, and the ability to control the uncontroble.


    Alera, despite herck of training, had a gift¡ªone that could be cultivated into something formidable.


    Pyris was also someone who knew what it felt like to carry a burden of power no one else understood. He saw that same struggle in Alera. Her shadows were a part of her, just as his many elements were a part of him. And yet, she had been abandoned, discarded by those who feared her potential. He couldn''t let that happen again.


    "Lia, she''s dangerous," Pyris had admitted as they walked back from the deeper parts of the forest, leaving the bodies of her attackers behind. "Her magic¡­ it could consume her."


    [Or it could be something far more powerful,] Lia replied. [You saw it too. She has the potential to wield the Living Shadows connected to the Void Magic. But the question is, can she control it?]


    Pyris nced at Alera, who walked silently behind him, her eyes still hollow but filled with a glimmer of hope now. "I''ll teach her. If I don''t, someone else will find her¡­ or worse, she''ll destroy herself." As long as she asked, Pyris will take her in.


    Lia''s voice softened. [You''re doing the right thing. She needs someone who understands.]


    Pyris nodded, his decision solidified. Alera was no ordinary awakened, and while she was dangerous, he couldn''t deny that she was also a valuable asset. With the right training and guidance, she could be an ally unlike any other.


    He didn''t have a banner in the traditional sense, but in time, he would need those he could trust¡ªthose who could stand by his side when the time came to reveal his true power.


    Alera, despite everything, was worth that risk.

 Chapter 73 The First Step in a New Life!

    After their encounter in ckscale Grove, Alera followed Pyris through the twisted paths, away from the Grove''s dark influence. She followed quietly, her steps slow and tentative, still shaken from the betrayal and the battle that had almost cost her life.


    As they walked Pyris couldn''t take it anymore; he asked why she was following him only for her to express her wish to stay with him, she had no home and going back to the guild would only cause trouble, how will she exin the sudden disappearance of her party member?


    After a long discussion for another five minutes he let her be, he would take care of her, train her, give her everything she needed to grow.


    She had potential!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris didn''t say much as they walked. He didn''t need to. His decision had already been made, and he wasn''t the kind to exin himself.


    As they reached the outskirts of the Grove, a sleek ck vehicle awaited them¡ªa sport car that Pyris had called for once they were clear of the danger. Alera stared at it, wide-eyed.


    She had never seen anything so luxurious before. To someone like her, raised in the slums and abandoned by her so-called allies, the concept of such wealth seemed almost alien.


    "Get in," Pyris said, opening the door for her. She hesitated for a moment but finally stepped inside, her eyes still wide as she took in the polished interior.


    "You''re taking me back?" she asked quietly, unsure it was actually happening.


    Pyris shook his head her surprise, taking his seat across from her. "I''m taking you to my home. You need rest, food, and¡­ training. You''re not going back to that life."


    Alera blinked at him, confused. "But¡­ why? Why help me?"


    Pyris studied her for a moment, his eyes unreadable behind the mask. "Because you asked me to and...


    I see something in you, something dangerous but worth saving. You have a gift, Alera, and you don''t even know how to use it. Left unchecked, it''ll destroy you. But under my banner, you could be something more." He paused before adding, "That''s why."


    Alera looked down, unsure of what to say. No one had ever said something like that to her. No one had ever believed in her. It felt strange, but for the first time in years, she felt a flicker of hope.


    ____


    The ride back to Pyris''s estate was silent, but when they arrived, Alera''s eyes widened once again. The sprawling mansion Pyris stood before her, an architectural marvel of ss, stone, and steel. It was one of the grandest estates in the city, befitting the heir to the powerful Obsidian family.


    "This¡­ is your home?" Alera asked, barely able toprehend the wealth and luxury that surrounded her.


    Pyris gave a small nod as they stepped out of the car letting Song go his own ways, he deactivated the mask. "It is. I''m Pyris Obsidian, heir to House Obsidian and CEO of Obsidian Tech." He nced at her as they walked toward the entrance. "Wee to a new life."


    Alera followed in stunned silence as they entered the mansion. The hallways were vast, lined with priceless artwork and technology she could barely understand. The staff moved quietly, offering respectful bows to Pyris as they passed, but he waved them away, his focus solely on Alera.


    "You''ll be staying here for now," Pyris said as they reached arge, beautifully furnished room. "But that''s not why I brought you here. Starting tomorrow, your training begins. I''m going to teach you to control your magic and master the shadows that haunt you."


    Alera nodded, though her mind still reeled. Everything felt so unreal. She had gone from being a forgotten girl in the slums to standing in a mansion belonging to one of the wealthiest families in the empire. It was overwhelming, but if Pyris believed in her, maybe she could believe in herself too.


    ____


    Experience tales with empire


    The next morning, Alera woke early to the sound of soft knocking on her door. A staff member entered quietly, leaving clothes for her to change into¡ªsimple but practical training gear. Alera dressed quickly, her body still aching from the battle in the Grove, but she knew there was no time to waste.


    When she stepped outside, Pyris was already waiting for her in the mansion''s private training grounds¡ªa sprawling courtyard surrounded by tall stone walls for privacy. His sword was sheathed at his back, and he stood with his arms crossed, watching her approach.


    "You slept well, I assume?" Pyris asked, his tone even.


    Alera nodded, her heart pounding. "Yes. Better than I have ever in my time."


    Pyris motioned for her to step forward. "Good. You''ll need to be well-rested. Today, I want to see what you can do with those shadows of yours. We''ll begin with sparring, then work on control." He unsheathed his sword, the dark steel gleaming in the morning light. "Defend yourself."


    Alera''s eyes widened. "Wait¡­ we''re fighting now? But¡ª"


    "You have power, Alera," Pyris interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "But power without control is nothing. You''ll learn faster by doing. Now, summon your shadows."


    She hesitated, fear flickering in her dark eyes. The shadows always frightened her. They were wild, unpredictable. But under Pyris''s gaze, she couldn''t back down. With a deep breath, Alera closed her eyes and summoned the darkness that lived inside her, the Living Shadows!


    The shadows rippled around her feet, rising like smoke, forming tendrils that moved of their own ord.


    "Good. Now use them," Pyrismanded, his sword ready.


    Alera focused, trying to direct the shadows toward him. But as always, they moved erratically,shing out without precision. Pyris dodged easily, his movements fluid as he sidestepped their attacks.


    "You''re letting them control you," he said, his voice calm despite the flurry of shadowy strikes. "You must assert your will over them. They are an extension of you."


    Alera clenched her fists, frustration bubbling up. The shadows responded to her emotions, growing wilder, more chaotic. Pyris moved in, shing through the tendrils with his sword. Alera stumbled back, struggling to keep her footing as the shadows surged around her.


    "Enough," Pyris said suddenly, lowering his sword. Alera fell to her knees, panting, the shadows dissipating. Pyris walked over, his expression thoughtful. "You have strength, but no control. We''ll need to break through that fear." He knelt beside her, his tone softening. "I know what it''s like to be afraid of your own power, but the only way to master it is to face that fear."


    Alera looked up at him, her face pale but determined. "I''ll try again. I¡­ won''t give up."


    Pyris nodded, standing. "Good. Again. This time, focus."


    *****


    Faced paced? Are you curious about Alera?


    Please go to the character section and support the characters I created there! I wee ideas too!!!


    Thank you at @DragoNlich!

 Chapter 74 Back to the Grove!

    Days passed, and Alera''s training continued. Pyris was relentless but fair, pushing her to confront her shadows, to learn the nuances of her magic. The fear that had once ruled her began to fade, reced by a growing confidence. Her shadows, once wild and untamed, started to respond to her will more clearly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris continued to instruct her, showing her how to channel her emotions without letting them control her.


    After one particrly exhausting session, Pyris led Alera back into the mansion, where a tall, elegant figure was waiting for them in the entrance hall. She had long dark hair and striking golden eyes¡ªthe same as Pyris. Her presence radiated grace and power.


    "Alera," Pyris said, his tone softer than usual. "This is my sister, Aurelia."


    Alera looked up, her eyes widening. She had heard of Aurelia Obsidian¡ªone of thedies of House Obsidian.


    Aurelia smiled warmly, her gaze studying Alera with interest. "So, this is the girl you''ve taken under your wing," she said, her voice like velvet. "I must admit, she has potential."


    Alera bowed awkwardly, still unsure of how to behave in suchpany. "It''s an honor to meet you, Lady Aurelia."


    Aurelia waved her hand dismissively. "Please, no formalities. Anyone my brother trusts is wee here." She looked back at Pyris, a knowing smile on her lips. "You''ve chosen well, Pyris. But I assume you have more nned for her than just training here."


    Pyris nodded. "She needs more than what I can teach her alone. The academy will provide her with resources and experience that she won''t find anywhere else."


    Alera blinked in surprise. "The academy? But¡­ isn''t that for¡­?"


    "The best?" Aurelia finished for her,ughing softly. "Yes. And you will be among them. You''ve earned this, Alera."


    Pyris crossed his arms, his expression serious. "I''m sending you to the academy not just to learn, but to grow beyond what you think is possible. You''ll be among powerful awakeneds, but I''ll be there to guide you when you need it."


    Alera looked between them, her heart pounding. The academy was a ce for the elite¡ªmages who would go on to be some of the most powerful figures in the realm. She had never imagined she would set foot in such a ce.


    "You believe in me that much?" Alera asked, her voice soft.


    Pyris met her gaze, his expression unwavering. _"You''ve proven yourself already.


    ____


    More days that followed before she joined the academy, Pyris began training Alera more, not just in mastering her shadow magic but also in teaching her discipline and control.


    Her shadows, once chaotic and wild, began to move with purpose under hermand. The whispers in her mind grew quieter, and for the first time in years, Alera felt like she could control her destiny.


    "You saved me," Alera said one evening as they sparred in the forest. Her voice was soft but filled with gratitude. "I don''t know why¡­ but thank you."


    Pyris, catching his breath from their fight, looked at her. "I didn''t save you just to be kind. You''re strong, Alera. Stronger than you know. With the right training, you''ll be more than just an outcast. You''ll be someone people fear."


    Alera''s dark eyes met his, and for the first time, there was no fear in them. Only determination.


    ____


    "Your shadows reflect your state of mind," Pyris had said Alera stood across from him, her shadows flickering wildly around her. "You can''t let them dominate you. They''re an extension of your will, not the other way around."


    Alera clenched her fists, breathing deeply. The shadows danced at her feet, restless and chaotic. They whispered dark things to her, threatening to take control if she faltered. But Pyris''s presence was grounding, a steady force that kept her from giving in.


    She tried again, focusing on calming her mind. The shadows slowed, swirling around her in a controlled, deliberate motion. For the first time, she felt like they were responding to hermands¡ªnot just acting on impulse.


    Pyris watched her closely, nodding in approval. "Better. But you''re still hesitating. What''s holding you back?"


    Alera hesitated, looking down at her hands. "I''m afraid of what I''ll do if I lose control," she admitted. "The shadows¡­ they feel too strong sometimes. Like they could consume me."


    Pyris approached her, cing a hand on her shoulder. "Fear is natural, Alera. But if you keep running from it, you''ll never move forward. Control doesn''te from suppressing what you''re afraid of. Ites from embracing it."


    Alera looked up at him, her dark eyes filled with uncertainty. But there was also a glimmer of hope. She hade so far already, and Pyris believed in her¡ªeven when she doubted herself.


    "You''re stronger than you think," Pyris said, his tone firm. "The academy will be the next step in your journey, but before that, we need to test you."


    Alera''s brow furrowed. "Test me?"


    Pyris smiled slightly, though there was a seriousness in his gaze. "I''m taking you to ckscale Grove. It''s not just about surviving¡ªit''s about pushing your limits. You''ll face real danger there, and it''s the only way you''ll learn to control your shadows under pressure."


    Alera''s heart skipped a beat. The thought of going there made her stomach churn with anxiety, but at the same time, there was a flicker of excitement. This was her chance to prove herself.


    Aurelia, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, stepped forward. "ckscale Grove is no small test," she said, her golden eyes fixed on Alera. "But if Pyris thinks you''re ready, I trust his judgment. Just know that the shadows there will be far more chaotic than what you''ve dealt with here. Be prepared for that."


    Alera nodded, her determination slowly building. "I''ll be ready."


    Pyris crossed his arms, his expression serious. "We leave tomorrow. Three days in the Grove. Don''t take this lightly, Alera."


    The weight of his words settled on her, but Alera stood tall. "I understand."


    Aurelia smiled faintly, her gaze shifting to Pyris. "You''ve chosen well, brother. Let''s hope she proves herself."


    ____


    The next morning, Alera and Pyris stood at the edge of ckscale Grove, the ancient forest looming before them. The air was thick with malevolent energy, the trees twisted and dark, their branches reaching out like ws. The ce felt alive¡ªhungry.


    "Three days," Pyris said, his voice steady. "We''ll train, fight, and survive for three days. No returning until we''ve made progress."


    Alera nodded, her face set in determination. The shadows within her stirred, reacting to the Grove''s energy. This was it¡ªthe real test she had been preparing for.

 Chapter 75 Blood, Shadows, and Beasts

    ckscale Grove loomed before them like a beast made of shadows and twisted wood. The trees towered, ancient and foreboding, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal arms. This ce wasn''t just a forest¡ªit was alive with malevolent energy, pulsing with corruption and danger.


    Pyris and Alera stood at the entrance, the wind rustling the leaves in a way that made them seem like they were whispering secrets.


    "Three days," Pyris said, his voice steady. "We''ll train, fight, and survive for three days. No returning until we''ve made progress."


    Alera nodded, her face set in determination. Since joining Pyris, she had grown stronger but still struggled with controlling her shadows. She could feel the Grove''s energy pulling at them, tempting them to run wild. The thought unnerved her, but Pyris''s presence gave herfort.


    He had a way of making the impossible seem attainable.


    "We''ll camp at night," Pyris continued, adjusting the strap of his sword. "And fight the beasts during the day. You''ll learn to harness your magic under real pressure, Alera. This won''t be like the controlled training back at the estate. This¡­ will be chaos."


    Alera''s fingers twitched nervously at the word, but she nodded again. She had to face this challenge, not only to prove her worth to Pyris but to herself.


    ____


    The two stepped forward, the shadows of the Grove swallowing them whole.


    The first beast came at them barely an hour into the Grove. It was a hulking creature, its skin mottled and cracked, oozing dark energy. Pyris had seen creatures like it before¡ªcorrupted, twisted by the Grove''s influence. This one resembled arge boar, but its tusks were jagged and covered in a foul-smelling slime. Its red eyes gleamed with a hunger for violence.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Just a Rank 5 beast.


    Pyris reacted first, summoning a st of wind to knock the beast off bnce. His elemental mastery had grown stronger in recent weeks, and he could now cycle through his abilities seamlessly. The wind sent the beast stumbling, but it recovered quickly, charging again with a deafening roar.


    "Your turn!" Pyris called out, his sword ready but eyes on Alera.


    Alera''s breath hitched. Her shadows responded to her panic, swirling around her like smoke. The creature was barreling toward her, and she could feel her control slipping.


    Focus, she thought, trying to grasp at her magic.


    Pyris watched carefully, ready to step in if things got out of hand, but he needed her to fight. This was part of her training¡ªto learn control under pressure.


    The beast was only meters away when Alera finally acted. She threw her hands forward, and her shadows leaped from the ground,shing out like a dozen serpents. They wrapped around the creature''s limbs, slowing its charge, but the beast was strong. It bellowed in fury, thrashing against her magic.


    "Keep control!" Pyrismanded, summoning a wall of earth to block the beast''s path. The beast collided with the wall, momentarily stunned.


    Alera gritted her teeth, her shadows tightening their hold, but they were slipping. The Grove''s energy was feeding them, amplifying their wildness. She could feel the dark whispers wing at her mind.


    "I¡ªI''m losing it!" she cried out.


    Pyris moved in, quick as lightning. He summoned his time element, slowing the beast''s movements to a crawl. Then, with a single, fluid motion, he shed through its neck, his sword glowing with death magic. The beast copsed, disintegrating into a pile of ash as Pyris''s body absorbed its essence.


    Panting, Pyris turned to Alera. "You''re hesitating. The shadows sense your fear."


    Alera nodded, her face pale. "I¡­ I can''t stop them sometimes. It''s like they have a mind of their own."


    "They do, in a way," Pyris said, wiping his de clean. "But you''re stronger than them. You just need to believe it. This isn''t like back in the city. Here, hesitation will get you killed."


    Alera swallowed hard but nodded again. "I''ll do better."


    Pyris ced a hand on her shoulder, his voice softer. "You''re already improving. But you need to push past your fear."


    The two continued deeper into the Grove, the shadows growing thicker, the air heavier. By the time the sun had begun to set, they had encountered two more beasts¡ªboth of which Pyris had dealt with, though he made Alera engage them first each time.


    As night fell, they set up camp in a small clearing, the darkened sky barely visible through the twisted canopy above. Pyris erected a simple barrier with earth magic to protect them from potential ambushes while they rested.


    "We''ll start again at dawn," Pyris said as he settled by the fire, the flickering mes casting long shadows over the clearing. "Try to get some sleep."


    Alera nodded but remained silent, staring into the fire. The shadows danced at the edge of her vision, whispering to her. But Pyris''s presence, as always, was grounding. She curled up near the fire, pulling her cloak tight around her, and closed her eyes.


    ____


    The second day was even more intense. The beasts in the Grove grew stronger the deeper they went, each one more twisted and aggressive than thest.


    By midday, they were facing off against a massive creature¡ªa Behemoth, easily twice the size of the previous beasts. Its skin was ckened, covered in sharp, bony protrusions, and its eyes glowed with a sickly yellow light.


    "This one''s  strong," Pyris said, his voice calm but determined. "Watch and learn."


    He unsheathed his sword, the de already humming with power. Pyris closed his eyes for a brief moment, summoning the elements within him. In an instant, he was surrounded by a swirling vortex of wind, fire, and lightning. His body tensed, his muscles coiling as he prepared to strike.


    The Behemoth roared, shaking the very ground beneath them as it charged.


    Pyris moved with blinding speed, his superspeed element kicking in. He darted forward, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His sword crackled with electricity as he shed at the Behemoth''s chest, the de cutting deep into its flesh.


    But the Behemoth was resilient¡ªit howled in pain but didn''t fall.


    "Not enough," Pyris muttered, his brow furrowing. He summoned his death element, channeling it into his de. The sword glowed with a sickly, dark energy as heunched himself forward again. This time, his strike was true.


    With a fierce look, Pyris plunged the sword into the Behemoth''s chest, pouring all of his elemental power into the strike. Thebined forces of blood, darkness, time, and death tore through the creature''s massive form.


    Shadows writhed and screamed as the Behemoth began to disintegrate, its body copsing in on itself, reduced to nothing but ash and bone.


    Alera watched in awe. Pyris''s mastery over the elements was unlike anything she had ever seen. But even he was pushed to his limits by the Grove''s creatures. The realization sent a chill down her spine.


    "Are you okay?" Alera asked, stepping closer.


    Pyris waved her off, his breathing slowly returning to normal. "I''m fine. Just¡­ don''t let your guard down. This ce is relentless.


    ___


    That night, they camped again, this time deeper in the Grove. The atmosphere was heavier, the corruption in the air almost palpable. Pyris set up a stronger barrier, using his earth and shadow elements to shield them from detection.


    Alera sat by the fire, her eyes distant. She hadn''t told Pyris everything about her shadows. There was a part of her power she had never fully understood¡ªsomething darker, something ancient. She could feel it stirring inside her now, reacting to the Grove''s corruption.


    "Something on your mind?" Pyris asked, noticing her silence.


    Alera hesitated but then nodded. "There''s something I haven''t told you¡­ about my magic."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."


    Alera took a deep breath. "The shadows¡­ they''re not just an element. They''re alive. Sometimes I feel like they''re watching me, waiting for something. I don''t fully understand it, but I know it''s tied to the Void. I hear whispers¡­ dark whispers."


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed slightly. "The Void? That''s rare magic. Dangerous magic." He pretended to be ignorant about her powers.


    "I know," Alera said, her voice trembling. "I''m scared, Pyris. I don''t know if I can control it."


    Pyris was silent for a moment, considering her words. He had suspected there was more to Alera''s power than she let on, she could control them with enough training but the Void¡­ that was something else entirely


    "You can control it," Pyris said finally, his voice firm. "But you''ll need to be stronger. The Void isn''t just an element¡ªit''s a force. You''ll need to learn to channel it without letting it consume you."


    Alera looked at him, her dark eyes filled with uncertainty.

 Chapter 76 The Onslaught

    Alera looked at him, her dark eyes filled with uncertainty. "But what if I can''t? What if the Void takes over, and I be something worse than these corrupted beasts?"


    Pyris leaned forward, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Then I''ll stop you. But that won''t happen, Alera. You have control over your power¡ªit''s just buried beneath your fear. We''ve fought together, and I''ve seen glimpses of your strength. You just need to trust yourself."


    Alera swallowed hard, his words both afort and a challenge. She didn''t want to admit it, but she did trust Pyris. He was the only one who had ever seen her potential, the only one who believed she could rise above the darkness that constantly threatened to consume her.


    "I''ll try," she whispered, her fingers clenching tightly around her cloak. "I''ll try to control it."


    Pyris nodded, satisfied. "Good. Tomorrow, we''ll push even harder. We''re only two days in, and the Grove hasn''t shown us its worst yet. Rest up¡ªyou''ll need it."


    Alera nodded, but sleep didn''te easily. As the fire crackled softly beside her, she closed her eyes and tried to push away the whispers of the shadows. The Void was a part of her, but she couldn''t let it define her.


    Not if she was to survive this training¡ªand not if she wanted to stand beside Pyris as an equal.


    The third day came with a foreboding air. Pyris and Alera packed up their camp in silence, both knowing that today would be their hardest yet. The beasts of the Grove had grown more vicious the deeper they ventured, and there was no telling what awaited them further inside.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The morning was quiet, eerily so. The sun barely broke through the thick canopy above, casting everything in a dim, greenish hue. Even the usual rustle of leaves and distant growls seemed muted.


    "Stay alert," Pyris warned, his hand on the hilt of his sword.


    Alera nodded, her shadows already shifting around her like an ever-present defense. The Void still whispered in the back of her mind, but she had steeled herself against it, determined to control it today.


    As they moved deeper, they entered a section of the Grove that seemed unnaturally still. The trees here were ckened, their bark cracked and dry, as though drained of all life. The ground beneath them felt soft, almost spongy, as if decaying beneath their feet.


    A sudden roar broke the silence, shaking the ground. A beast muchrger than any they had faced before emerged from the shadows. It was an amalgamation of flesh and bone, with horns twisted and jagged like broken tree branches. Its eyes glowed a sickly green, and its skin was covered in patches of armor-like scales boosting a rank 9 aura.


    Pyris''s eyes widened. "That''s a high-ranked corrupted beast. We''ll have to hit it with everything we''ve got."


    The creature roared again, charging at them with terrifying speed. Pyris reacted instantly, summoning a massive wall of earth in its path. The beast mmed into the barrier, sending cracks spidering through the stone, but it wasn''t enough to stop it.


    Alera took a deep breath and threw her arms forward, summoning her shadows. Theyshed out, wrapping around the creature''s limbs and slowing it down, but this beast was far stronger than the others. It ripped through her shadows as if they were nothing, charging again.


    Pyris blinked forward, using his space element to teleport behind the creature. He shed at its exposed back with his sword, the de crackling with lightning. The beast howled in pain but retaliated quickly, swinging a massive, wed limb toward him.


    Pyris barely managed to blink away again before the ws raked through the space he had just upied.


    Alera watched in awe, but there was no time for hesitation. She knew she had to contribute more¡ªshe couldn''t let Pyris shoulder the entire fight. Summoning all her willpower, she unleashed the full power of her shadows, sending them surging toward the beast like a living wave of darkness.


    The shadows wrapped around the creature''s throat, constricting it. For a moment, the beast slowed, struggling against the choking tendrils. Alera''s heart pounded in her chest as she fought to maintain control, but the whispers of the Void grew louder, urging her to let go, to unleash everything.


    "Pyris!" she called out, her voice strained. "I can''t hold it for long!"


    Pyris didn''t waste a second. He summoned the elements of fire and wind,bining them into a fiery vortex. The mes spiraled around him as he charged forward, his sword zing with elemental power. With a mighty roar, he shed at the beast''s chest, the fire exploding outward and searing through its flesh.


    The beast screeched in agony, its body writhing as it tried to escape thebined assault. Alera tightened her grip on the shadows, but she could feel them slipping out of her control.


    "Finish it, Pyris!" she cried, her voice shaking as the Void threatened to overtake her.


    Pyris''s eyes glowed with fierce determination. He summoned the death element once more, channeling it through his de. The sword pulsed with dark energy as he dashed forward with blinding speed. In one swift motion, he plunged the sword into the creature''s chest, releasing the full power of death, time, and blood into the strike.


    The beast let out one final, bone-rattling howl before its body began to disintegrate. Shadows writhed around it, and its massive form copsed into a pile of dust and bone, the corruption finally purged.


    Pyris fell to his knees, panting heavily, his body trembling from the exertion. Alera stumbled, nearly copsing, but she managed to catch herself, her shadows retreating back into her body.


    Panting, Pyris looked up at her, his expression a mixture of exhaustion and pride. "You did it, Alera. You controlled them."


    Alera stared at the pile of ash that had once been the creature, her heart still racing. She had done it. She had harnessed the power of the Void, albeit briefly, and helped bring down the monster.


    "I¡­ I think I did," she murmured, her voice shaky. "But it was so close, Pyris. I almost lost control."


    Pyris pushed himself to his feet, his sword sheathed once more. He walked over to her, his gaze soft. "But you didn''t. That''s what matters. You fought through it. And next time, you''ll be even stronger."


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    Alera nodded, though the fear still lingered in her chest. She wasn''t sure if she would ever fully control the Void, but Pyris was right. She had to keep pushing forward, no matter how terrifying it was.


    ___


    As the sun began to set on the third day, Pyris and Alera set up their final camp. The fire crackled softly, casting warm light over the clearing. Both of them were battered and exhausted, but there was a sense of aplishment between them.


    Pyris sat with his back against a tree, his eyes closed as he rested. The day''s battles had drained him more than he cared to admit. His elemental reserves were nearly depleted, and his body ached from the strain of channeling so many different powers.


    Alera sat across from him, staring into the fire. Her mind was still racing from everything that had happened¡ªthe battle, her near loss of control, and Pyris''s unwavering belief in her.


    "Why do you trust me so much?" she asked quietly, breaking the silence.


    Pyris opened his eyes, ncing at her. "Because I see potential in you, Alera. The kind of potential that others are too afraid to see." His words mindful not to mention the undeniable connection he felt from her, which she was oblivious about.


    Alera frowned, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her cloak. "But what if I can''t live up to that potential? What if I''m just a danger to everyone around me?"


    Pyris studied her for a moment, his gaze intense. "You''re not the only one with dangerous power. I''ve seen what happens when people are consumed by fear of their own abilities. You can either let it control you or take control of it. You''ve already proven you can do thetter."


    Alera''s shoulders slumped slightly, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I still don''t understand why you saved me in the Grove that day. You could have just walked away."


    Pyris''s expression softened. "I''ve been where you are¡ªlost, unsure of my own strength. I had people who helped me find my way. Now, it''s my turn to do the same for someone else."


    Alera looked up at him, surprise flickering in her eyes. She had always seen Pyris as a figure of power and confidence, someone who never doubted himself. To hear him admit that he had once struggled too made her see him in a new light.


    "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire.


    Pyris nodded, closing his eyes again. "Get some rest, Alera. Tomorrow, we leave the Grove. But this won''t be the end of your training."


    Alera smiled faintly, the weight of the past three days beginning to lift. She wasn''t alone anymore. Pyris had given her hope¡ªhope that she could control her magic, hope that she could be more than just a girl with dangerous shadows.


    As the night wore on, Alera drifted into a peaceful sleep for the first time in years, the whispers of the shadows didn''t make their presence.


    But something else did, something so dangerous...


    ****


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 Chapter 77 The Shadow and the Storm

    The third night in ckscale Grove was supposed to be one of quiet recovery, but the forest had other ns.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris and Alera had barely rested when the first sounds of rustling filled the air, the low growls and snapping branches announcing the arrival of something far more dangerous than any beast they had encountered before.


    "They''reing," Pyris muttered, his eyes snapping open as the first beast lunged from the shadows. It was a massive creature with gleaming ck fur and glowing red eyes¡ªits form sleek and muscr, a predator made of pure darkness.


    Alera gasped, recognizing the creature immediately. "A Shadow Wolf!" she whispered. The beast was known for its deadly ability to manipte darkness, turning it into weapons or traps, an apex predator in the Grove.


    As the Shadow Wolf circled them, its form seemed to melt into the surrounding shadows, making it nearly impossible to track. Pyris stood, his sword in hand, ready for the inevitable sh.


    "Stay close," Pyris ordered, his voice low and steady. "These beasts are intelligent. It''ll wait for the perfect moment to strike, but we need to draw it out."


    Alera nodded, her shadows already swirling around her protectively. She could feel the coldness of the Void tugging at her, urging her to tap deeper into its power, but she hesitated. There was a danger in losing control here¡ªespecially with the unpredictable nature of the Shadow Wolf.


    The beast howled, its voice like the shattering of ss, as the surrounding shadows grew thicker, enveloping them in nearplete darkness. Alera struggled to see, her vision clouded by the shifting tendrils of shadow.


    And then, it struck.


    The Shadow Wolf leaped from the darkness, ws outstretched. Pyris reacted instantly, his superspeed kicking in as he raised his sword to block the attack. Metal shed against w, sending sparks into the air as Pyris deflected the beast''s strike. Read thetest on empire


    But the wolf was relentless, disappearing into the darkness again beforeunching another attack.


    "We''re sitting ducks!" Pyris shouted as he summoned wind, sending a burst of air outward to clear the shadows. It worked for a moment, revealing the wolf''s position, but only for an instant before it disappeared again.


    Alera felt her heart race. This wasn''t like the earlier fights¡ªthis was a battle for survival. Her shadows swirled around her, instinctively seeking to protect, but it wasn''t enough.


    The wolf was too fast, too unpredictable.


    And then more came.


    Three more beasts emerged from the shadows¡ªcorrupted creatures twisted by the Grove''s dark magic. A massive lizard with jagged ck scales and glowing red veins slithered toward them, its mouth dripping with venom. An armored bear, its fur matted and ckened, let out a low growl as it advanced on them, its eyes gleaming with bloodlust.


    "We''re outnumbered," Pyris gritted, his voice tense. "I''ll take the lizard and the bear. You focus on the wolf."


    Alera''s eyes widened. "Alone? You can''t fight them all¡ª"


    "I don''t have a choice," Pyris interrupted, already dashing toward the lizard. His sword hummed with lightning as he shed at the creature''s side, sending a shock of electricity through its body. The lizard hissed in pain, but it was still standing.


    The bear charged at Pyris next, its massive ws swinging down at him. Pyris ducked, barely avoiding the blow, and retaliated with a burst of fire. The mes licked at the bear''s fur, but the creature shrugged it off, its body too corrupted to feel the pain.


    Meanwhile, Alera found herself face-to-face with the Shadow Wolf. The beast prowled around her, its red eyes gleaming with a predatory hunger. She could feel it drawing on the same shadows she wielded, warping them to its will. The beast lunged at her, and Alera threw up her arms, summoning her shadows to form a protective barrier.


    The wolf''s ws scraped against the shadows, but the barrier held.


    For now...


    Alera''s mind raced. She needed something more¡ªsomething stronger. The shadows she summoned weren''t enough. And that''s when she felt it. A deep, cold pull from within her, a power she had never fully tapped into before. The Void.


    Without thinking, Alera let the Void''s power seep into her shadows. They darkened, bing thicker, more alive. The wolf seemed to sense the shift, hesitating for a moment as Alera''s shadows rippled with newfound strength.


    And then, something unexpected happened.


    The wolf lunged again, but this time, Alera didn''t defend. Instead, she reached out with her shadows, not to attack, but to grasp the wolf''s own darkness. For a moment, the two magics shed¡ªher shadows against the wolf''s. But then, Alera''s power surged, and the wolf''s body began to slow, its movements bing sluggish.


    Alera''s eyes widened in shock. She wasn''t just manipting shadows¡ªshe was controlling the beast.


    "I can¡­ control them?" she whispered, astonished.


    The wolf let out a low growl, but it was no longer a threat. Alera''s shadows wrapped around it, and suddenly, she understood. Her shadows weren''t just a tool for defense or attack¡ªthey were a conduit for something far greater. They could tap into death itself.


    The Shadow Wolf wasn''t truly alive anymore¡ªit was hers, bound by the Void.


    Alera gasped, the realization hitting her. She had just unlocked a necromancer''s power.


    "Let''s see what you can do," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and exhration.


    The wolf, now under her control, leaped at the bear, sinking its teeth into the creature''s neck. The bear roared in fury, but the wolf''s attack was relentless. Alera''s heart pounded in her chest as she watched the two beasts sh, her own creation fighting on her behalf.


    But it wasn''t enough. The lizard was still fighting, and Pyris was struggling. His body was drenched in sweat, and he could barely keep up with the relentless onught of attacks.


    Desperate, Pyris summoned every ounce of elemental power he had left. Fire, wind, and earth swirled around him, but the beasts were too powerful, too corrupted. He needed something more¡ªsomething beyond his usual abilities.


    And then, something deep within him snapped.


    A blinding surge of energy erupted from Pyris''s core, and suddenly, he was surrounded by golden lightning. The power was unlike anything he had ever felt before¡ªpure, raw, and overwhelming. His eyes glowed with golden light as the sky above them seemed to crackle with energy.


    The lizard hissed, sensing the shift, but it was toote. Pyris raised his sword high, the golden lightning coiling around the de like a living thing. With a roar, Pyris brought the sword down, and the lightning exploded outward, striking the lizard with such force that the ground shook.


    The skies above lit up with brilliant gold, the sheer force of Pyris''s attack illuminating the entire Grove. The lizard didn''t stand a chance. Its body convulsed as the golden lightning tore through it, and with one final screech, the creature disintegrated into nothing but ash.


    But the st didn''t stop there. The golden lightning arced upward, splitting the sky in two before striking thergest beast¡ªanother Shadow Wolf, this one even more twisted and monstrous than the first.


    The lightning hit the wolf with a deafening crack, and the beast copsed, its body twitching as the electricity coursed through it.


    Alera, still reeling from the discovery of her new necromantic abilities, watched in awe as Pyris unleashed the full extent of his power. She had never seen him like this¡ªso¡­ godlike.


    As thest of the beasts fell, Alera hesitated, then summoned her shadows once more. The dead creaturesy around her, their bodies still smoldering from Pyris''s attack. But they weren''t truly dead¡ªnot yet.


    Alera closed her eyes, reaching out with her shadows, letting them seep into the corpses. Slowly, the beasts began to rise, their eyes glowing with an eerie, dark light. They weren''t alive, but they were under her control¡ªenved to the Void''s power.


    One by one, the creatures¡ªnow her shadow warriors¡ªmoved toward her, their forms melting into the shadows beneath her feet, disappearing into the darkness but still present, always ready to be summoned again.


    Alera stared at her hands, trembling slightly. "I can¡­ I can control them. They''re mine."


    Pyris, still panting from his golden lightning strike, turned to her, his eyes wide. "You¡­ you raised them?"


    Alera nodded, a mix of fear and excitement flickering in her gaze. "It''s the Void. It''s connected to the dead¡­ to the shadows. I can¡­ I can make them fight for me."


    Pyris stared at her for a moment, then let out a long breath. "We just became a lot more dangerous."


    *****


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 Chapter 78 "Weve just alerted the gods."

    The air in ckscale Grove crackled with tension. The ground was littered with the corpses of beasts they had fought for hours, yet still, more wereing. The once-quiet night now roared with the sounds of approaching monsters.


    Their howls filled the air, echoing ominously through the dense, twisted forest.


    Pyris stood with Alera at his side, both of them bloodied and exhausted. But there was no time for rest. The beasts of ckscale were relentless, their corruption warping them into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures.


    Alera felt the weight of her shadows coiling beneath her skin, whispering promises of untapped power. She had tasted something new in thest fight, something dark and intoxicating¡ªthe power to control death itself.


    Her newfound necromancer ability allowed her tomand the beasts she and Pyris had in, but she hadn''t yet fully mastered it. Now, with more enemies closing in, she was about to be pushed to her limits.


    Pyris, too, was nearing his breaking point. His sword gleamed in the faint moonlight, dripping with the blood of beasts. His muscles ached from hours of battle, his elemental reserves dangerously low.


    But his mind was sharp, calcting their next move even as the beasts advanced.


    In the distance, a shadowed figure appeared¡ªa massive creature, towering over the rest. Its body was twisted and grotesque, a dark blend of scaled armor and pulsing veins of red light. It resembled a dragon, but its form was corrupted, a grotesque version of what it might have once been. This beast was unlike the others. Its power radiated through the air, suffocating, malevolent.


    Its eyes glowed with an eerie, unnatural light.


    It was Rank 12 Wyvern... A corrupted one!


    Pyris''s breath caught in his throat. "That''s the one," he muttered under his breath, his voice tight with tension.


    Alera''s eyes widened. She could feel the overwhelming aura of the creature as it approached. It was far stronger than anything they had fought before. This was no ordinary beast¡ªthis was the embodiment of the Grove''s corruption.


    She knew that if they didn''t kill it now, it would mean the end of them both.


    The beast let out a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Pyris and Alera braced themselves as the creature lunged forward, its massive ws tearing through the trees as it charged.


    Pyris moved first, dashing toward the beast with superspeed, his sword zing with fire. He struck at its side, but the creature''s armored hide deflected the blow with ease, sending Pyris skidding back.


    The beast snarled,shing out with its tail, but Pyris blinked out of reach using his space element, reappearing behind it.


    "Too strong," Pyris growled, frustration gnawing at him as he narrowly dodged another strike. "We can''t take it head-on."


    Alera, her heart racing, felt her shadows swirling around her, eager to be unleashed. But the Void''s pull was stronger here, its whispers louder. It wanted her to tap deeper into its power, to give inpletely. She clenched her fists, summoning the shadows of the dead beasts she had in earlier.


    Their twisted forms rose from the ground, dark and ethereal, and charged at the corrupted dragon.


    The shadows collided with the beast, shing at its legs and torso, but the creature barely flinched. It swung its massive ws, scattering Alera''s shadow warriors like dust.


    Alera gasped, her connection to them severed. "They''re not strong enough," she muttered, panic rising in her chest.


    Pyris''s mind raced as he considered their options. He could feel his energy waning, but he had one final weapon left¡ªsomething he had only tapped into once before in moments of absolute desperation.


    It was a force beyond any element he had mastered: golden lightning.


    This power had alwaysin dormant within him, a manifestation of something ancient and godlike. Pyris hadn''t fully understood it yet, but he knew that it was dangerous¡ªnot just to his enemies but to himself.


    Yet with the beast towering over them, its aura of death and corruption suffocating the air, he knew there was no other choice.


    "Alera!" Pyris shouted, his voice strained. "Stay back! I''m going to need everything for this."


    Alera nced at him, worry etched across her face. "What are you going to do?"


    "I''m going to end this," Pyris replied, his voice cold and determined. His body trembled as he raised his sword toward the sky, summoning the power deep within him. He could feel the golden lightning stirring, waking from its slumber.


    It was time... Time to unleash what was inside him without fearing alerting gods, he knew they wouldn''t act immediately calling it a phenomenal.


    The sky above began to darken, clouds swirling ominously as golden light flickered between them. Alera stared in awe as the atmosphere shifted, the air thick with raw, lightining energy. Pyris''s eyes glowed with an intense, golden light, his body crackling with power.


    The beast paused, sensing the shift in energy, its glowing eyes narrowing with suspicion.


    Pyris grit his teeth, his entire body burning with the effort of containing the power. The golden lightning surged through him, overwhelming, almost too much to bear. But he had to control it¡ªif he unleashed it all at once, it could destroy everything, including Alera.


    With a roar, Pyris raised his sword high, the de now wreathed in golden lightning. The energy coiled around the sword like a living thing, crackling and hissing with power. The beast charged again, but Pyris moved faster than he ever had before.


    His superspeed carried him directly to the beast''s chest, and with a furious cry, he brought his sword down, the golden lightning striking with the force of a god.


    The sky above them split open, a blinding sh of golden light illuminating the entire Grove. The ground shook violently as the lightning mmed into the beast, piercing through its armored hide and sending waves of energy coursing through its body.


    The corrupted dragon let out a deafening roar as the lightning tore through it, its body convulsing under the sheer power of the attack.


    Alera watched in awe, her heart racing as the skies above them burned with golden fire. The beast screeched in agony, its massive form copsing as the golden lightning consumed it. In one final, desperate act, the creatureshed out with its tail, but Pyris was already gone, blinking away with his space element.


    The beast shuddered once, then copsed to the ground, its body crumbling into ash and dust.


    Pyris stood panting, his body trembling from the strain. The golden lightning flickered around him for a moment longer before fading, leaving the air thick with the smell of ozone and charred earth.


    But as the beast fell, Alera felt something stir within her. Her shadows reacted, eager to im the fallen creature. She hesitated for only a moment, then closed her eyes and reached out with her necromancer''s power. The shadows answered her call, and the shadows enveloped the beast''s remains, pulling them into her control.


    Alera gasped as she felt the connection solidify. The corrupted wyvern  became hers, its power now bound to her will. It wasn''t truly alive¡ªnone of her shadow warriors were¡ªbut it was hers tomand.


    As the wyvern''s form dissolved into the shadows, it disappeared into the darkness beneath her feet, joining the other beasts in the Void''s endless depths. Alera''s heart raced. She had just added a corrupted dragon to her army.


    Pyris watched, his eyes wide with amazement witnessing the powers of a necromancer firstly hand!


    Alera nodded, though her voice trembled. "It''s part of the Void. It''s connected to me now¡­ just like the others."


    Before Pyris could respond, a deep, resonating hum filled the air. It was unlike anything they had heard before¡ªan ancient, powerful force that rippled through the very fabric of reality.


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    Pyris''s golden lightning had done more than just destroy the beast¡ªit had called something.


    Far beyond the Grove, in the higher realms where gods and immortals watched over the mortal ne, eyes turned toward the source of the golden lightning. Beings of immense power stirred, their attention drawn to the sudden disy of divine energy.


    In the Mortal Realm, whispers began to spread among the great powers. They had felt it too¡ªthe crackle of golden lightning splitting the skies, a force not seen in eons.


    Pyris had unleashed something ancient and profound, and now, the world knew.


    "Alera," Pyris said, his voice low, as he looked up at the darkened sky, still flickering with residual golden light. "We''re not alone anymore."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Alera''s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "What¡­ what did we just do?"


    Pyris sheathed his sword, his face set in grim determination.

 Chapter 79 Emberlys Visit!

    Far above the mortal realm, in the distant celestial nes where gods and immortals watched over the cosmos, the ripple of golden lightning reverberated like a thunderp. It had been centuries since such power had been seen¡ªsince the heavens had been shaken by an energy so profound, so divine.


    The gods stirred, their attention drawn to the mortal ne where the lightning had struck. Whispers echoed through the ether, voices filled with both curiosity and concern.


    "Who dares wield such power?"


    "It must be a chosen one¡ªa force of destiny."


    "Find the source! The golden lightning belongs to the realm of gods, not mortals."


    Yet for all their power and omniscience, the gods could not pinpoint the exact location of the one who had unleashed the storm. The golden light had red across the heavens, but the moment it faded, so did its trace. There was no sign of Pyris Obsidian or the Grove where the power had been unleashed.


    Something¡ªsomeone¡ªhad concealed him from their sight.


    ____


    In the mortal realm, Song, the phantom guard of Pyris, moved with the speed and silence of a shadow. The moment the golden lightning had split the skies, he had felt the disturbance¡ªa dangerous ripple that called forth the attention of powers far beyond the mortal ne.


    Without a moment to waste, Song activated his own abilities, disappearing from the Grove entrance as though he had never been there. Moving through the darkness with precision and haste, he snatched Pyris and Alera from the battlefield, their unconscious forms vanishing into the shadows as the gods scoured thend for any sign of the wielder of golden lightning.


    With skill born of years of service, Song navigated throughyers of magical concealment and illusion, evading the gaze of even the most powerful divine entities. He slipped between the chaotic void pockets of his own creation, finally arriving at the estate of House Obsidian without a trace left behind.


    ____


    The days following the battle in ckscale Grove passed in eerie silence. Pyrisy unconscious in his quarters at the Obsidian Estate, his body recovering from the massive toll the golden lightning had taken. Alera, though exhausted, had been spared the worst of it, her own shadows providing her with a protective barrier.


    During this time, the mortal realm was abuzz with rumors. Word of the gods'' brief descent spread like wildfire, but no one could exin why they hade or why they had vanished so suddenly. Some imed they had descended to punish a great evil; others whispered of an unknown power that had forced the gods to retreat.


    Yet no one could provide answers. The user of golden lightning remained a mystery, his identity hidden even from the divine.


    No one had seen the gods or felt their movements only their aura although it was concealed, it was too divine to be missed!


    Pyris, however, knew none of this. His mind was lost in a deep, dreamless slumber, his body resting and regenerating from the energy he had unleashed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It wasn''t until the seventh day that Pyris''s eyes finally opened.


    He blinked slowly, adjusting to the soft glow of the room around him. For a moment, he was disoriented, the events of ckscale Grove hazy in his memory. But then it came flooding back¡ªthe beasts, the fight, the golden lightning.


    With a groan, Pyris sat up, his body stiff and sore from the exertion. The room was quiet, save for the faint sound of footsteps approaching the door. A momentter, Alera stepped inside, her expression one of relief.


    "You''re awake," she said, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "I thought you might never wake up."


    Pyris gave a faint smile, his throat dry. "How long?"


    "A week," Alera replied, walking over to his bedside. "Song brought us back here. You¡­ you were out cold. I wasn''t sure if you''d ever recover."


    Pyris exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "I pushed too far," he admitted. "The golden lightning¡­ it nearly tore me apart."


    Alera nodded, understanding. "You saved us. But I don''t think it''s just us who noticed. The gods¡­ they came down. Or at least, that''s what people are saying. They were searching for the source of the lightning."


    Pyris''s eyes darkened at her words. "And they couldn''t find us?"


    Alera shook her head. "No. Song acted quickly. He must have hidden us somehow. No one knows it was you." Explore more adventures at empire


    Pyris leaned back against the pillows, processing the information. The gods had descended, searching for him, but they hadn''t found him. Song''s swift action had shielded them from their gaze, but the mystery still lingered. How long until someone else pieced it together?


    For now, though, Pyris knew he needed to focus on his recovery¡ªand his cultivation.


    ____


    Over the next few days, Pyris and Alera devoted themselves to cultivation. The mana cores they had gathered from the corrupted beasts in ckscale Grove were invaluable. Alera, eager to grow stronger, used the mana cores to refine her control over her shadowy magic, allowing her to rise to Rank 4.


    Her connection to the Void and Shadows deepened, and with it came a new level of mastery over her necromantic abilities. Her army of shadow beasts grew stronger, and each night, she practiced summoning them from the shadows, their forms flickering with dark power.


    Pyris, meanwhile, focused on cultivating the essence he had absorbed from the beasts, alongside the elementless mana cores he had stored. His rise in power was significant¡ªhe had pushed himself beyond his previous limits, reaching Rank 9. The essence of the fallen beasts flowed through him, strengthening his connection to his elemental powers.


    The two of them trained relentlessly, pushing their limits in bothbat and magic. With each passing day, Pyris felt his control over the golden lightning stabilizing, though he knew it was still a power that could overwhelm him if used recklessly.


    Alera, too, was transforming. Her confidence grew as she mastered her necromantic abilities, her army of shadow beasts now a formidable force. She had gained a fearsome reputation within herself, knowing that if the time came, she could call forth her corrupted shadow warriors to fight at her side.


    But even as they trained, the whispers of the gods'' descent still hung in the air. Though no one knew why the gods had disappeared so suddenly, it was clear that their attention had been drawn by something¡ªand it wouldn''t be long before they began searching again.


    ____


    The day Pyris finished his cultivation, the skies over the Obsidian Estate were clear, the tension of the past week seeming to dissipate. Pyris stood in the courtyard, his body humming with energy as he stretched his limbs, the essence of the beasts still thrumming through him.


    But his peace was interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. Pyris turned, and there, walking gracefully toward him, was Emberly Obsidian¡ªhis mother, the Mistress of House Obsidian.


    Emberly''s presence wasmanding, her white hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of midnight silk. She wore a regal gown of ck and silver, her eyes gleaming with intelligence and power. There was a softness to her gaze as she looked at Pyris, but there was also the weight of expectation.


    "Pyris," Emberly said, her voice smooth as silk. "I heard you''ve been resting."


    Pyris inclined his head, his expression cautious. His rtionship with his mother wasplex,yered with both respect and distance. "I''ve been recovering," he said carefully.


    Emberly''s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes were sharp. "Recovering from what, exactly? I''ve heard rumors, whispers of something¡­ unusual happening in the Grove."


    Pyris held her gaze, his expression unreadable. "There was an incident. But it''s been handled."


    Emberly''s smile widened, but it didn''t reach her eyes. "Handled? I''ve heard talk of gods descending, of lightning splitting the skies. And yet, no one seems to know what caused it." She paused, her gaze piercing. "Except perhaps you." She was teasing him of course.


    Pyris met her gaze without flinching. He knew his mother was no fool¡ªshe had likely pieced together more than she was letting on.


    "What''s important," Pyris said calmly, "is that no one knows it was me. And it will stay that way."


    Emberly studied him for a moment longer, then nodded, satisfied for now. "You''ve grown stronger, Pyris. But strength brings attention. You''ll need to be cautious."


    Pyris nodded, understanding the weight of her words. The gods may have been thrown off for now, but there were always other dangers lurking in the shadows.


    "I will be," Pyris said, his voice steady. "But I''m not afraid."


    Emberly''s eyes softened slightly. "Good," she said, her voice almost gentle. "Because the storm is far from over."


    With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Pyris alone in the courtyard, the weight of her words lingering in the air.


    The storm wasing. But Pyris was ready.

 Chapter 80 The Hidden Legacy Of House Obsidian

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    The night was calm as Pyris stood alone in Emberly''s study, the weight of their conversation still hanging in the air. He had just learned of Ss'' release, and though the mention of the vampire stirred old memories, Pyris was no longer the boy who lived in fear.


    He had grown far beyond his past, stronger and more determined than ever. But before he could fully process the news, his mother suddenly moved swiftly back towards him.


    "Pyris," Emberly said, her voice suddenly sharp with a sense of urgency as if she just remembered something so important, something that couldn''t wait. "There''s something else you need to see."


    Before Pyris could respond, Emberly waved her hand, and in an instant, the world around them shifted. The warm glow of her study vanished, reced by the cool, grand halls of the main family mansion¡ªthe ancestral home of House Obsidian. Pyris blinked as the familiar stone walls and arched ceilings came into focus.


    It had been years since he had set foot here, but the ce still felt alive with the magic of generations past.


    "Mother?" Pyris asked, slightly disoriented. "Why are we here?"


    Emberly smiled, a glint of pride in her eyes. "There are things about our family you need to understand¡ªthings you''ve never seen before."


    Pyris''s heart raced as memories from his childhood surfaced. He remembered this mansion well. It was here, in one of its many chambers, that he had first felt the surge of power deep within him, the spark of the magic that would shape his future. But the ce had always felt dark, shadowed by the weight of House Obsidian''s history.


    Tonight, though, it was different. The mansion seemed brighter, its halls illuminated with an ancient energy that made the very air hum with power.


    Emberly led him through the grand corridors, her pace steady and confident. They passed towering shelves filled with magical artifacts¡ªancient relics that had been collected over centuries. Old paintings lined the walls, each one depicting a different figure from the Obsidian bloodline.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As they walked, Emberly gestured to the paintings. "These are the founders of our house," she said, her voice taking on a reverent tone. "Dragons who took build something that wouldst through the ages. Our bloodline carries their strength, their will, and their magic."


    Pyris''s eyes wandered across the portraits. Each figure was imposing, their draconic heritage evident in their piercing eyes andmanding presence. But it was the painting at the end of the hall that caught his attention.


    A woman sat upon a grand throne, her long, obsidian-ck hair cascading down her back like a river of shadows. Her face was wless, her beauty striking in a way that felt otherworldly. She exuded both grace and danger, a presence that seemed to reach out from the painting itself.


    Pyris couldn''t take his eyes off her, he held his breathe for a moment.


    [Her beauty could perhaps bepared to the Goddess''s!] Pyris nodded mentally, in agreement with Lia.


    "That''s Lucy Obsidian," Emberly exined. "The greatest of our ancestors. She was both feared and admired, her power rivaling even the gods themselves. Her beauty¡­ well, no one could surpass her."


    Pyris''s mind briefly shed to the goddess he had encountered¡ªthe one whose power had been beyondprehension. But Lucy''s presence, even in this painting, felt palpable, almost alive. Her eyes seemed to follow him, as though they held secrets yet to be revealed.


    "She built much of what we stand on today," Emberly continued, her voice softer now. "And though her reign was long ago, her legacy still shapes the future of our house."


    Pyris nodded, taking in the weight of his mother''s words. He felt a deeper connection to his bloodline now, understanding that he wasn''t just inheriting power¡ªhe was inheriting a legacy built on the strength and will of dragons.


    As they continued down the hall, Emberly finally stopped before arge ss case. Inside, on a raised pedestal, sat what appeared to be an ordinary ss vial. It was small, about the size of a ss of water, but sealed tightly with intricate runes etched along its surface. Inside the vial, floating in suspended animation, was a thumb-sized golden dragon scale.


    "This," Emberly said, her voice dropping to a whisper, "is the most powerful relic in our family''s possession. It has been here for generations, and no one truly knows what it is. But its power..."


    Pyris felt his breath catch in his throat as he looked closer at the scale. Even through the thick ss, he could feel the raw, pulsating energy radiating from it. The scale seemed to glow faintly, an ethereal light shimmering across its surface.


    "It''s been sealed for centuries," Emberly continued, "because no one in our family has been able to harness its power. The scale belongs to an ancient dragon¡ªone whose name has been lost to time. The magic it holds¡­ if unleashed, it could obliterate this entire mansion."


    Pyris stepped closer, his eyes locked on the scale. The power inside called to him, beckoning him forward. He had felt powerful before, but this was different. This was a force beyond anything he had ever encountered.


    Just as he reached out to touch the ss, a sudden ringing echoed in his mind.


    [Ding! The treasure of Beyond has been discovered!]


    [Mission generated: Make a contract with the treasure!]


    [Rewards: One Million LPs, Lust Dragon ability unlock!]


    Pyris froze as the system''s voice rang out in his head. He had grown used to the notifications by now, but this was different. The system was recognizing the scale as something more¡ªsomething that could change everything.


    "Pyris, wait," Emberly warned, sensing the shift in the air. "The scale''s power¡ª"


    But Pyris had already touched the ss.


    The moment his fingertips grazed the surface, the golden scale reacted violently. The protective runes that had sealed the vial for centuries shattered, and the ss broke apart with a sound like cracking thunder. The golden dragon scale shot forward with blinding speed, piercing straight through Pyris''s chest before he had time to react.


    A searing pain exploded through Pyris''s body as the scale embedded itself deep within him. He gasped, his knees buckling as waves of energy surged through him. His vision blurred, and he felt his consciousness slipping away.


    "Pyris!" Emberly''s voice called out, distant and frantic, but Pyris couldn''t respond. His body convulsed as the scale''s power merged with his own, the golden energy wrapping around him like a cocoon.


    Thest thing he saw before the darkness imed him was the look of shock and terror on his mother''s face.


    ____


    When Pyris opened his eyes again, he was no longer in the mansion. He was floating in a vast, endless void, the darkness stretching out in every direction. Yet, in the distance, he could see a faint golden light, flickering like a distant star.


    He drifted toward it, his body weightless, until the light grew brighter and brighter. Finally, he found himself standing before a colossal golden dragon, its scales shimmering with a radiant, divine light. The dragon''s eyes were ancient, filled with knowledge and power that transcended time.


    "You¡­" the dragon''s voice boomed, echoing through the void. "You are the one who has awakened my legacy."


    Pyris''s heart pounded in his chest. "Who¡­ who are you?"


    The dragon''s gaze fixed on him, and for a moment, Pyris felt as though the creature was looking directly into his soul. "I am thest of my kind. The one who founded your bloodline. And now, you will carry my power."


    Before Pyris could respond, the dragon''s form dissolved into light, and the golden energy surged toward him, enveloping him in a blinding sh. The power flowed into his body, filling every fiber of his being with strength beyond anything he had ever imagined.


    ___


    Back in the mansion, Emberly knelt beside her son''s unconscious form, her heart racing as she watched the golden energy flicker around him.


    "Pyris," she whispered, her voice trembling. "What have you done?"


    As the light faded, Pyrisy still, the golden dragon scale now fully absorbed into his body. He was unconscious, but alive¡ªhis chest rising and falling steadily as the power within him began to settle.


    Emberly stood slowly, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear. She had always known that her son was destined for greatness, but this¡­ this was something far beyond what she had ever anticipated.


    "The golden scale¡­" she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "It''s chosen him."

 Chapter 81 Powers of Astraya, the Golden Dragon!

    Pyris floated in the endless void, the darkness stretching infinitely in every direction. Yet, before him, the colossal form of a golden dragon shimmered like a beacon of ancient power, its presence overwhelming and divine. The light radiating from the dragon''s scales was almost blinding, yet Pyris couldn''t tear his gaze away.


    He could feel its energy pulsing through the void, a force so potent that it seemed to vibrate within his very bones.


    But something about the dragon was different from what he had imagined. Its massive form was feminine, its eyes sharp yet wise, holding an ageless grace. Its wings were vast, each feathered scale glistening like molten gold in the dark expanse.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Its body, though powerful and muscr, had an elegant, almost regal form, as if it had once ruled over realms Pyris could only dream of. Experience exclusive tales on empire


    "You have awakened me," the dragon''s voice boomed, soft yet filled with power. Her voice wasn''t cold¡ªit was filled with wisdom, the voice of a mother who had seen countless lifetimes pass. "I am Astraya, thest of the Golden Dragons, and I have waited for someone worthy to carry my legacy."


    Pyris felt his heart pounding in his chest as her words washed over him. He had always known there was something more to his family''s legacy, but this¡­ this was beyond anything he could have imagined.


    "Why me?" Pyris asked, his voice trembling slightly as he floated in the void, dwarfed by her immense presence. "Why now?"


    Astraya''s eyes softened, glowing with a strange fondness as she regarded him. "You are already a unique dragon, Pyris Obsidian. Your bloodline carries the power of the Lust Dragons¡ªa line with its own deep, primal strength. But you¡­ you are more than that. I sensed your presence the day you first felt your magic, I knew you were the one!"


    She paused, her gaze piercing as she leaned in closer. "I am thest of my kind, Pyris. My power hasin dormant for millennia, waiting for a soul who could bear it. The Golden Dragons were once rulers among dragons, not just for our strength, but for our dominion over forces that even gods feared."


    Pyris''s breath hitched as he listened, his mind racing. "What¡­ what kind of powers?"


    Astraya''s form shimmered as she raised her colossal head, her voice nowced with both pride and sorrow. "The power I leave with you is unlike anything you have wielded before. It is not merely strength, but control over the very essence of life and creation. My powers are tied to the fabric of reality itself, a force that bends not only to destruction but to rebirth and transformation."


    She extended one of her massive, wed hands, and as she did, golden energy pulsed from her body, creating intricate, glowing patterns in the void.


    _____


    "This is my first gift to you, Pyris," Astraya exined, her voice low but filled with gravity. "The power to create, not just destroy. You will be able to manipte the essence of life itself, shaping it to your will. Whether it is to create weapons, armor, or living creatures, your control over matter will surpass even the boundaries of mortality."


    Pyris felt a surge of energy ripple through him as she spoke, the sheer potential of this power leaving him breathless.


    He could feel it¡ªthe ability to shape the world around him, to bring life where there was none, or to rebuild what had been lost. That was not to say Pyris could actually create an exact living being like himself or others but constructs mirroring living beings to almost perfection.


    Golden mes of Rebirth:


    "The fire of the Golden Dragons was not like other dragons'' mes," Astraya continued, her golden eyes gleaming with pride. "Ours is the fire of creation and rebirth. Your mes will no longer simply burn¡ªthey will heal, restore, and transform. Those touched by your fire will find their wounds mended, their souls rejuvenated.


    But in battle, that same fire will burn hotter than any in existence, consuming both body and spirit."


    Pyris''s mind raced at the implications. He could wield fire that could heal his allies or burn his enemies to ash. It was a double-edged sword, a power that would make him both feared and revered.


    Astraya''s gaze flickered with a knowing gleam. "You have already felt the beginnings of this power," she said, her voice soft. "The golden lightning you summoned in the Grove is a manifestation of my essence. But you have only scratched the surface. My lightning is not bound by mortalws¡ªit is divine, capable of tearing through dimensions, of striking with the force of a god''s wrath.


    No being, no force, can stand against it once unleashed. It can travel through the very threads of reality itself."


    Pyris could barelyprehend the power he had already felt within him. The lightning had nearly destroyed him, but now it was clear that it was a gift from Astraya, a power that transcended the mortal realm.


    "As a Golden Dragon, I was not merely a creature of power¡ªI was a ruler," Astraya said, her voice now echoing with authority. "My presence alone couldmand the wills of others, bending them to my cause. You, too, will inherit this power. Your very presence will exude an aura thatpels loyalty, fear, or awe, depending on your will.


    Lesser beings will struggle to defy you, and even powerful enemies will feel the weight of your dominance."


    Pyris''s mind reeled. He could alreadymand the respect of those around him, but this¡­ this would make him a ruler not just of men, but of beasts, dragons, and perhaps even gods.


    "Finally," Astraya whispered, her voice tinged with sorrow, "the power to transcend death itself. You will not be bound by the mortality of flesh. When the timees, you will be able to shed your mortal form and ascend to something greater."


    Pyris swallowed hard. The idea of transcending death, of bing something beyond mortal, was tempting¡­ but it was also terrifying.


    ____


    As Astraya finished speaking, the golden light around her began to fade, her massive form bing translucent, as though she was dissolving into the void.


    "My time has passed," she said softly, her voice filled with both pride and sadness. "But my legacy lives within you now, Pyris. You will carry the power of the Golden Dragons, and through you, our kind will rise again."


    Pyris reached out, his heart pounding. "Wait! There''s so much more I need to know¡ª"


    But before he could finish, Astraya''s form dissolved into a burst of golden light, the remnants of her essence flowing into him. Pyris felt the surge of power once more, his body overwhelmed by the strength of the ancient dragon as it fused with his own.


    He could feel the fire, the lightning, the sheer force of creation coursing through his veins, transforming him from within.


    ____


    Outside, in the Real World


    As Pyris''s bodyy unconscious on the cold floor of the ancestral mansion, the transformation began. His skin shimmered, and beneath the surface, a newyer of dragon scales emerged, a mixture of deep, lustrous ck, pink and brilliant gold. The contrast between the Lust Dragon''s seductive, shadowy allure and Astraya''s regal, divine radiance was stunning.


    The scales rippled across his chest, shoulders, and arms, the golden sheen shimmering with power, while the darker, lust-filled essence of the Lust Dragon coiled beneath, as if the two forces were now intertwined.


    His muscles tensed and rxed as the power flowed through him, his body shifting as it adapted to the changes. The mansion''s magic crackled, sensing the power that had now been awakened within Pyris. The unbreakable ss that had once held the golden scale nowy shattered on the floor, its purpose fulfilled.


    Emberly watched in awe, her breath catching as she saw the transformation. Her son had be something more than even she had anticipated¡ªhe was now the bearer of a power that hadn''t been seen in millennia. And though she didn''t fully understand what had happened, she knew that House Obsidian''s future had just changed forever.


    As Pyrisy still, his new scales gleaming under the dim light, the air around him hummed with the energy of the golden dragon.

 Chapter 82 The Dragons Awakening

    Emberly watched as Pyrisy unconscious, his body still radiating a strange, irresistible aura. She had always been proud of him, but now, there was something more¡ªsomething that both frightened and stirred her. His transformation had unleashed his Lust Dragon aura to its fullest, and she could feel its intoxicating pull, washing over her like waves.


    She clenched her fists, fighting to remain in control, her will iron-d. She was a powerful woman, strong-willed and disciplined, but even she had to admit that resisting Pyris''s new presence required everything she had.


    With a deep breath, she forced herself to look away, refocusing her mind on what was important. "We need to leave," she whispered to herself. Gathering her strength, she summoned her teleportation magic and whisked both of them away, back to the estate, far from the overwhelming power that had once inhabited the main mansion.


    ____


    Pyris woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through his bedroom window, his body still buzzing with the aftershocks of his transformation. He sat up slowly, stretching his limbs, surprised to find that the dragon scales that had appeared during his unconscious state had vanished, leaving his skin smooth and unmarked.


    But as he looked at his hands, he felt something¡ªa deep connection, a power thrumming beneath the surface. It was as though a hidden well of energy had opened up inside him.


    He could feel it there, waiting to be called upon. Pyris closed his eyes and focused, reaching out to that connection.


    Suddenly, in his grasp, a weapon began to take shape. A sword materialized in his hand, its form shimmering with divine energy. The de was sleek, forged from pure golden light, and the hilt was intricately designed with dragon-like patterns, coiling around the handle in a graceful dance.


    The weapon exuded an aura of both power and wisdom, its divine nature unmistakable.


    Pyris marveled at the sword as he held it up, watching the golden energy dance along its edges. The de hummed, almost like it was alive, a sentient part of him. He could feel the connection to Astraya¡ªthe Golden Dragon Empress¡ªcoursing through it, her ancient power now infused within him.


    "This¡­," he whispered, "is beyond anything I''ve ever felt."


    The sword seemed to respond to his thoughts, flickering with divine power as if it had its own will, waiting to be wielded. The moment he held it, Pyris could feel not only the strength within, but also the potential for creation¡ªjust as Astraya had promised.


    This was more than just a weapon. It was a tool of transformation, capable of bending reality to his will.


    ____


    [Ding! Host has acquired a legacy of a golden dragon...????]


    [Host has contracted with a treasure of Beyond.]


    [New ability unlocked: Lust Copy. An ability that lets you copy an ability of the women you sleep with. The ability is random, not by your choosing!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    +1M LPs!]


    The system''s voice rang out, but Pyris paid it only a brief nce. His demeanor hadpletely changed. The weight of the power he now carried was far more significant than the system''s notifications.


    The abilities he had gained from the Golden Dragon Empressy alive within him, and though he could feel their potential, there was something deeper¡ªsomething he had yet to fully explore.


    He also realized another critical change: He could now control the golden lightning without causing the catastrophic phenomena like before. It no longer needed to rip through the sky to answer his call. It would be easier to wield inbat, allowing him to use it more precisely and efficiently.


    As tired and spent as he was, Pyris decided to take a bath. The warm water soothed his aching muscles, giving him a moment of rity as he reflected on the journey ahead. There was still so much to learn, so much to master.


    ____


    After his bath, Pyris dressed and headed to breakfast. His family had long awaited his arrival at the dining room, and the sight of them together brought him a rare moment of joy. Even his older sister, Anastasia¡ªthe Life Dragon¡ªwas there, her presence as regal and calming as ever.


    Pyris couldn''t have been more pleased. Looking at them, he saw more than just his family¡ªhe could see the very fabric of their creation, thanks to the powers of creation gifted to him by Astraya. It was a humbling realization, though he knew that he could not create life itself.


    But creating items, weapons, and constructs? That was well within his grasp, and his proficiency in doing so had already improved beyond measure. It was a new skill he would refine with time, but for now, he focused on being present with his family.


    They ate together, exchanging stories andughter. Pyris shared some of the powers he had gained, and his family listened, captivated and proud of his rapid growth. There was a bond forming between them that hadn''t been there before¡ªa deeper understanding of who Pyris had be and the role he would y in their legacy.


    ___


    With breakfast finished, Pyris readied himself for the academy. Today was the first time he would return since his transformation, and he could already feel the eyes of those around him waiting to see who he had be.


    He stepped into a muchrger car than before, one thatfortably seated four people¡ªAlera, his sister Aurelia, and Alexa, whom they picked up at her hotel. Each of them dressed impably, their attire reflecting their personalities and power:


    Pyris wore a sleek, dark trench coat with golden ents, his outfit understated butmanding. His new aura,bined with his natural charm, made him almost impossible to ignore.


    His taller, more muscr frame added to his imposing presence, and the subtle shimmer of power beneath his skin made him look more than mortal.


    Alera donned a flowing ck and silver gown, her attire woven with intricate designs reminiscent of shadows and stars. The influence of her necromancer abilities was clear, her dark elegance both mysterious and intimidating. She moved with confidence, her posture reflecting her newfound strength. Explore more adventures at empire


    Aurelia chose something lighter and vibrant¡ªa white and green dress adorned with nature-inspired patterns, fitting for her Death Dragon body and beauty. Her attire radiated warmth and vitality, her connection to life magic evident in the way the fabric almost seemed to pulse with life itself.


    Alexa kept it bold yet minimalistic, wearing a fitted dark jumpsuit with a high cor and silver lining. Her sharp eyes and confident stance matched her powerful aura as a warrior, ready for anything the day might bring.


    When they arrived at the academy, their presence immediately drew attention. The students and staff alike turned to stare, awestruck by Pyris''s transformation. His aura hadpletely changed, making him more handsome, taller, and exuding an air of raw power that drew people in, almost against their will.


    As they walked through the academy grounds, whispers followed them, but Pyris paid them little mind. His focus was clear¡ªthis was the beginning of a new chapter, and he was ready for whatever challengesy ahead.

 Chapter 83 Rise of the Golden Dragon

    The academy''s halls loomedrge, and Pyris felt a strange, buzzing energy in the air as he walked alongside Alera, Aurelia, and Alexa. It had only been a few hours since they''d arrived, but the sense of anticipation lingered heavily.


    He could feel the weight of his transformation pressing down on him, still uncertain how much of the golden dragon''s power would break through at any given moment.


    Discover hidden content at empire


    His thoughts swirled as they made their way across the courtyard. It was an ordinary day, but Pyris knew deep down that everything had changed. Even his family, though discreet, couldn''t hide their surprise at the power he now held. The academy, with its curious students and watchful instructors, wasn''t the ce to reveal such a thing.


    They split up after a short conversation. Alera and Alexa went to their sses, and Aurelia disappeared to tend to her duties. Pyris was left to wander alone for the time being.


    ____


    Pyris had no intention of rushing to his next lecture. Instead, he strolled through the academy''s quieter corridors, thinking back on the golden dragon Astraya''s voice echoing in his mind. Her power surged within him, calling to be unleashed. His Lust Dragon abilities, already potent, now intertwined with a regal,manding presence.


    As he turned a corner, lost in thought, Pyris nearly collided with someone¡ªsomeone he didn''t recognize.


    A woman stood before him, dressed in an elegantly fitted robe of deep violet. She had long, flowing dark hair, and her piercing eyes met his with an intensity that made Pyris pause. Her appearance was striking¡ªbeautiful in a way that caught him off guard. But more than that, there was an aura about her, one of authority and mystery.


    "Pardon me," she said, her voice smooth yetced with a strange energy. She nced at him curiously, her eyes lingering a moment longer than usual. "I don''t believe we''ve met. I''m Professor Arabe Kallista."


    Pyris blinked, feeling a sudden pull toward her. It was subtle at first, like a maic force drawing him in. His Lust Dragon abilities stirred within him, reacting to her presence. He could feel her power¡ªstrong, ancient, and seductive.


    There was something different about this woman.


    "Pyris Obsidian," he replied, his voice steady though his heart raced slightly. "I don''t believe I''ve had you for any of my sses."


    "You wouldn''t have," she said, a soft smile touching her lips. "I specialize in more¡­ advanced studies. Mystical theory, dimensional maniption, and the like. But I do keep track of promising students."


    Pyris felt her gaze wash over him like a caress, and he realized she wasn''t just sizing him up as a student. She was curious¡ªcurious about the power she sensed within him, even if she couldn''t quite ce it yet. His Lust Dragon abilities, always subtle andmanding, began to react more strongly.


    He felt the familiar pull, the aura of seduction that he could never fully turn off.


    Arabe''s eyes flickered slightly, as if she sensed the shift between them. She tilted her head, studying him in a way that made Pyris''s pulse quicken. It wasn''t overt, but the tension between them was unmistakable, the air around them thick with something unspoken.


    "Obsidian¡­ yes, I''ve heard about your family," Lyra said slowly, stepping closer, her voice softer now, more intimate. "You carry a unique magic, don''t you?"


    Pyris swallowed, sensing the way her energy intertwined with his own. His Lust Dragon instincts surged, testing her, feeling for weaknesses, and though he sensed her curiosity, there was no immediate submission. She was powerful, confident, and in control.


    "Something like that," he replied, meeting her gaze directly.


    Arabe''s smile deepened. "I thought so. There''s something¡­ different about you. More than just the usual bloodline talent." She let the words hang in the air, a subtle invitation to reveal more.


    Pyris resisted the urge to flex his powers any further, though the temptation was strong. He had never encountered a teacher like this¡ªone who could match his aura with an effortless ease. And yet, there was no mistaking the allure between them, a shared awareness of the energies at y.


    "And you, Professor Kallista," Pyris said, his tone low, testing the waters, "you seem to have more power than most professors here. I imagine your sses are... intense."


    She chuckled softly, the sound rich and full of confidence. "I like to keep my students on their toes."


    The words felt like more than a simple reply. Pyris could sense a deeper challenge in her tone. She wasn''t like the others at the academy¡ªshe wouldn''t be so easily swayed by his natural charm. If anything, she seemed intrigued by it, almost as though she was enjoying the game.


    "Perhaps I should attend one of your lectures," Pyris suggested, letting a hint of his own power slip into his words¡ªjust enough to make her pause.


    Arabe''s eyes sparkled, and for a brief moment, Pyris thought he saw her falter, just slightly. The seductive aura of his Lust Dragon powers pulsed outward, wrapping around her in a subtle dance of influence. But unlike others, she didn''t fully yield. Instead, she smiled knowingly, as if she had expected this, as if she had been testing him as much as he had been testing her.


    "Perhaps you should," she replied smoothly, her voice like velvet. "But be careful, Pyris. You may find that my lessons are more¡­ demanding than you''re used to."


    Her words were a mixture of warning and invitation, and Pyris couldn''t help but feel the challenge thaty beneath them. This wasn''t just a casual conversation. There was something more at y, a game of power and influence that neither of them was willing to lose.


    But before Pyris could respond, a sudden wave of energy pulsed through him¡ªAstraya''s power, the golden dragon''s essence, surged momentarily, and Pyris struggled to suppress it. He blinked, his breath catching as he felt the ancient magic stir within him, demanding to be acknowledged.


    Arabe''s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression shifting as she sensed the change. For a moment, Pyris wondered if she had picked up on the golden dragon''s power, but her smile returned, more enigmatic than before.


    "Interesting," she murmured, stepping back. "There''s more to you than meets the eye, Pyris. Much more."


    Before Pyris could respond, Arabe nodded to him, her gaze lingering just long enough to send a shiver down his spine. Then, with a graceful turn, she walked away, leaving him standing there, the air still thick with the tension of their encounter.


    ___


    As Pyris watched her disappear down the hallway, he took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of energy swirling within him. He hade to the academy expecting to keep his powers hidden, but this encounter had changed everything.


    Arabe Kallista. There was something about her¡ªsomething dangerous and alluring all at once. She had felt his Lust Dragon powers, he was certain of it, and yet, she hadn''t yielded. If anything, she had pushed back, intrigued by what she had sensed.


    Pyris shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He couldn''t let this distract him. There was too much at stake¡ªtoo much he didn''t yet understand about the golden dragon''s legacy, about the powers that now flowed through him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But as he continued on his way, one thing was clear: Arabe was someone he would need to keep an eye on.


    And perhaps, if the opportunity presented itself, he would find a way to test her again.


    For now, though, he had to focus. The academy was a ce of learning, but it was also filled with hidden dangers, rivalries, and secrets. And Pyris was no longer just another student. He was something far more powerful.

 Chapter 84 Jessies Pull!

    The academy day had flown by in a blur of meetings and lectures, but now Pyris found himself heading toward one of the most important parts of his day¡ªthe Obsidian Roar, the club his family had founded. As one of the most prestigious clubs at the academy, the Roar wasn''t just a ce for casual gatherings.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was a hub of influence, power, andworking, where members of Obsidian Roar discussed matters ranging from magical theory to business strategies.


    Pyris entered the clubroom alongside Alera and Alexa, who were both members as well. Alexa held a seat on the club''smittee, a fact that never failed to impress the other members. Alera, on the other hand, had always preferred a more passive role, though her presence was asmanding as ever.


    The room wasrge, draped in deep shades of red and ck, with the emblem of House Obsidian¡ªhanging proudly on the wall. Shelves lined the space, filled with books and scrolls, while elegant sofas and chairs provided seating for the elite students who had earned their ce in the club.


    At the center of the room stood Jasper, the club''s president, a tall and imposing figure who ran the Obsidian Roar with the same precision and authority as a militarymander. His sharp eyes scanned the room as he greeted each member with a nod, his presence exuding a quiet confidence.


    "Pyris," Jasper said, his voice as firm as always. "d you could make it."


    Pyris returned the nod. "Wouldn''t miss it."


    Alera and Alexa moved to their seats, Alexa exchanging a brief nce with Jasper, a silent acknowledgment of their shared responsibilities within the club''smittee. As the members settled in, the discussion began¡ªtopics ranging from new magical discoveries to thetest technological advancements in the mortal realm, where Pyris''s influence as CEO of hispany was unrivaled.


    Jasper led the conversation, but Pyris''s mind wandered. The recent surge of power within him was still fresh, and he was constantly adjusting, learning to bnce the subtle yet overwhelming energy of both the Lust Dragon and the golden dragon within him. He contributed when needed, his insights always sharp, but it was clear to anyone watching that he was distracted.


    ___


    As the meeting wrapped up, Jasper spoke again, his tone signaling the end of the day''s discussions. "That''ll be all for today. Let''s reconvene next week with more updates on the finance side and the progress on the inter-realm tech projects."


    The members began to stand, preparing to leave, and Pyris gathered his things. Alera and Alexa, always close by, waited for him at the door. Just as Pyris was about to join them, a soft voice called out behind him.


    "Pyris, wait a moment."


    He turned to see Jessie approaching. She was an elf, slender yet and graceful, with striking green hair that framed her face in soft waves. Her green eyes, bright with intelligence, always seemed to see more than what was on the surface, her body sinful as always.


    Jessie had been with the club for a while, handling the finances with meticulous care. But beyond her financial prowess, Pyris had always admired her¡ªher quiet strength, her subtle beauty, and the way she moved with a confidence that was understated but unmistakable.


    "Jessie," Pyris said, offering her a warm smile. "What''s on your mind?"


    She hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words, then nced at Alera and Alexa, who were already waiting by the door. "I was wondering if you might have a few minutes. There are some things I wanted to discuss with you regarding the club''s finances, and¡­ your expertise would be invaluable. I mean, considering your position as CEO of thergest techpany in the mortal realm."


    Pyris felt a small thrill at her words, though he kept his tone casual. "Of course. I''ve got some time before I head out."


    Jessie smiled, a genuine expression that softened her sharp features. "Great. I won''t take too long."


    Pyris nced back at Alera and Alexa. "Go on ahead without me. I''ll catch up."


    Alera arched an eyebrow, clearly amused, but said nothing as she and Alexa left the room.


    Jessie led him to an empty ssroom nearby, the walls lined with books and magical artifacts. It was quiet, the perfect ce for a private conversation. As they settled into the chairs, Jessie pulled out a few papers¡ªfinancial reports and documents that needed his input.


    "I''ve been looking over the numbers for the club," Jessie said, her voice professional as she handed him a report. "And while everything''s in order, I think there are a few areas where we could optimize¡ªespecially with the way we''re handling the fundsing in from the business side of things."


    Pyris nodded, his CEO mindset clicking into ce as he scanned the reports. Hispany had mastered both magical and technological integration in the mortal realm, so this was familiar ground for him. He leaned in slightly as they discussed various strategies¡ªstreamlining processes, reinvesting in key areas, and expanding their resources.


    But as the conversation continued, something shifted.


    It wasn''t just the business talk that kept him engaged¡ªit was Jessie herself. The way she spoke, the way her eyes lit up when they brainstormed ideas, the subtle flicker of excitement in her voice when they found solutions. Pyris couldn''t help but admire her more with every passing moment.


    There was a quiet strength in her, a passion for what she did, and a warmth that drew him in.


    And yet, it wasn''t just admiration. Something deeper began to stir.


    Jessie seemed to feel it too, though neither of them acknowledged it directly. Their conversation grew softer, more personal, and Pyris found himself leaning a little closer, his eyes lingering on her a little longer. She was beautiful in a way that was both graceful and strong, and Pyris could sense a mutual attraction building between them, though it was still unspoken.


    "So," Jessie said after a brief pause, "I know you''re probably busy with yourpany and all, but I wanted to say¡­ thank you for taking the time to help with this. It really means a lot."


    Her words were simple, but Pyris could feel the weight behind them. She wasn''t just talking about the club''s finances anymore.


    "Of course, Jessie," Pyris replied, his voice softer than before. "I''m always happy to help. And honestly, you''ve got a good head for this. I''m impressed."


    Jessie looked down for a moment, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Thanks. That¡­ means a loting from you."


    For a moment, they sat in silence, the air between them charged with something more than just professional respect. Pyris could feel his Lust Dragon instincts stirring, but this was different. He didn''t want to push¡ªdidn''t want to ruin the quiet connection that had begun to form between them.


    After what felt like an eternity, Jessie cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "Well, I guess that''s everything I needed to cover. I won''t keep you any longer."


    Pyris nodded, standing up as she gathered her papers. "If you ever need help with anything else¡­ you know where to find me."


    She smiled again, that soft, genuine smile that had drawn him in the first time they met. "I''ll keep that in mind."


    As they left the ssroom, Pyris couldn''t help but nce at her onest time. There was something there, something they hadn''t fully explored yet. But for now, it would remain unspoken.


    ____


    By the time Pyris rejoined Aurelia, Alera, and Alexa at the academy''s exit, the evening was beginning to settle in. The sky was painted with hues of gold and purple, the sun dipping low on the horizon. A sleek, expensive van waited at the curb, Song, his loyal bodyguard, standing nearby. The man was always punctual, always professional, and Pyris was grateful for his presence.


    "Ready to head out?" Alera asked, her voice casual but with a knowing nce in his direction.


    Pyris smiled, shaking his head slightly. "Yeah, let''s get going."


    They climbed into the van, the soft leather seats a weefort after the long day. As the van pulled away from the academy, Pyris''s mind wandered back to the meeting with Jessie. He couldn''t quite shake the feeling that their rtionship had shifted, that something new had begun between them¡ªsomething neither of them was ready to confront just yet.


    But there was time. Whatevery ahead, Pyris knew one thing for certain: the future was full of possibilities.


    Stay tuned with empire


    ____


    As the city lights flickered by outside the window, Pyris leaned back in his seat, the hum of the van''s engine steady beneath him. His next stop was his office¡ªwhere another world awaited him, one where he was more than just a student at the academy.


    For now, though, he let his thoughts linger on Jessie, and the subtle, slow-blooming feelings between them.


    The road ahead was long, but Pyris was ready.

 Chapter 85 Petne Chaos Re-awakens!

    The van glided smoothly through the streets of the imperial capital as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the towering buildings. Pyris sat in the back, his mind buzzing with the events of the day as he and Song, his loyal bodyguard, made their rounds.


    First, they dropped off Aurelia and Alera at the Obsidian family estate. The two girls bid Pyris a casual farewell, though Alera gave him a knowing nce, her sharp eyes always catching the small details. She could sense the tension in him, the energy coiling just beneath his calm demeanor. But for now, she said nothing.


    The next stop was Alexa''s hotel. Song pulled up in front of the luxurious building, its towering structure glinting under the fading light. Pyris stepped out of the car, walking her to the entrance.


    "Thanks for today, Pyris," Alexa said softly, her sharp warrior exterior softened in the evening light. "I know we''ve all got a lot going on, but you''ve been keeping us grounded."


    Pyris smiled, his usual calm in ce. "No problem. Rest up. We''ll need everyone at their best soon."


    She nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she turned and disappeared into the hotel. Pyris watched her go, feeling the weight of his responsibilities settle on him once again.


    _____


    With the others safely home, Pyris and Song headed to their final destination¡ªObsidian Tower.


    As the van rolled through the city, Pyris looked out the window, his thoughts shifting to the tower. Obsidian Tower dwarfed every other structure in the imperial capital. It stood as a monument to his family''s power, its ss fa?ade reflecting thest rays of the sun in a brilliant disy of dominance.


    The tower''s sleek, modern design symbolized House Obsidian''s influence in both the magical and mortal realms. It had been some time since Pyris had set foot inside the building, but tonight he could feel the pull¡ªhis empire awaited.


    Song pulled up to the private entrance of the tower, and Pyris stepped out, adjusting his coat as he approached the grand ss doors. Employees walking in and out of the building stopped to bow respectfully, their eyes filled with admiration. Pyris Obsidian wasn''t just another CEO; he was a symbol of power and control.


    Even at such a young age, hemanded respect not just for his intelligence and handsome looks, but for the way he handled the weight of the world on his shoulders with unyielding calm.


    He didn''t let his power rule him; instead, he mastered it. That was what made him different.


    Pyris nodded in acknowledgment as he passed, his gaze focused as he made his way toward the private elevator. Song followed behind, ever watchful.


    ____


    The elevator doors slid open silently, revealing a sleek interior lined with ck marble and silver ents. Pyris stepped inside, the doors closing with a quiet hiss, and the lift began its swift ascent to the top floors. As they rose higher, Pyris''s thoughts turned to the tasks ahead.


    Hispany had been running smoothly in his absence, but he knew that being away for too long wasn''t an option. The world of business was ever-changing, and in the empire, fortunes could shift in the blink of an eye.


    The doors opened to his private floor, and Pyris stepped out, greeted by the sight of Lizzie, his secretary, diligently working at her desk. Her sharp, efficient movements never faltered as she typed away, her dark hair neatly pulled back into a bun.


    She looked up as Pyris approached, her expression softening into a smile of respect.


    "Wee back, sir," Lizzie said, rising from her seat to bow. "It''s been a while."


    "Too long," Pyris replied, offering a small smile in return. "How''s everything going?"


    "Everything''s running smoothly, though there are a few reports that need your attention. I''ve sorted them by priority." Continue your saga on empire


    Just as Lizzie was speaking, Suzie, Pyris''s assistant, exited the bathroom, adjusting her clothes. She too offered a respectful bow, her face lighting up as she greeted him. "Sir, it''s good to see you again."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Good to see you too, Suzie," Pyris said with a nod. Both Lizzie and Suzie had been with him for years, and they had be more than just employees¡ªthey were trusted confidantes, a vital part of the empire he ran.


    "Let me know if you need anything," Lizzie added as she returned to her seat.


    Pyris moved into his office, arge, elegant space that overlooked the entire capital. The view from here was breathtaking¡ªthe city stretched out below him, alive with the pulse of industry and magic. But tonight, Pyris wasn''t here to admire the view. There was work to be done.


    ____


    Hours passed as Pyris immersed himself in the reports, meeting logs, and business proposals that had umted during his absence. Lizzie and Suzie brought him updates when necessary, their efficiency making the workload manageable. Pyris appreciated their professionalism, but there was something weighing on his mind.


    He could feel it, like a storm gathering on the horizon.


    His instincts were rarely wrong, and tonight was no different.


    As the clock neared midnight, the door to his office swung open, and Emili, rushed in, her face pale with concern.


    "Sir," she said breathlessly, "we have a problem."


    Pyris looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. Emilia never exaggerated, so whatever had happened was serious.


    "What is it?"


    "The Obsidian Mines stock," she said, stepping closer and cing a tablet in front of him. "It''s crashed¡ªhard. We''ve lost over 30% of its value in just a few hours."


    Pyris''s eyes scanned the data on the screen, his expression darkening. Obsidian Mines was one of the cornerstone businesses of House Obsidian, dealing in the extraction of mana cores and other magical resources vital to both the empire and the mortal realm.


    The loss of 30% in stock value was catastrophic, and it would send shockwaves through the business world. House Obsidian stood to lose billions if the situation wasn''t handled immediately.


    "How did this happen?" Pyris asked, his voice low but controlled.


    "There''s been a disruption in our supply chain," Emilia exined, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "A newpetitor entered the market, undercutting our prices on mana cores. They''ve also managed to secure several of our key suppliers. Rumors are spreading that House Obsidian can''t maintain its monopoly on the market, and investors are panicking."


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. This wasn''t just a financial hit¡ªit was an attack. Someone was making a move against House Obsidian, and they were doing it in the shadows, destabilizing his family''s most critical assets.


    Emilia continued, "The stock market is in chaos right now. Everyone is looking to see what your next move will be. If we don''t act quickly, we could lose even more by morning."


    Pyris stood, his mind already calcting the steps he needed to take. "Who''s behind this? Do we have any leads?"


    "None yet, but we''re looking into it. Whoever it is, they''ve been careful."


    Pyris nodded, his expression hardening. He had expected a challenge eventually¡ªHouse Obsidian''s power always attracted enemies¡ªbut this was bold. Whoever was behind this had orchestrated the attack perfectly, striking where his family was most vulnerable.


    "It''s time," Pyris muttered, his voice quiet but filled with determination.


    Emilia looked at him, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Time for what?"


    Pyris met her gaze, his eyes shing with a cold intensity. "Time to activate Petne Chaos."


    Emilia''s eyes widened. Petne Chaos was a name known only to a select few¡ªa shadow that operated in the dark, the hidden face of Pyris Obsidian. It was the side of him that the public never saw, the ruthless strategist who would go to any length to protect what was his.


    While Pyris was the light, the face of the empire, Petne Chaos was the shadow, the hand that controlled the strings behind the scenes.


    "Are you sure, sir?" Emilia asked, her voice uncertain. "This could escte things."


    Pyris''s expression didn''t waver. "It already has. Whoever did this didn''te to y. They''ve dered war on my family."


    Emilia nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I''ll prepare everything."


    As she left the office to set things in motion, Pyris walked to the massive windows, staring out over the city. The night had fallenpletely now, the darkness spreading across the capital like a shroud.


    But Pyris Obsidian wasn''t afraid of the dark. He thrived in it.


    The business world might have been thrown into chaos, but Petne Chaos was about to rise¡ªand when he did, those who dared to challenge House Obsidian would regret ever making a move.


    ____


    Pyris turned back to his desk, his mind already calcting the steps he would take. The battle had begun, and he would fight it on his terms¡ªstrategic, ruthless, and in control.


    The shadow of Petne Chaos was about to descend, and when it did, nothing would stand in its way.

 Chapter 86 Unveiling the Shadows

    The soft hum of Pyris''sptop filled the air as he tapped away, his sharp eyes scanning through pages of data and reports. He wasn''t simply reading¡ªhe was searching, digging deep into the hiddenyers of the corporate web that surrounded Obsidian Mines.


    It had been hours since Emilia delivered the shocking news of the stock crash, but Pyris''s mind was now moving at lightning speed, driven by a need to uncover the truth.


    His fingers danced over the keys, pulling up financial records, corporate filings, and encrypted transactions. Obsidian Mines, his family''s core business in magical resource extraction, had been under attack¡ªlosing 30% of its stock value in a single night. The blow was precise and brutal, and Pyris knew that this wasn''t the work of mere market fluctuations or corporatepetition.


    Someone was orchestrating this.


    The first name that caught his attention was Sanguine Bloodshed. The vampire in charge of Obsidian Mines was someone Pyris had always kept a close eye on. Sanguine was efficient, ambitious, and had proven to be a valuable asset to thepany''s operations¡ªat least on the surface.


    But Pyris had always suspected there was more to Sanguine than met the eye. The man was a vampire, and in the world of high-stakes business, vampires were known to y a long, dangerous game.


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest as he considered his next move. He had his suspicions, and there was only one way to confirm them. With a few swift keystrokes, Pyris activated a hidden subroutine on hisptop¡ªan advanced hacking program that gave him ess to information no one else could see.


    ____


    The digital world opened before him like a web of secrets, each strand leading to another hidden truth. Pyris zeroed in on Sanguine''s financial dealings, his eyes narrowing as he uncovered a series of encrypted transactions.


    There, beneathyers of false identities and shellpanies, he found what he was looking for¡ªSanguine was involved in a ndestine deal with none other than Sly Mines, the verypany that had been undercutting Obsidian Mines in the market.


    Digging deeper, Pyris''s heart rate increased as the pieces started to fall into ce. Sanguine had been funneling profits from Obsidian Mines to help fund Sly Mines, quietly shifting resources and undermining House Obsidian''s stability from within.


    The vampire had betrayed them, but that wasn''t all. Sanguine was part of something muchrger, much more sinister.


    Hidden in theyers of Sly Mines'' ownership structure were two names that made Pyris''s blood run cold: Dragomir Skalethorn and Countess Valeria Sangrave.


    Dragomir Skalethorn was a high-ranking official in the Dragon Empire, a ruthless businessman known for his cold efficiency and unswerving loyalty to the Dragon Emperor. His name didn''t appear directly on any official documents, but Pyris found his fingerprints all over the backdoor deals and under-the-table transactions that funneled money into Sly Mines.


    Dragomir had been working in the shadows, buying up shares under the names of close confidantes, effectively positioning the Dragon Imperial family to benefit from Obsidian Mines'' downfall.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But that wasn''t the worst of it.


    Valeria Sangrave, a vampiress with centuries of influence in the Vampire Empire, had also been quietly buying shares in Sly Mines. She was a confidante of Count Drac II, the current ruler of the Vampire Empire and Ss''s brother. Pyris uncovered encryptedmunications between her and Sanguine, revealing their involvement in a n to copse Obsidian Mines from within.


    Valeria was cunning, known for her mastery of maniption, and had likely orchestrated this attack with a long-term goal in mind¡ªsevering ties between the Vampire Empire and House Obsidian entirely.


    Pyris''s breath quickened as he scrolled through the damning evidence. Sly Mines was a front¡ªa weapon used by both the Dragon and Vampire Empires to destabilize his family''s core business. The Dragon Emperor himself was involved, using Ss as a pawn to weaken the Obsidian family''s grip on the market.


    And then, Pyris found it¡ªthe final piece of the puzzle that brought his fury to a boil.


    The Dragon Emperor had been secretly backing Ss Count Drac, recently freed from his imprisonment, to strike at Obsidian Mines.


    Ss had wasted no time in retaliating against House Obsidian, and with the Emperor''s support, he had struck at the family''s most vital assetThe Dragon Imperial family wanted to ensure that Dragon Mines¡ªthergest miningpany in Argos¡ªremained unrivaled, and Obsidian Mines was the only threat to their dominance.


    Pyris''s mind raced, connecting the dots faster than his emotions could keep up. The Emperor wasn''t just protecting his interests¡ªhe was actively aiding Ss, helping to orchestrate the financial assault that had crippled Obsidian Mines.


    "You dare, Emperor!!" Pyris''s voice boomed, a rare outburst that startled Lizzie and Suzie just outside his office. Even Song, stationed nearby, turned his head in surprise at the force of Pyris''s anger.


    The betrayal cut deep. The Dragon Emperor¡ªone of the most powerful figures in the world¡ªhad chosen to strike against House Obsidian, not through honorablepetition, but through underhanded, sinister means. And he wasn''t alone. The Vampire royal family, through Count Drac II, had been working closely with the Emperor to bring Obsidian Mines down.


    The two most powerful families in Argos were united in their goal to destroy the onepany that could challenge their dominance.


    Sly Mines was a joint venture, with 80% of its shares quietly controlled by the Dragon and Vampire Empires, each hiding behind proxies¡ªnames that would never appear on any official documents. Dragomir and Valeria were merely the faces of this conspiracy, pulling the strings from the shadows.


    And then there was Sanguine. The vampire CEO of Obsidian Mines had betrayed Pyris''s family, working with Ss and these imperial forces to destabilize thepany from the inside. Pyris''s fingers clenched into fists as he processed the depth of the treachery.


    Sanguine had sold out House Obsidian, helping the vampires and dragons buy shares in Obsidian Mines itself, using shadowy dealings and false identities to weaken thepany''s foundations.


    ____


    Pyris stood from his desk, the rage boiling inside him, though his expression remained a mask of calm. He couldn''t afford to let his emotions control him, not now. This was war, and it would be fought in the shadows¡ªwhere he was strongest.


    His mind began to spin, formting the next steps. The world knew Pyris Obsidian as the young, brilliant CEO of the most powerful techpany in the mortal realm, a man of calcted decisions and measured actions.


    But there was another side to him¡ªa side that only a select few knew about.


    It was time for Petne Chaos to awaken.


    Pyris turned away from theputer, his sharp gaze falling on the skyline outside his window, the city below alive with lights. If the Dragon and Vampire Empires wanted to fight in the dark, then Pyris would meet them there. Petne Chaos was the hand behind the throne, the force that moved unseen.


    He didn''t y by the rules of the business world¡ªhe bent them, shattered them if necessary.


    The Emperor had made his move. Ss and Count Drac II had chosen their side.


    Now, Pyris would choose his.


    _____


    His first step was clear: Sanguine had to be neutralized. The vampire''s betrayal could not go unanswered, but it had to be done with precision. If Sanguine''s role in the conspiracy became public, it could destabilize the entire industry, causing further damage to Obsidian Mines.


    Pyris needed to remove Sanguine quietly, recing him with someone loyal, someone who could help steer thepany back from the brink.


    The second step would be more difficult. Dragomir and Valeria had ced their proxies in key positions, controlling shares in Sly Mines and Obsidian Mines alike. Pyris would need to outmaneuver them, using his own resources¡ªhis ownwork of loyalists and shadow operatives¡ªto wrest control back from the imperial forces without triggering a public confrontation.


    And finally, Ss. Pyris had expected Ss to move against him, but he hadn''t anticipated the full weight of the Dragon and Vampire Empires backing him. This was no simple rivalry¡ªthis was a calcted strike designed to cripple his family''s future. Explore more at empire


    But Pyris wasn''t afraid. He had faced worse odds before, and he would do so again.


    With a steady hand, Pyris reached for his phone, dialing a number known to few. The voice on the other end answered after only one ring.


    "This is Petne Chaos," Pyris said, his voice low, cold, and devoid of the charm he usually disyed. "We''re moving against the Emperor. It''s time to show them what true darkness looks like."


    ____


    As the night deepened, Pyris stood alone in his office, the shadows gathering around him. The Dragon and Vampire Empires had made their move, but they had underestimated one thing.


    House Obsidian was not so easily broken.


    And Pyris was not so easily defeated.

 Chapter 87 The Rise of Petne Chaos

    The night outside Pyris''s office had grown darker, and the city below buzzed with the energy of an empire that never truly slept. But here, in the towering Obsidian Tower, a quiet storm brewed. Pyris stood alone, staring out over the imperial capital, his mind already racing with the next steps he needed to take.


    The Emperor and the Vampire royal family had struck at his family in the shadows. They believed their attack would cripple House Obsidian¡ªbelieved they could break his family''s legacy.


    But they had miscalcted.


    They had underestimated him!


    Pyris turned back toward his desk, a quiet fury simmering beneath the calm, collected mask he wore. His fingers drummed lightly against the polished wood surface as he considered his options. The evidence he had uncovered was damning¡ªproof of betrayal from within and from without.


    Sanguine, the CEO of Obsidian Mines, had not only sold out thepany but had been actively working with Ss and the shadowy investors behind Sly Mines. And now, with the Dragon Emperor''s involvement, this was more than just a corporate attack¡ªit was a deration of war.


    The vampires and dragons had bought their shares in Sly Mines through trusted confidants, shadowy figures who operated in the darkest corners of Argos. These were the people who pulled strings behind the scenes, leaving no public trace of their involvement. Pyris knew these names well.


    ____


    Dragomir Skalethorn, the Dragon Emperor''s closest advisor, was a figure of immense power and cunning. He was a man who thrived in political intrigue, always a few steps ahead of his enemies. His background was shrouded in mystery, but it was well-known that Dragomir had been instrumental in consolidating the Emperor''s control over the mining industry.


    He was the Dragon Empire''s scalpel, cutting away any threats with ruthless efficiency.


    And then there was Countess Valeria Sangrave, a vampiress whose beauty and grace masked her true nature. She was as dangerous as she was alluring, wielding her influence within the Vampire Empire like a queen in her own right.


    She was deeply loyal to Count Drac II, Ss''s brother, and had been involved in every major decision concerning vampire politics in recent decades. Her ties to the underground markets were strong, and she was known to use maniption, deceit, and charm to get what she wanted.


    Together, Dragomir and Valeria had orchestrated the silent takeover of Sly Mines, hiding their vast holdings behindyers of fake identities and shellpanies. Pyris had uncovered their dirty work¡ªhow they had siphoned funds from Dragon Mines and secret vampire assets to buy a controlling stake in Sly Mines.


    With Sanguine''s help, they had even infiltrated Obsidian Mines, buying up shares under false names and leveraging their influence from the inside.


    Sly Mines was their weapon¡ªa front to weaken Obsidian Mines, while the dragons and vampires consolidated power in the mining industry. But Sanguine''s role in this betrayal was perhaps the most galling. He had been trusted with the reins of Obsidian Mines, tasked with managing one of House Obsidian''s most vital enterprises.


    And yet, he had sold his loyalty to Ss and the imperial families, all for personal gain.


    ____


    Pyris took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he sat down at his desk, his hands hovering over the keyboard. There was no need for outrage now. He was beyond that. What was needed was precision¡ªcalcted action. The storm hade, and Pyris was ready to meet it head-on.


    He opened a secure channel on hisputer, linking it to a privatework that few knew existed. This was no ordinary business system¡ªthis was the domain of Petne Chaos.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Here, Pyris operated without the constraints ofws or public perception. Here, he became the shadow that no one sawing.


    The screen flickered to life, showing encrypted files, hidden assets, and secretmunications that stretched across the realms. The resources he had gathered over the years, the connections in the darkest corners of the world, were allid out before him like weapons in an arsenal.


    His first target: Sanguine Bloodshed.


    Pyris pulled up the vampire''s personal ounts andwork of contacts. Sanguine thought he had been clever, covering his tracks withyers of obfuscation, but Pyris had already hacked through those defenses earlier. What he found beneath them was a cesspool of corruption.


    Sanguine had been embezzling from Obsidian Mines for years, using the funds to finance hisvish lifestyle and his growing connections to the Vampire royal family.


    Not only that, but Pyris also uncovered evidence of illegal trading¡ªSanguine had been dealing in forbidden magical artifacts and dangerous spells, making deals with underground factions that even House Obsidian wouldn''t touch. He was deeply entrenched in the vampire underworld, trading secrets for protection and influence.


    "Sanguine," Pyris muttered, his voice cold, "you''ve made yourst mistake."


    With a few taps of his fingers, Pyris initiated a covert operation. His digital agents¡ªhighly skilled hackers who owed his family their loyalty¡ªwould begin leaking Sanguine''s dirty dealings to the Vampire royal family.


    The goal wasn''t to expose him publicly yet¡ªthat wouldeter if needed¡ªbut to destabilize his position within the vampire aristocracy. Once the vampires lost trust in him, Sanguine would have nowhere to run.


    Next, Pyris pulled up the records on Sly Mines. He traced the paper trail back to Dragomir Skalethorn and Valeria Sangrave, using the information he had gathered to map out theirwork of proxies and confidantes. Dragomir had been using trusted dragon courtiers¡ªminor nobles whose names wouldn''t attract attention¡ªto buy up shares in both Sly Mines and Obsidian Mines.


    Among these proxies was Loric Veltor, a dragon noble with strong ties to the imperial court, who had funneled millions into Sly Mines on Dragomir''s behalf.


    Valeria''s proxies were more subtle¡ªvampires with deep connections in the banking world. Count Ivan Draken, one of the Vampire Empire''s most powerful financial magnates, had been quietly acquiring shares, hiding his involvement through abyrinth of investments.


    He was loyal to Countess Valeria and Count Drac II, and his financial empire had allowed him to buy significant stakes in bothpanies without raising suspicion.


    Pyris smiled grimly as he examined the web of deceit. They thought they could operate in the dark, but Petne Chaos was the master of the shadows. He could see every move they made.


    Continue reading stories on empire


    ____


    His n began to take shape, each piece falling into ce with deadly precision.


    First, he would iste Sanguine. Without hiswork of protection, the vampire would be vulnerable, and once he was cut off from the Vampire royal family, Pyris would move in. Sanguine would be reced by someone loyal to House Obsidian, someone who would help reverse the damage and rebuild trust within thepany.


    Next, he would destabilize Sly Mines. Pyris had already uncovered weaknesses in their financial structure¡ªhidden debts, risky investments, and vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Using his hacking skills, he would trigger a financial copse within Sly Mines, making it appear as though their business was crumbling from within.


    Once the public saw Sly Mines falling, the Dragon and Vampire Empires would scramble to save face, but it would be toote.


    Finally, Pyris would strike at Dragomir and Valeria themselves. He wouldn''t attack them directly, not yet¡ªthat would draw too much attention. Instead, he would undermine their proxies, cutting off their influence in the business world. By the time Dragomir and Valeria realized what was happening, their empire of lies would be copsing around them.


    ____


    As he finalized his ns, a soft knock came at the door. Lizzie stepped in, her face calm but concerned.


    "Sir, Song mentioned you were upset earlier. Is everything alright?"


    Pyris looked up, his expression hardening slightly. "Everything is under control, Lizzie. But we''re entering dangerous territory."


    She nodded, sensing the gravity in his voice. "If there''s anything you need, I''ll be ready."


    "Thank you. For now, just keep things running smoothly."


    Lizzie bowed slightly and left the room, leaving Pyris alone once more with his thoughts.


    ____


    The darkness outside the window seemed to mirror the shadows gathering around House Obsidian. The Dragon Emperor and Count Drac II had made their move, but they had underestimated Pyris''s resolve. He was no longer the young CEO they thought they could manipte.


    He was Petne Chaos.


    And soon, the world would learn what that name truly meant.


    The empire would tremble¡ªnot at the brilliance of Pyris Obsidian, but at the shadow that moved behind him.

 Chapter 88 The Dark Bargain

    The capital of Argos was alive with activity, its sprawling streets bathed in the pale glow of streetlights. Yet, amidst the noise and energy of the empire''s heart, two shadows moved in absolute silence. Pyris, under the guise of Petne Chaos, glided through the city''s darkened alleys, cloaked in the void that only his personal guard, Song, couldmand.


    The master of the void allowed them to move unseen, the air rippling faintly as they passed undetected through the capital''s security wards.


    They reached their destination: a beautiful mansion nestled within the elite district. The grand estate belonged to Sanguine Bloodshed, the vampire CEO of Obsidian Mines, and the traitor who had secretly allied himself with Sly Mines and the royal families of both the Dragon and Vampire Empires.


    Pyris knew Sanguine''s house well, but tonight he wasn''t here as the CEO of Obsidian Tech. He was here as Petne Chaos¡ªhis alter ego, the shadow that lived behind the mask of respectability.


    Pyris paused at the mansion''s gates, his voice low as he addressed Song. "Wait here. I''ll handle the rest."


    Song, the master of void, gave a curt nod and stepped back, his form melding into the darkness as if he were part of it. Pyris moved forward, his steps silent as he approached the mansion. It was easy to enter unnoticed¡ªSong''s void mastery had disabled any magical rms that would have detected an intruder.


    The mansion''s elegant walls seemed to fold around Pyris as he slipped inside, blending into the shadows like a ghost.


    He found Sanguine in the grand living room, seatedfortably on a velvet armchair. The vampire was alone, an oddity for his kind, especially given thete hour. His family, it seemed, was already fast asleep¡ªa strange thing for vampires, who usually thrived at night.


    Sanguine leaned back in his chair, his eyes glued to the TV, where news anchors reported the chaos that had befallen House Obsidian. The fall of Obsidian Mines was dominating the headlines, and Sanguine''s lips curled into a smile as he watched the destruction he had helped orchestrate unfold.


    His chuckle echoed faintly in therge room.


    "Enjoying yourself, aren''t we?" Petne''s voice broke the silence, smooth and low, butced with a deadly edge.


    Sanguine''s eyes shot toward the source of the voice, his body stiffening. He was a Rank 12 Awakened, a being of considerable power, and yet this stranger had entered his home without alerting him¡ªwithout him sensing so much as a shift in the air.


    "Who¡ª" Sanguine began, his voice catching in his throat as he took in the sight before him. A figure cloaked in dark, shadowy robes stood before him, the features obscured but unmistakably radiating authority.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Petne Chaos smiled behind his mask, taking a step closer. "Do you know who I am?"


    Sanguine''s eyes flickered with fear, but his arrogance pushed it aside. "You''re trespassing in my home, whoever you are. Do you know who I am?"


    Petne gave a low chuckle, stepping into the dim light that spilled from the TV. "Oh, Sanguine. I know exactly who you are. A traitor, a fool who thinks he''s outsmarted everyone. Tell me, do you enjoy watching House Obsidian''s fall?"


    Sanguine narrowed his eyes, standing up now, his fear giving way to defiance. "House Obsidian is crumbling under the weight of its own arrogance. This¡­ this copse was inevitable."


    Petne tilted his head, his tone now icy. "Inevitable? No, Sanguine, what you''ve done is betray your employers and align yourself with the wrong people. But you''ve underestimated the shadows. You''ve underestimated me."


    With a subtle movement, Petne gestured to the coffee table in front of Sanguine. The vampire''s gaze followed the motion, and his eyes widened in horror. Aptop, sleek and cold, had been ced on the table without him noticing. The screen flickered to life, revealing an array of documents¡ªbank transfers, encryptedmunications, secret deals.


    It was all there¡ªSanguine''s dirty dealings, his embezzlement, his underhanded trades in illegal magical artifacts, and his connection to Sly Mines.


    "How¡­" Sanguine whispered, his voice hoarse. "How did you get this?"


    Petne''s eyes glimmered with malice. "I know everything, Sanguine. Every deal, every secret. And I know the extent of your betrayal."


    Sanguine''s heart raced. "What¡­ what do you want from me?"


    Petne sat down in the armchair opposite him, casually crossing his legs as if they were discussing business over tea. "It''s not about what I want, Sanguine. It''s about what you stand to lose. You see, I don''t actually care what you do with the Obsidians but your doing has given me an opportunity to exploit... Stay tuned to empire


    The Obsidian family would simply fire you if they found out about this¡ªcut you loose, humiliate you, yes¡ªbut that would be the extent of their wrath. The vampire royal family, however... well, they''re a bit more extreme, wouldn''t you say?"


    Sanguine''s face went pale, his hands trembling slightly. "What do you mean?"


    Petne leaned forward, his voice soft but deadly. "You''ve been ying both sides, Sanguine. The vampires wouldn''t want it known that they were working with a disgraced CEO in bed with the Obsidian family. If they see you as a liability, they''ll kill you to cover up the connection."


    Sanguine''s breath hitched. He knew the truth of it. The vampires would erase him without a second thought if they believed he could expose their involvement.


    "What do you want?" Sanguine asked again, more desperate now. His mind raced as he tried to assess the situation. "How can I make this go away?"


    Petne smiled beneath the mask, his voice dripping with calm control. "What I want is simple. Give me your shares in Sly Mines."


    Sanguine blinked, caught off guard. "My shares?"


    Petne''s eyes glinted. "Yes, the five percent you so cleverly acquired as part of your backdoor deals. I know all about them, Sanguine. Give them to me, and I''ll erase every trace of your involvement. You''ll walk away clean. The Obsidian family will never know what you did, and more importantly, the vampire royals will see you as...


    untouchable, a liable insider in Obsidian Mines!"


    Sanguine stood frozen, trying to gauge whether he could trust this man¡ªthis shadow who had somehow infiltrated his home, exposed his darkest secrets, and now held his life in his hands. He hesitated, weighing his options.


    "And if I refuse?" Sanguine asked, his voice shaking but still trying to hold on to some semnce of control.


    Petne leaned back, his voice dark and menacing. "Then you lose everything. Obsidian Mines will fire you, the vampires will hunt you down, and you''ll spend thest moments of your miserable existence wondering where you went wrong."


    The vampire swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He knew he was trapped. The man before him knew too much¡ªfar more than he should have been able to. There was no escape.


    After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Sanguine exhaled sharply. "Fine. I''ll give you the shares."


    Petne gestured toward theptop. "Transfer them now."


    With trembling fingers, Sanguine opened his own ounts and transferred the shares. It was done within minutes, and Petne watched calmly as the vampire''s fortune shifted out of his control.


    Once the transfer wasplete, Petne spoke again, his voice smooth. "Good. Now, as promised, I''ll erase your tracks."


    Sanguine watched as Petne deleted the incriminating files from theptop in front of him. Relief washed over him as he saw the data disappear. The vampire leaned back in his chair, his body finally rxing after the intense encounter. He had narrowly escaped the noose.


    Petne stood, his shadowy figure looming over the room. "Sleep well, Sanguine," he said quietly. "You''ve just saved your life."


    But what Sanguine didn''t know, as Petne turned to leave, was that he had already sent copies of the files to the vampire royal family. They would see the truth¡ªSanguine had been exposed, and now they would move to eliminate him to protect their own interests.


    That will be the chance he will use to deal with Sanguine once and for all!


    ___


    As Petne Chaos slipped silently out of the mansion, he smiled beneath his mask. The trap had been set, and Sanguine''s fate was sealed. Now, it was only a matter of time before the vampires severed all ties with him.


    They would be forced to withdraw their support from both Sanguine and Obsidian Mines, fearing the exposure of their involvement. And with that withdrawal, House Obsidian would regain full control of its business.


    ____


    A weekter, the imperial capital was abuzz with rumors. News of Sanguine Bloodshed''s sudden resignation from Obsidian Mines spread quickly through the business world. No one knew exactly why he had stepped down, but the results were immediate.


    Pyris Obsidian himself had visited the vampire''s mansion shortly before the announcement, and those close to the situation spected that something significant had urred.


    The official story was simple...

 Chapter 89 The Fall of Sanguine Bloodshed! 1

    The official story was simple: Sanguine Bloodshed had stepped down from his role as CEO of Obsidian Mines due to "personal reasons." The media spected, but the truth was known only to a select few.


    Pyris Obsidian, as CEO of Obsidian Tech, had personally overseen the transition, ensuring that Sanguine was swiftly removed from his position before the public could question it. In his ce, Pyris installed a loyal and capable sessor who had the full confidence of House Obsidian.


    The vampiremunity, however, was in turmoil. Quietly, in the dark corners of the empire, whispers circted that Sanguine''s dealings with the Dragon and Vampire Empires had been exposed. The royal families, fearing exposure, had immediately withdrawn their support.


    Sanguine had been abandoned, left to fend for himself. Without his powerful backers, he was vulnerable.


    As soon as the shares were transferred and the files sent, Pyris had already set the next phase of his n into motion. Sanguine''s downfall wasn''t just about removing him from Obsidian Mines-it was about ensuring that the traitor paid the ultimate price for his betrayal.


    Pyris had sent a message to the vampire royal family, revealing the full extent of Sanguine''s corruption and double-dealing. Now that the vampires had severed ties with him, they would be looking to clean up their mess. Sanguine had be a liability to the Empire, and there was no ce in vampire society for liabilities.


    Petne Chaos had ensured that Sanguine would be hunted by his own kind.


    But Petne Chaos had other ns. He would be the one to end Sanguine''s life.


    ____


    It had been exactly one week since Sanguine stepped down, and now he was holed up in his mansion, utterly alone. His once-loyal guards had been recalled by the Vampire Empire, leaving him vulnerable. He had tried to make contact with the few allies he had left, but none returned his calls.


    The panic was beginning to set in.


    Find more to read at empiren/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The night air outside was thick and still, but inside the mansion, Sanguine paced anxiously. He had hired mercenaries to protect him, a feeble attempt to stave off the inevitable. They weren''t enough to make him feel safe.


    His thoughts raced, his nerves fraying as he yed out every scenario in his head.


    Would the Obsidian family retaliate? Would the vampirese for him? Or worse, had Petne Chaos lied?


    The creaking of a floorboard behind him shattered the silence. Sanguine whirled around, heart pounding, but saw nothing in the darkness.


    "Who''s there?" he called out, his voice trembling.


    For a moment, there was no answer. Then, from the shadowed corners of the room, a voice-cold and calcting-spoke.


    "Did you really think I''d let you walk away, Sanguine?"


    Sanguine''s heart sank. He knew that voice. The voice of the shadow that had ruined him. Petne Chaos.


    Panic surged through him as he scanned the darkened room. "No... No, you said... You said I''d be safe!"


    A figure stepped forward from the shadows, cloaked in ck, face hidden behind a mask that seemed to merge with the darkness itself.


    Petne Chaos. He stood tall, calm, exuding a lethal aura that made the very air seem heavier.


    "I said I''d erase the traces of your betrayal. I never said you''d walk away from this."


    Sanguine staggered backward, eyes wide with terror. "Please! I did what you asked! I gave you the shares!"


    Petne''s voice was cold, unfeeling. "That was business. This... this is personal."


    The air in the room shifted as another figure appeared beside Petne-Alera, the necromancer. Her presence was dark and foreboding, the very essence of death seemed to hang around her like a shroud. Her eyes gleamed with a sinister light as she regarded Sanguine with quiet contempt.


    She moved with a lethal grace, the magic swirling around her in unseen waves.


    "Alera," Petne said quietly, his gaze never leaving Sanguine, "it''s time."


    Alera smiled faintly, a dangerous glint in her eyes. She raised one hand, and from the darkness behind her, the sound of scraping metal filled the room. The shadows seemed to ripple and twist, and from them emerged a towering figure-the wyvern Alera had raised in the forest weeks ago.


    Its once-majestic scales were now dulled and ckened by the touch of death, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. The creature moved forward slowly, its ws clicking against the floor.


    Sanguine''s breath caught in his throat. "No..."


    ___


    Sanguine''s eyes darted between Petne Chaos and Alera, his fear turning to rage as the reality of his situation set in. He was a Rank 12 Awakened, a vampire who hadmanded respect and fear in equal measure. He wasn''t going to die like this¡ªnot cowering before some masked assassin and a necromancer.


    His hands clenched into fists, and the air around him began to hum with energy. Sanguine''s elemental affinity was blood, and as he called upon his power, the room seemed to warp and twist in response.


    His crimson eyes zed with fury as veins of blood erupted from his skin, coiling through the air like serpents, wrapping around the furniture and walls with terrifying speed.


    "You think you can just waltz in here and kill me? I''ve bled for this empire!" Sanguine growled, his voice growing deeper, more primal. The blood tendrils expanded, thickening as they stretched toward Petne and Alera, their tips sharpened into deadly points.


    Petne didn''t move, his stance calm, as if he had anticipated this. Alera, however, smirked. "Good," she whispered, the necromantic energy around her swirling. "This will be more fun than I thought."


    Sanguine roared as the blood tendrilsshed out at blinding speed, aiming to pierce Petne''s chest. The vampire''s power was terrifying¡ªhe could manipte the very essence of his blood, turning it into a weapon more lethal than steel. His attacks were swift, brutal, and precise.


    The living room around them trembled as his power manifested fully, walls cracking under the strain of the energy coursing through the mansion.


    But Petne Chaos was ready.


    With a swift motion, Petne shifted to the side, his movements fluid and calcted. The blood tendrils missed by mere inches, embedding themselves into the marble floor where he had been standing.


    *****


    More reviews guys,ments and support!

 Chapter 90 The Fall of Sanguine Bloodshed! 2

    With a swift motion, Petne shifted to the side, his movements fluid and calcted. The blood tendrils missed by mere inches, embedding themselves into the marble floor where he had been standing. The ground cracked under the impact, but Petne was already moving, his shadowy form dancing through the room as if he were a part of the darkness itself.


    "Too slow," Petne said, his voice calm and collected.


    Sanguine snarled, the blood tendrils retracting and splitting into dozens of smaller whips, each oneshing out in a chaotic storm of strikes. The room was consumed in a whirlwind of red as Sanguine''s power unleashed its full fury.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    CRACK!


    A nearby bookshelf exploded into splinters as the blood tendrils tore through it, sending shards of wood flying. The chandelier above shattered, raining down ss as the mansion groaned under the pressure of Sanguine''s elemental rage.


    Petne deflected each attack with calcted precision, using the shadows to shield himself from the worst of the onught. But Sanguine was relentless. The vampire''s fury grew with each second, his tendrils moving faster, striking harder, as the mansion itself began to buckle under the sheer force of their battle.


    Alera watched from the sidelines, her eyes glowing with dark amusement. She had already summoned several dark specters to aid her, ghostly figures that moved in and out of the shadows, waiting for hermand.


    "You think you can hide behind your tricks?!" Sanguine roared, the blood tendrils converging on Petne once more, trying to trap him in their deadly embrace. "I''ve faced fallens and demons! You''re nothing!" He roared


    With a flick of his wrist, Petne shattered the nearest blood tendril with a pulse of void energy, the force sending a shockwave through the room. "I don''t need tricks, Sanguine. You''ve already lost."


    The statement only enraged the vampire further. Sanguine''s entire body glowed red as more blood poured from his skin, forming an imprable armor of crimson around him.


    His eyes burned with hatred as he hurled himself forward, his form bing a blur of speed and violence.


    The floor beneath him cracked, the sheer weight of his power tearing apart the very foundation of the mansion. With a furious cry, he leapt toward Petne, intending to end the fight with a single, devastating strike.


    But Petne had anticipated this.


    At thest possible moment, Petne stepped forward, not away, and thrust his palm toward Sanguine''s chest. Dark energy surged from Petne''s hand, colliding with Sanguine''s blood armor. The two forces met in a violent sh, the impact sending out a shockwave that shattered every remaining piece of ss in the room.


    For a moment, time seemed to freeze as Petne''s void energy began to unravel Sanguine''s blood magic. The crimson tendrils weakened, their form destabilizing as the void consumed them.


    Sanguine''s eyes widened in shock. "No... this... can''t be..."


    Petne''s voice was cold, his mask betraying no emotion. "You were never going to win."


    With a final surge of power, Petne''s energy overwhelmed Sanguine''s defenses. The vampire was hurled backward, crashing through the remains of the wall and into the courtyard outside. The mansion groaned, the damage to its structure now irreparable as parts of the ceiling copsed in on itself


    ____


    Outside, Sanguiney amidst the rubble, his body bruised and battered. His blood magic flickered weakly around him, the once-formidable power now reduced to a mere shadow of its former strength. He struggled to stand, his mind reeling from the impact.


    "Impossible..." Sanguine gasped, his voice weak. "I''m... Rank 12..."


    Petne stepped out of the mansion''s ruins, his shadowy form looming over Sanguine''s broken body. The air was still, thick with the scent of blood and destruction.


    "You were powerful yes I give you that," Petne said quietly, "but power doesn''t matter when you''ve already lost your purpose."


    Sanguine tried to raise his hand, to summon what little magic he had left, but Alera appeared beside him, her hand resting on his forehead. "It''s over," she whispered, her eyes glowing with necromantic power.


    Sanguine''s body convulsed as dark tendrils of death magic seeped into him. His strength drained rapidly, thest remnants of his blood magic snuffed out as Alera''s control took hold.


    He let out a final scream of defiance, but it was already toote.


    With one swift movement, Alera closed her fist, and Sanguine''s life force was extinguished.


    ____


    As his body fell limp, Alera stepped back, her expression calm. She raised her hand, and the dark tendrils that had imed Sanguine''s life began to reanimate his corpse. His eyes, once filled with the crimson light of his blood magic, now glowed with the cold, dead light of necromancy.


    "He''s mine now," Alera said softly, watching as Sanguine''s reanimated body knelt before her, bound to her will.


    Petne Chaos watched for a moment, his mind already moving to the next phase of the n. Sanguine was no longer a threat, and his role in the greater scheme hade to an end, sadly this soon!


    "Let''s go," Petne said, turning away from the broken mansion. "There''s still much to do."


    Alera nodded, her dark army following her as she and Petne disappeared into the night, leaving behind the wreckage of Sanguine''s once-grand life. Your next read is at empire


    ____


    The next day, the news of Sanguine''s resignation spread like wildfire. His sudden departure from Obsidian Mines shocked the business world, but no one questioned it for long. Within hours, a new CEO had been appointed, and thepany began to stabilize. Meanwhile, rumors of Sanguine''s death reached the vampire royal family.


    They had no choice but to withdraw their remaining support, and soon, they quietly sold their shares in Obsidian Mines to avoid further scrutiny.


    Pyris Obsidian, the CEO of Obsidian Tech, had won yet another battle in the shadows. But as Petne Chaos, he had delivered justice in the only way he knew how: swift, decisive, and absolute.


    Sanguine''s fall was just the beginning. Now, it was time to turn his attention to Sly Mines.


    The real war was about to begin.


    ******


    I patiently wait for your thoughts.

 Chapter 91 Dangerous Attraction & Beautiful Vice CEO

    Pyris sat at his sleek, polished desk in his corner office atop Obsidian Tower, staring out over the imperial capital''s skyline.


    The city was a sea of glittering lights, but his mind was focused on the events of the past week¡ªSanguine''s downfall, Petne Chaos''s first move against Sly Mines, and now, the arrival of Esmeralda, the enigmatic and infamous sister of Ss Count Drac, as the new Vice-CEO of Obsidian Tech.


    Pyris had just finished reviewing the details of the next move against the Dragon and Vampire Empires when the soft sound of heels echoed in the hallway outside his office. The door swung open, revealing Emberly, his mother and the matriarch of House Obsidian.


    She was as graceful and imposing as ever, but there was something softer about her demeanor today, a vulnerability she rarely showed.


    "Pyris," she greeted him as she entered the office, her eyes scanning the room before settling on him. "We need to talk."


    Pyris nodded, gesturing for her to sit. As she took her ce in the chair opposite him, the air between them seemed to grow thick with unspoken tension. Emberly had always been a powerful figure in his life¡ªsomeone whose authority he respected, yet recently, their rtionship had grown moreplex.


    His awakening as a Lust Dragon had changed the dynamics between them, though he had since mastered control over his aura.


    Still, as she sat down, her proximity caused a subtle reaction in both of them. Their bodies brushed against each other briefly as she passed by, and for a moment, a spark of something raw flickered between them.


    Emberly''s breath hitched almost imperceptibly, but she quickly regained herposure. Pyris, too, felt the pull but managed to suppress it, controlling the powerful aura that had once overwhelmed her.


    She cleared her throat, focusing on the topic at hand. "You''re wondering why I chose Esmeralda to be the new Vice-CEO."


    "I won''t deny it," Pyris replied, leaning back in his chair. "Esmeralda''s return wasn''t something I expected, given her¡­ history with the family."


    Emberly''s gaze softened, though there was still a fire burning behind her eyes. "I understand your hesitation. Esmeralda has always been... difficult to understand, but her abilities, her knowledge of the Vampire Empire''s internal workings, and most importantly, her hatred for Ss, make her an invaluable ally right now."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ss and Esmeralda have always been at odds, but do you really believe she''ll stay loyal? She''s not exactly known for following anyone''s orders."


    Emberly sighed, her voice dropping slightly. "Esmeralda has her own reasons for wanting Ss destroyed¡ªreasons she hasn''t shared with anyone, not even me. But I believe those reasons are enough to keep her loyal, at least for now. She knows that siding with us is her best chance at ending him."


    Pyris nodded, considering his mother''s words. "You still seem conflicted, though."


    Emberly''s eyes flickered with something deeper¡ªsomething more personal. She hesitated before speaking again, her voice almost vulnerable. "There''s more to this than just business, Pyris. Esmeralda... reminds me of what I once was. Fearless, powerful, but also burdened by choices I didn''t want to make.


    She''s a mirror of everything I''ve tried to forget and Pyris Esmeralda is capable."


    Pyris could feel the weight in her words, and for a moment, the distance between them closed. There was an attraction there¡ªsomething that had simmered between them since his Lust Dragon abilities had fully awakened.


    But Pyris was in control now.


    His aura no longer overwhelmed his mother as it once had, though the tension between them remained.


    As they continued to talk, their bodies asionally brushed against one another unintentionally, sending brief sparks of energy coursing through them. Each touch, though fleeting, caused Emberly''s breath to catch, her voice trembling slightly before she regained herposure.


    Pyris, too, felt the tension building, but he kept his focus on the conversation, unwilling to let the attraction distract him from the matters at hand.


    "Esmeralda''s appointment is necessary," Emberly finally said, her voice steadier now. "She''s the key to taking down Ss. But you must be cautious around her, Pyris. She ys by her own rules."


    Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the graceful and fearsome mistress that Emberly had always been was gone. In her ce was a woman who had fought countless battles, both external and internal, and who now found herself entangled in something far moreplicated than business or power.


    After a long, silent pause, Emberly stood, her graceful figure towering over the desk. "I''ll leave you to it," she said softly, her eyes lingering on him for just a moment longer before she turned to leave.


    As she exited the office, the employees in the hallway paused, whispering in surprise. Emberly''s presence in the tower had shocked them¡ªmany thought she had withdrawn from public life, letting Pyris take over the running of thepany.


    But she was still very much in control, even if her influence now operated more subtly.


    ____


    The next day, Pyris found himself standing outside the office that had once belonged to Emilia, now reassigned to Esmeralda. Emilia had been fully appointed as the CEO of Obsidian Entertainment, the growing entertainment giant that was a key pir of House Obsidian''s vast empire.


    He took a breath and knocked on the door.


    "Come in," a smooth, confident voice answered from the other side.


    Pyris opened the door and stepped inside, his eyes immediately falling on Esmeralda. She stood by therge ss window, the sunlight casting an ethereal glow around her white hair streaked with ck. Her body was lithe and elegant, wrapped in a form-fitting ck dress that emphasized her perfect curves.


    She was undeniably beautiful, her appearance as polished as ever, with a grace that only vampires of her lineage possessed.


    But it was the object in her hand that drew his attention¡ªa red dagger, sealed in an evidence containment bag. The hilt was ck, darker than the abyss itself, and the de pulsed with an ancient aura that seemed to resonate with a bloodthirsty energy.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes as he walked closer. "Is that what I think it is?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Esmeralda turned to face him, her lips curving into a wicked smile. "It is. The very same dagger that nearly ended your life when you were just a boy."


    She ced the dagger on her desk, its presence filling the room with an oppressive energy. Pyris could feel the malevolence radiating from it, its sharp edges glittering with a lust for blood.


    The air around the weapon seemed to pulse with an ancient power, making it clear that this was no ordinary weapon.


    "It''s cursed," Pyris said, his voice quiet but firm. "A Godly Rank weapon, capable of annihting an Obsidianpletely, even their soul. This dagger... it''s the one Ss used."


    Esmeralda''s smile widened, though her eyes held a seriousness that belied her casual demeanor. "Indeed. Ss didn''t know the curse on the de, but he knew it could kill you. He was about to use it when your mother stopped him."


    The memory of that night flickered in Pyris''s mind. He had been too young to understand what had truly happened, but Emberly had saved him, freezing the entire room before Ss could strike.


    Esmeralda moved closer, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "This weapon, Pyris, is what will finally destroy my brother."


    Pyris''s gaze hardened. "How did you get your hands on it?"


    Esmeralda chuckled, cing the dagger down and walking back to her desk. "I''ve been tracking that weapon for years. I''ve always known Ss had it, but I waited for the right moment to reim it. It was... lost to him in a skirmish some time ago. Lucky for me, I had people ready to retrieve it."


    Pyris looked at the cursed dagger once more, feeling the weight of the moment. This weapon had nearly ended his life, and now it would be the key to ending Ss''s reign of terror.


    But Esmeralda''s motivations weren''t purely about justice¡ªPyris knew that. She had her own reasons for wanting her brother dead, reasons she kept hidden behind that wicked smile. Still, for now, their goals aligned.


    "Let''s make sure this works," Pyris said, his voice resolute. "Ss can''t walk away from this."


    Esmeralda''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Oh, he won''t. Trust me."


    The next battle had begun, and with Esmeralda at his side, Pyris was ready to take down Ss once and for all.

 Chapter 92 Esmeraldas Invitation!

    The office was quiet as Pyris workedte into the evening, the hum of technology filling the otherwise still air. He was deep in thought, reviewing the next steps for Obsidian Tech, when the soft knock on the door brought him back to reality.


    "Come in," he called out, his voice low and focused.


    The door opened, revealing Esmeralda, her sharp red eyes gleaming with mischief. She strolled in with a casual confidence that seemed almost foreign in the corporate world, her slim, elegant frame wrapped in a sleek ck dress.


    Her hair, streaked with shades of ck, fell over her shoulders in soft waves.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Still working?" she asked, her voice smooth and yful. "You know, it''s not healthy to spend every waking hour in this tower."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "What can I say? There''s always something to take care of."


    Esmeralda waved her hand dismissively. "That''s exactly why you need a break. You''re always working." She paused, her smile widening slightly. "You never even celebrated your appointment as CEO of Obsidian Tech."


    "I don''t see much reason to," Pyris replied, ncing back at the reports on his desk. "There''s too much to do, and a celebration doesn''t exactly help with that."


    Esmeralda''s eyes twinkled with amusement as she stepped closer to his desk, leaning forward slightly. "That''s exactly why you should celebrate. Besides, we have something inmon now¡ªwe both hold new positions of power in Obsidian Tech. Why not celebrate together? Our new lives, our new roles... the least we can do is toast to that."


    Pyris considered her offer for a moment, reluctant but intrigued. Esmeralda was persistent, and though he had doubts about leaving his work unfinished, he could sense that she wasn''t going to take no for an answer.


    "Fine," he said after a pause. "But let''s keep it quiet."


    Esmeralda''s smile deepened. "Already taken care of. I booked a private bar for the evening. Just us and the waitress. You won''t have to deal with anyone else. No interruptions."


    Pyris sighed, standing up and grabbing his coat. "Lead the way."


    ____


    The bar Esmeralda had booked was located on the outskirts of the capital, tucked away in a quiet alley. It was an intimate, elegant space with dark wood paneling, plush velvet seats, and a warm, dimly lit atmosphere.


    True to her word, the bar waspletely empty, save for the bartender and a single waitress who kept her distance, leaving the two of them to their privacy.


    Pyris and Esmeralda took a seat in a secluded corner, where they were served their drinks¡ªrich, high-quality spirits that promised a night of indulgence. Pyris wasn''t much of a drinker, but he appreciated the smoothness of the liquor as it went down, and for a moment, he allowed himself to rx.


    Esmeralda, on the other hand, was more enthusiastic, quickly turning off her magic and relishing the taste of the strong alcohol. She sipped from her ss, her eyes glowing faintly as she looked around the bar.


    "I''m surprised you agreed to this," Esmeralda said with a chuckle. "You''re always so... controlled. So serious."


    "I suppose I could use a break," Pyris replied, taking another sip of his drink. "Besides, you''re right. I never celebrated my appointment. Maybe it''s time I did."


    They sat infortable silence for a while, sipping their drinks. Esmeralda eventually leaned back in her seat, a nostalgic look crossing her face.


    "You know, when I left my family," she began, her voice softer now, "I never expected to find any peace. I was treated like an outcast¡ªunwanted, unappreciated. But Emberly... your mother... she was different. She saw something in me.


    We had our adventures together, fought battles that most wouldn''t dare to face."


    Pyris listened quietly, his eyes fixed on her as she spoke.


    "Leaving the Drac family was the best decision I ever made," Esmeralda continued, swirling the drink in her ss. "They never cared about me. My brothers, especially Ss, only ever saw me as a failure¡ªa weakling who didn''t deserve to share their name. I was never meant to belong with them."


    She paused, taking another drink. Pyris reached out to gently stop her from drinking too much, but Esmeralda waved him off, determined to get her story out.


    "They pushed me away, but what they didn''t know was that I hated them long before they ever cast me aside," she said, her eyes narrowing with anger.


    "All that talk of family, of loyalty¡ªit was a lie. I was never going to fit in with them, and I never wanted to. I''ve spent my life trying to prove that I''m better off without them."


    Pyris could sense the raw emotion in her voice, the bitterness that had built up over years of rejection and istion. As a Golden and Lust Dragon, he had developed a natural ability to sense when people were lying, and it was clear that Esmeralda''s hatred for her family was genuine.


    There was no deception here¡ªonly the truth of a woman who had long since abandoned any hope of reconciliation with her kin.


    As the night wore on, Esmeralda''s words grew slurred, her movements slower. She continued drinking, her frustrations and anger spilling out in waves as she recounted more of her painful history.


    Pyris listened quietly, letting her speak, asionally stopping her from downing too much alcohol at once.


    "You know," Esmeralda said with a softugh, "I''ve never felt more free than I do now. To hell with them all. The Obsidian family, you and your mother... you gave me a ce. That''s more than I can say for my own blood."


    She finally slumped forward, resting her head against Pyris''s chest. Her breaths were slow and even, her body rxing as the alcohol took hold. She had drunk herself into oblivion, her hatred and pain momentarily dulled by the haze of intoxication.


    Pyris sighed, looking down at her with a mixture of pity and understanding. Esmeralda was aplicated woman, driven by her emotions and the scars of her past. He admired her strength, but tonight, he saw a vulnerability in her that she rarely showed.


    Helpless, he gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he stood up from the table. The waitress had discreetly stepped out of sight, leaving them to their privacy. Pyris carried Esmeralda out to the car they had arrived in, her personal vehicle, and carefully ced her in the backseat.


    ____


    The drive to Obsidian Hotel was quiet, the city''s streets nearly empty at this hour. Pyris parked discreetly in the underground garage, avoiding the main entrance. The manager had been informed in advance, ensuring that no one but him was aware of Esmeralda''s condition.


    Thest thing they needed was for the public to see the newly appointed Vice-CEO of Obsidian Tech being carried through the halls, drunk and unconscious.


    Pyris carried her through a private elevator to her suite, the manager quickly unlocking the door and stepping aside. He gentlyid her down on therge, plush bed, pulling the covers over her.


    Esmeralda stirred slightly but remained asleep, her breathing soft and even.


    Without a word, Pyris left the suite, closing the door behind him.


    ___


    Later that night, Pyris made his way to the Obsidian Tower Penthouse, where Alexa was staying. At his request, she had moved into the luxurious penthouse, a ce reserved for only the most trusted members of House Obsidian. Alexa had been staying with Julienne, her close friend, now one of the top models and actresses under Obsidian Entertainment.


    As he stepped inside, Alexa greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes filled with a quiet longing.

 Chapter 93 Juliennes Curiosity**

    As Pyris stepped inside the penthouse, the warmth of the space immediately enveloped him. Alexa stood by therge floor-to-ceiling windows, her figure silhouetted against the city lights below.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She turned as he entered, a soft smile ying on her lips, her eyes filled with a quiet longing that only deepened as they met his.


    Without a word, Pyris closed the distance between them, his hands gently cupping her face as he leaned in to kiss her. The kiss was soft at first, slow and tender, but it quickly deepened, a surge of passion flooding through both of them.


    Alexa responded eagerly, her hands sliding up his chest to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer.


    Pyris pulled away just enough to catch his breath, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered, "Come with me."


    He guided her toward the kitchen, their fingers intertwined as they moved through the quiet penthouse. The tension between them was palpable, but there was no rush. Tonight, they had time. In the kitchen, Pyris opened the fridge, pulling out a simple meal they had ordered earlier but hadn''t touched.


    They shared quiet conversation as they ate, Alexa''s softughter filling the air as they discussed trivial matters, the intensity of their connection simmering just beneath the surface. Pyris''s eyes never left hers, and he could see the desire in the way she looked at him, the way her lips curved into that subtle, knowing smile.


    Once they had finished, Pyris moved behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, nting soft kisses along her skin. Alexa sighed contentedly, leaning into him as the warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine.


    Suddenly, without warning, Pyris scooped her up in his arms, causing Alexa to gasp in surprise, a giggle escaping her lips. He carried her over to the kitchen counter and set her down gently, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as she pulled him closer.


    Their eyes locked, the tension between them building to an almost unbearable point. Pyris ced his hands on either side of her, his body pressing against hers as their lips met again, this time with more urgency.


    The kiss was hot, filled with a passion that had been simmering between them for far too long. Alexa''s fingers threaded through his hair as she tugged him closer, her body arching into his.


    Pyris''s hands roamed her sides, slipping beneath the hem of her shirt as he felt the warmth of her skin beneath his fingers. His touch was gentle but firm, sending sparks of pleasure through Alexa''s body with every caress.


    She moaned softly against his lips, her breathsing faster as Pyris''s lips moved from her mouth to her neck, kissing and nibbling at the sensitive skin just below her ear. Her fingers tightened in his hair, pulling him closer as the heat between them continued to build.


    Pyris pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with desire as he looked at her. "You have no idea how long I''ve wanted this," he murmured, his voice low and husky.


    Alexa''s eyes sparkled with the same intensity as she smiled, pulling him in for another kiss. "Then don''t stop."


    Pyris growled with desire as he gently lifted her off the counter and caressed her thighs with his hands.


    With a moan in his neck, "Mhmm~~," she continued to suck on it as a surge of pleasure swept over her. Massaging her things, bringing her through the highs of pleasure, Pyris kissed her neck too, his hand traveling back into her blouse; with a loving soft caress, he would reach her peak mounds standing firm and steady, round in his palm.


    "Ohhh~ Pyris," she groaned as she gave him a strong back hug and wrapped her legs around him so that his other hand waspletely encircled.


    He drew his second hand back into her blouse and felt all over her warm skin, tracing every inch with his palm. Read new adventures at empire


    "Oh~mmm!" She could feel Pyris''s dragon rising in the heat of the moment as he sealed her lips with a deep kiss after she let out another moan.


    As his hand and kisses grew more intense, Alexa moaned and her body began to tremble. One of his hands reached her behind, pulling her skirt up to her thighs, and she was left sitting there only wearing her panty as thest line of defense against Pyris''s hand.


    "Fu~~?," she eximed, as he bit her neck and squeezed her nude ass. Her other personality was kicking it. Now she tore his shirt off with her hands over his back, revealing his smoldering upper body.


    "Mmmhmm~~?" She kissed his bare skin like a starving wolf, but Pyris stopped her; he freed himself before he could get down on his knee; he pulled her skirt off together with her panty, her love juice licking the spot where she sat.


    Red in the face, she covered her face.


    "You''re beautiful in every way, Alexa~" heplimented her, "my woman... Let me!" He spread her legs wide and then rested them on his shoulder, pressing his face deep into her thighs.


    Alexa moved louder as he kissed them slowly; his hands did not sit; they reached out to her now bare breasts and the softness of her round behind.


    "Amhhannn~" She moaned ecstatically, her head and back arched, and Pyris bit her inner thighs¡ªbut he did not stop there.


    His sensitive dragon nose was captivated by the sweet scent of her dampness, so he spread her legs apart and let her clitorise into view.


    With a simple flick of his tongue over it, Alexa moaned loudly as a wave of pleasure washed over her body; she came into his mouth.


    But they were far from done!


    Pyris nted kisses on her thighs, her body still sensitive with the climax; as he dived back into her pussy, Alexa couldn''t help moaning louder.


    Her hands in his hair, pushed his head deeper into her slit, his tongue going even deeper, and her body shivered.


    "Ahhh Pyris~~" her loud cries echoed. Unaware that their voices had attracted another person, Julienne leaned against the kitchen door, her hands dangerously entering her dress, watching her friend''s pussy being eaten by the man she admired so much.

 Chapter 94 Juliennes Curiosity** 2

    The journey through her territories continued to grow more intense the more Pyris savored her wet cave, juice overflowing with each step his tongue took deeper inside the swampy cave.


    Her loud, beautiful cries burned into his desires; they were a source of inspiration, pushing him forward into new and uncharted pleasure-filled territories that he knew had no boundaries.


    "Pyris ~~mmnnn~so much pleasure~" she cried, overwhelmed by pleasure, her hand pressed down on his head while the other pressed on his hand, massaging her breasts one to the other.


    Her back arched backward, and Pyris, his head buried in her thick thighs, relished in the sweetness of her wet cave.


    "Pyris?~ please..." She pulled him from her thighs with a powerful yank, as one would expect from a Rank 7 awakened; as she stood up, the sight of her open lips was appealing; kissing her softly, his hands hugged her back.


    "Alexa~, you like the idea of getting eaten in the kitchen where your friend can easily find us, do not you?" he asked, softly blowing in her ears.


    The idea of something like that happening excited her so much that she bit her lip in an attempt to refute those ims.


    "Pyris~ let''s go to the bedroom~" However, she betrayed the words with her actions as she undid his belt and let his pants fall down his legs.


    Pyris whispered, "No~," nibbling her ear as he squeezed her buttocks and pulled her body toward him, his protruding cock reaching out through his boxers to touch the wet pussy.


    "Not when you''re being like this~" It had been a long since hest had sex, which was already a huge burden for his Lust Dragon bloodline; his lust had intensified even more as he became a pure-blooded golden dragon, but it also made his Lust Bloodline even purer.


    Already on thest threads of his limits, Alexa held his bulging dragon within its captivity, giving it a sensual caress.


    "Then why don''t you eat me and get over with it!" He was even more shocked by her bravery when she pulled the boxer holding his dragon free, making it appear as though it were ready to soar through the "skies" and radiate lustful power. She let out a startled weep, realizing that it had grown evenrger and longer, almost not fitting her hand.


    She swallowed eagerly.


    "dly," he said as he released thest of the constraints and held his cock tenderly, teasing her pussy until it cried out of love juice.


    "Mmmmm ?~" Alexa closed her eyes and felt the electric surge of pleasure that was rushing through her; she was already on the verge of it before it even reached her territory.


    "Anh~," she muttered as the head began to poke through her cave''s tiny opening, which was guided by a sliding door by its moisture.


    "Very tight!" He let out a groan as the tightness of her ass sent waves of pleasure through him; it was euphoric.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "So biggggg~~~ your cock is so big Pyris!" She cried out, the pleasure outweighing the minor pain she was experiencing.


    Biting his shoulder, she gave him a tight hug before convulsing in his arms, their intimacy burying his long dragon even further.


    Although she wasn''t a virgin anymore, the size had overwhelmed her pussy, yet she wanted every bit of it; the pain just amplified the pleasure she was feeling.


    Pah! Pah!


    With a slow, rhythmic motion, Pyris started to pump her pussy, exuding a strong desire that made her exim, "Ohhhhhh ~~~ Pyris, this feels better than before, ahh~\\." Her only thoughts were of the cock ruining her pussy, and she could feel her sanity slipping away.


    "Mhmm? Really?" With a chuckle, he asked while elerating and gripping her behind.


    Her movements felt awkward for where she sat; her posterior begged for his attention.


    "Ahhmmnmm\\\\ yes, fuckkkkkk fuck me more~" She was swept off the counter by Pyris and into his arms, her legs uncontrobly encircling his waist.


    With swift, purposeful, and hard movement, he pumped in and out of her pussy. All she could do was groan aloud as her body bounced.


    His eyes darted to the door, and he smirked, ''She''s been holding on, good!'' Enjoy new tales from empire


    ____


    "This is crazy..." With a low, ecstatic voice, Julienne uttered, "How can someone have such a size?" She was awed. Her fingers continued to move inside her clothing, doing something? The scent of her love juice gave Pyris a hint.


    Unlike Alexa, Julienne wasn''t naive; she had a fair share of dick sizes. They did, after all, fill up online, but this much...


    "Oh my god, how lovely... Ahhh~~" She wet the ground beneath her as she cummed for the second time; the pleasure was genuine and unlike anything she had felt before.


    Something was missing; she was unable to experience the pleasure she desired.


    Her eyes focused on the cock of her boss as he fucked her friend, glowing in the low light of the kitchen with the fluids of their love encased in it.


    Her virgin pussy throbbed at the realization of what was missing, the thought of that dick inside it; she could already feel herself getting close to the top without even touching herself.


    She wanted it so badly, but she was unable to force herself to take the necessary action.


    "Alexa~~, how will it feel inside of me?" her eyes whispered, the longing in them, the longing she spoke; her friend was having the best time of her life.


    She was enjoying herself as Pyris fucked her; her eyes were rolling.


    He settled her to the ground and made her lean on the counter, her ass facing him, she lifted herself slightly, and Pyris rammed into her pussy.


    His cock was more apparent from that angle, and Julienne covered her mouth in disbelief. She couldn''t help gasping, Alexa''s pussy was contracting each time to wee his cock, trying so much to fit it in. It was molding Alexa''s pussy to fit its size due to its sheer size, length, and power.


    The sight left her mouth open in a tantalizing way, but her pussy was the one that was dripping with love juice.


    She was starting to lose control of herself due to the overwhelming scene.


    "No, I can''t do this anymore!" She had decided, she made her decision, this was too much for her to take anymore, she took the first step!

 Chapter 95 The Morning After – The Awakening of Alexa Eloise!

    (If possible skip this chapter to the next one)


    SKIP THIS CHAPTER TO ANOTHER ONE!


    As thest of her powers awakened, Alexa''s body lifted slightly off the bed, her arms outstretched as golden light bathed the room. The divine energy surged again, threatening to break free from the barrier that Song and Mira had created.


    But then, just as quickly as it had begun, the energy subsided. Alexa''s body slowly lowered back onto the bed, the light around her dimming until it was no more than a faint glow. Her breathing steadied, and her Divine Eyes closed once again, the power within her retreating.


    Pyris exhaled, his heart pounding in his chest. The danger had passed, but the shock of what had just urred lingered.


    Emberly stepped forward, her gaze lingering on Alexa''s peaceful form. "She''s more powerful than we ever imagined," she whispered. "We need to be careful."


    Pyris nodded, still reeling from the intensity of it all. "She''s connected to something far greater than we realized."


    Song and Mira finished sealing the room, their void magic ensuring that no trace of the energy had leaked out to alert the rest of the world.


    "She''ll be fine now," Song said, his voice steady. "But we''ll need to monitor her closely. The gods and immortals would have felt that surge if not for us and they would''ve descended upon her already."


    Pyris stepped closer to the bed, gazing down at Alexa''s serene face. His feelings for her had deepened in ways he hadn''t anticipated. She wasn''t just any girl¡ªshe was something far more, something extraordinary.


    "Rest now, Alexa," he whispered, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face. "We''ll protect you."


    The storm had passed for now, but Pyris knew this was only the beginning. Alexa''s awakening would have consequences far beyond what any of them could predict. The gods were watching, and soon, the battle for her¡ªand for the future of Argos¡ªwould begin.


    _____


    The soft glow of morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue over the room. Alexa stirred beneath the sheets, her body still humming with the unfamiliar but immense power she had awakened the night before. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she noticed was a presence beside her.


    Pyris.


    He sat on a small sofa near the bed, his head resting on the soft mattress where shey, his white hair syed out like silk across the bedspread. He looked peaceful, his face calm and untroubled for the first time since the chaos of the night before.


    A flood of memories rushed back to her¡ªthe surge of energy, the blinding light, the overwhelming power she had never known existed inside her. And Pyris, who had been there through it all, his essence intertwined with hers.


    She recalled how his golden dragon heritage had somehow awakened the divine power within her.


    Alexa smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection as she reached out to gently caress his hair, her fingers running through the silky strands with care. The touch stirred him, and slowly, his eyes opened, those deep amethyst orbs locking with hers. For a moment, neither of them said anything, simply basking in the warmth of the moment.


    (Pyris''s eyes can turn between amethyst and gold)


    "Morning," Pyris murmured, his voice groggy but soft as he lifted his head, smiling sleepily at her.


    "Morning," Alexa replied, her fingers still tangled in his hair. She couldn''t help but notice how much more aware she felt¡ªhow the very energy of the room seemed to pulse in rhythm with her heart. She felt stronger, more connected to the world in ways she couldn''t exin.


    Pyris sat up a little straighter, leaning on the bed as he took her hand. "How are you feeling?"


    Alexa thought for a moment before answering. "I feel... different. Stronger. More... alive." Her eyes searched his, and she could see the concern and curiosity flickering in them.


    He nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. "What happenedst night... it was more than just an awakening. It was like your entire being changed."


    She sat up fully, the sheets falling around her, and that''s when Pyris saw the difference. She was more radiant, her hair glowing with a deeper, richer shade of gold. Her eyes, once a piercing blue, now shimmered with a golden light, as if they held the essence of the gods themselves. She looked... divine.


    "You''ve changed," Pyris remarked, still in awe. "Your beauty... your presence. It''s unlike anything I''ve ever seen."


    Alexa nced down at herself, noticing for the first time how much her body had changed. She was taller, more refined, and the energy coursing through her veins felt limitless. She flexed her fingers slightly, feeling the golden energy pulsing beneath her skin.


    "It''s because of you, Pyris," she said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Your essence... your golden dragon heritage awakened something inside me. Something I never knew existed."


    Discover stories at empire


    Pyris sat beside her, his hand resting on her leg as he gazed at her in amazement. "My power, it must have triggered your divine bloodline. You weren''t just awakening¡ªmy golden dragon essence unlocked what had been sealed inside you."


    Alexa nodded, recalling the surge of energy that had erupted from her body the night before. "I can feel it now. This... power. I canmand the golden energy of the godly realm. It''s like a part of me has been connected to something far greater than I canprehend."


    Pyris smiled, his eyes filled with pride. "You''re not just powerful, Alexa. You''re extraordinary. I can feel the strength in you¡ªyou''re a Rank 9 Awakened now, just like me."


    "Rank 9..." Alexa whispered, the weight of her newfound strength sinking in. She had gone from being a Rank 5 Awakened to standing at the same level as Pyris, able to face the most dangerous and powerful beings in Argos. She wasn''t just Alexa Eloise anymore¡ªshe was someone capable of altering the very bnce of power in the world.


    They sat there in silence for a few moments, taking it all in. The changes, the bond between them, and the love that had only grown stronger with each passing day.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Finally, Pyris leaned in, wrapping his arms around her in a soft embrace. "You''re incredible, Alexa," he whispered into her hair. "And I''m so proud of you."


    Alexa smiled, nestling into his embrace, the warmth of his body making her feel safe, despite the immense power she now wielded. "I couldn''t have done it without you," she whispered back, feeling his breath on her skin.


    They held each other for a few more moments, enjoying the quiet peace before the day''s demands would pull them apart. After a while, Pyris pulled back slightly, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.


    "We should probably get up. The others will be waiting for us downstairs," Pyris said, his voice gentle but with a note of urgency. "Besides, I have a feeling that there''s much we need to discuss aboutst night."


    Alexa nodded, the warmth of his kiss still lingering on her skin. "Let''s go."

 Chapter 96 Child Of The Godly Realm! 2

    The night sky was clear as Pyris drove back home, his thoughts swirling in his mind as he reyed the day''s events. Song, his guard andpanion, sat quietly in the passenger seat, observing his master.


    Pyris hadn''t noticed the subtle shifts in the energies around them, but Song had. Something was brewing¡ªsomething big.


    As they approached the Obsidian estate, Song could feel it even more strongly, though Pyris remained unaware. He was lost in thought, too preupied with everything going on in his life¡ªthe tensions with Sly Mines, Esmeralda''s appointment, and the mysterious pull he felt toward Alexa.


    He entered the house, quietly stepping inside. It waste, the mansion bathed in moonlight and silence. But Rose sat in the living room, waiting for him.


    "You didn''t need to wait up for me, Rose," Pyris said, touched by her gesture, he smiled warmly offering her a peck on the cheeks.


    For weeks he''s been making subtle moves on Rose meant to strengthen their bond and she was weing each of his actions with affection.


    "I just wanted to make sure you were safe," she replied softly, offering him a gentle smile before heading off to bed.


    Once Rose had left, Pyris moved silently through the house, checking in on Alera. She slept soundly, her beauty enhanced by the life she had found since being rescued. The room was dimly lit¡ªan odd preference for someone who wielded dark powers, but it suited her. Tucking her in, Pyris left her room and headed to his sister Aurelia''s chamber, checking on her as well before slipping into his own room.


    He drifted off into sleep, unaware of the storm brewing just beyond the dream realms.


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    ____


    Pyris was jolted awake by the sudden buzzing of his phone. The sound pierced through the silence of the night, his hand instinctively reaching for it. The screen shed with Alexa''s name, but something was off. It wasn''t like her to call thiste.


    "Alexa?" Pyris answered groggily, but a different voice responded.


    "Boss! Come here now! I didn''t know who else to call!" Julienne''s voice came through the line, panic and fear evident in her tone.


    "Julienne? Slow down. What''s happening?" Pyris asked, sitting up quickly, his instincts kicking in.


    "It''s Alexa! Something''s wrong with her, please hurry!" Julienne''s voice trembled as she spoke, before the call abruptly disconnected.


    Pyris''s heart raced. His mind immediately jumped to the worst possible scenarios¡ªwhat if something terrible had happened to her? He couldn''t bear the thought. Alexa, despite her reserved demeanor, had be important to him in ways he hadn''t yet fully realized.


    Then it hit him!


    Without hesitation, Pyris leapt out of bed and grabbed a set of clothes from his inventory, dressing in an instant.


    "MOM! COME TO THE HOTEL NOW!" Pyris shouted into his phone as he called Emberly. The urgency in his voice carried through as he disconnected, running barefoot out of the house.


    Just as shimmering golden dragon wings began to sprout from his back, Song appeared out of the shadows, his voice calm butmanding. "Young Lord, stop! I will take you."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Pyris was trembling, his fear and worry evident. Song waved his hand, summoning a dark portal¡ªone of the many powers he controlled through the void. They stepped through, emerging instantly at the penthouse where Alexa was staying. As they arrived, Emberly appeared next to them, her nightwear fluttering in the breeze.


    By her side stood another woman, whose identity Pyris couldn''t focus on in his current state.


    Without waiting for an exnation, Pyris bolted past them and into Alexa''s bedroom.


    ____


    The air was thick with tension, energy swirling violently throughout the penthouse as if the very fabric of reality was being torn apart. Inside Alexa''s room, the temperature fluctuated wildly¡ªone moment freezing cold, the next burning hot. The walls hummed withtent magic, threatening to shatter under the immense pressure of what was happening.


    Pyris pushed the door open, and what he saw took his breath away. Alexay in bed, her body glowing with a golden light, her skin shimmering with power. Her entire form was illuminated, and the air around her vibrated with a divine energy that Pyris had never sensed before.


    The power was almost overwhelming, and he could feel it pulsing, reaching out beyond the room, threatening to alert every powerful entity in Argos and beyond.


    Emberly entered the room behind him, her face filled with concern and understanding. "She''s awakening..." she whispered, watching as the energy around Alexa continued to grow. "We need to contain this. Song! Mira! Now!"


    At Emberly''smand, Song and the mysterious woman, Mira, moved swiftly. Both of them had deep connections to the void, and they began weaving a protective barrier around the room, wrapping it inyers of shadow and darkness, sealing off the awakening energy that was threatening to burst out.


    The air crackled as the barrier took hold, trapping the divine energy within the room, preventing it from spilling out into the rest of the world. Song and Mira worked in tandem, their movements synchronized as they held the power in check.


    Pyris stood at the edge of the room, his eyes fixed on Alexa. He had no idea she had this kind of power within her, and the intensity of it shook him to his core.


    Her body shifted in the bed, glowing even brighter as a soft gasp escaped her lips. The air shimmered with light, and the divine energy that radiated from her grew fiercer, more focused. The power that had once been sealed within her bloodline was now being fully realized.


    Her Divine Eyes fluttered open, glowing with an ethereal light as the full weight of her heritage descended upon her. The Fate Dreamer, the Child of the World, was awakening.


    ____


    Fate Dreamer: This ability allows Alexa to see the threads of fate. With her awakening, she can glimpse future events, manipte probabilities, and alter the destiny of those around her. However, using this abilityes with a heavy price¡ªit drains her life force if overused, and it requires immense focus to wield correctly.


    Divine Eyes: A gift from her divine ancestry, these eyes allow Alexa to see beyond the physical realm. She can peer into the essence of things, revealing hidden truths, lies, and even the very fabric of magic. Her Divine Eyes can also be used offensively, unleashing beams of holy energy capable of obliterating foes.


    Child of the World: Alexa is deeply connected to the existence of Godly Realm itself. This power grants her the ability to control nature and the elements, particrly light and divinity. She can channel the world''s energy through her body, granting her enhanced strength, speed, and endurance.


    At full power, she can manipte the very fabric of the world around her, bending it to her will.


    Now all the information, the system was disying them for him, still she wouldn''t fully use all these abilities at the start.

 Chapter 97 Correction Chapter (sorry guys)

    As thest of her powers awakened, Alexa''s body lifted slightly off the bed, her arms outstretched as golden light bathed the room. The divine energy surged again, threatening to break free from the barrier that Song and Mira had created.


    But then, just as quickly as it had begun, the energy subsided. Alexa''s body slowly lowered back onto the bed, the light around her dimming until it was no more than a faint glow. Her breathing steadied, and her Divine Eyes closed once again, the power within her retreating.


    Pyris exhaled, his heart pounding in his chest. The danger had passed, but the shock of what had just urred lingered.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Emberly stepped forward, her gaze lingering on Alexa''s peaceful form. "She''s more powerful than we ever imagined," she whispered. "We need to be careful."


    Pyris nodded, still reeling from the intensity of it all. "She''s connected to something far greater than we realized."


    Song and Mira finished sealing the room, their void magic ensuring that no trace of the energy had leaked out to alert the rest of the world.


    "She''ll be fine now," Song said, his voice steady. "But we''ll need to monitor her closely. The gods and immortals would have felt that surge if not for us and they would''ve descended upon her already."


    Pyris stepped closer to the bed, gazing down at Alexa''s serene face. His feelings for her had deepened in ways he hadn''t anticipated. She wasn''t just any girl¡ªshe was something far more, something extraordinary.


    "Rest now, Alexa," he whispered, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face. "We''ll protect you."


    The storm had passed for now, but Pyris knew this was only the beginning. Alexa''s awakening would have consequences far beyond what any of them could predict. The gods were watching, and soon, the battle for her¡ªand for the future of Argos¡ªwould begin.


    _____


    The soft glow of morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue over the room. Alexa stirred beneath the sheets, her body still humming with the unfamiliar but immense power she had awakened the night before. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she noticed was a presence beside her.


    Pyris.


    He sat on a small sofa near the bed, his head resting on the soft mattress where shey, his white hair syed out like silk across the bedspread. He looked peaceful, his face calm and untroubled for the first time since the chaos of the night before.


    A flood of memories rushed back to her¡ªthe surge of energy, the blinding light, the overwhelming power she had never known existed inside her. And Pyris, who had been there through it all, his essence intertwined with hers.


    She recalled how his golden dragon heritage had somehow awakened the divine power within her.


    Alexa smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection as she reached out to gently caress his hair, her fingers running through the silky strands with care. The touch stirred him, and slowly, his eyes opened, those deep amethyst orbs locking with hers. For a moment, neither of them said anything, simply basking in the warmth of the moment.


    (Pyris''s eyes can turn between amethyst and gold)


    "Morning," Pyris murmured, his voice groggy but soft as he lifted his head, smiling sleepily at her.


    "Morning," Alexa replied, her fingers still tangled in his hair. She couldn''t help but notice how much more aware she felt¡ªhow the very energy of the room seemed to pulse in rhythm with her heart. She felt stronger, more connected to the world in ways she couldn''t exin.


    Pyris sat up a little straighter, leaning on the bed as he took her hand. "How are you feeling?"


    Alexa thought for a moment before answering. "I feel... different. Stronger. More... alive." Her eyes searched his, and she could see the concern and curiosity flickering in them.


    He nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. "What happenedst night... it was more than just an awakening. It was like your entire being changed."


    She sat up fully, the sheets falling around her, and that''s when Pyris saw the difference. She was more radiant, her hair glowing with a deeper, richer shade of gold. Her eyes, once a piercing blue, now shimmered with a golden light, as if they held the essence of the gods themselves. She looked... divine.


    "You''ve changed," Pyris remarked, still in awe. "Your beauty... your presence. It''s unlike anything I''ve ever seen."


    Alexa nced down at herself, noticing for the first time how much her body had changed. She was taller, more refined, and the energy coursing through her veins felt limitless. She flexed her fingers slightly, feeling the golden energy pulsing beneath her skin.


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    "It''s because of you, Pyris," she said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Your essence... your golden dragon heritage awakened something inside me. Something I never knew existed."


    Pyris sat beside her, his hand resting on her leg as he gazed at her in amazement. "My power, it must have triggered your divine bloodline. You weren''t just awakening¡ªmy golden dragon essence unlocked what had been sealed inside you."


    Alexa nodded, recalling the surge of energy that had erupted from her body the night before. "I can feel it now. This... power. I canmand the golden energy of the godly realm. It''s like a part of me has been connected to something far greater than I canprehend."


    Pyris smiled, his eyes filled with pride. "You''re not just powerful, Alexa. You''re extraordinary. I can feel the strength in you¡ªyou''re a Rank 9 Awakened now, just like me."


    "Rank 9..." Alexa whispered, the weight of her newfound strength sinking in. She had gone from being a Rank 5 Awakened to standing at the same level as Pyris, able to face the most dangerous and powerful beings in Argos. She wasn''t just Alexa Eloise anymore¡ªshe was someone capable of altering the very bnce of power in the world.


    They sat there in silence for a few moments, taking it all in. The changes, the bond between them, and the love that had only grown stronger with each passing day.


    Finally, Pyris leaned in, wrapping his arms around her in a soft embrace. "You''re incredible, Alexa," he whispered into her hair. "And I''m so proud of you."


    Alexa smiled, nestling into his embrace, the warmth of his body making her feel safe, despite the immense power she now wielded. "I couldn''t have done it without you," she whispered back, feeling his breath on her skin.


    They held each other for a few more moments, enjoying the quiet peace before the day''s demands would pull them apart. After a while, Pyris pulled back slightly, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.


    "We should probably get up. The others will be waiting for us downstairs," Pyris said, his voice gentle but with a note of urgency. "Besides, I have a feeling that there''s much we need to discuss aboutst night."


    Alexa nodded, the warmth of his kiss still lingering on her skin. "Let''s go."


    After getting dressed, Pyris and Alexa descended the stairs to join Emberly, Song, Mira, and Julienne for breakfast. The atmosphere in the dining room was calm, but beneath the surface, there was an undeniable tension¡ªa shared understanding thatst night had changed everything.


    Emberly greeted them with a warm smile as they entered. "Good morning," she said, her eyes flicking to Alexa with a hint of admiration. "It seems you''ve awakened something truly remarkable."


    "Good morning, Mother," Pyris replied, his hand resting protectively on Alexa''s lower back as they took their seats. "Yes, we have much to talk about."


    Before the conversation could continue, Emberly gestured to Mira, who had been sitting quietly at the table. "Pyris, I''d like to introduce you to Mira. She''s the leader of the Phantoms and has been working closely with me."


    Mira, a striking woman with an air of authority, nodded respectfully. Her connection to the void was strong¡ªjust as it had been the night before when she helped Song contain Alexa''s awakening energy. "It''s an honor to finally meet you, Pyris," she said, her voice calm but with a steel-like edge.


    Pyris inclined his head in greeting. "Thank you for your helpst night. We couldn''t have contained it without you."


    Mira gave a slight smile. "It was my duty. But you should know... the awakening of power such as Alexa''s will not go unnoticed for long. There are eyes everywhere, and they will be watching."


    Pyris nodded, knowing full well what Mira meant. The gods, immortals, and countless others would soon be aware of what had transpired, and it was only a matter of time before they made their moves.


    As they continued to discuss the events of the previous night, Pyris''s phone buzzed on the table. He nced down at the screen, and his expression hardened.


    It was time to deal with Sly Mines and Ss.


    The academy would have to wait. This battle was far more important, and his time there was bing increasingly rare.


    With a deep breath, Pyris stood from the table. "Looks like duty calls," he said, his voice filled with determination. "We need to deal with Sly Mines¡ªand Ss."


    Emberly and the others nodded, understanding the gravity of what was toe.


    Pyris turned to Alexa, his hand brushing against hers. "Are you ready?"


    Alexa met his gaze, her golden eyes filled with newfound strength and resolve. "I am."


    Together, they were about to face a new challenge. And this time, nothing would stand in their way.

 Chapter 98 The Fall of Sly Mines – Phase Two!

    The golden light of the morning sun filtered into the office as Pyris and Alexa prepared for the day ahead. The previous night''s awakening had left them both with a renewed sense of purpose, and now, it was time to act.


    Sly Mines was the next target.


    Their operations had begun to undermine House Obsidian''s business empire, and their connections to powerful figures like Ss and the royal families of the Dragon and Vampire empires made them a serious threat.


    Pyris stood in his office, reviewing the details of their n. His alter ego, Petne Chaos, would y a significant role in theing conflict, operating in the shadows as he dismantled Sly Mines from within.


    He nced over at Alexa, her golden hair shimmering in the morning light. She had grown even stronger after her awakening, and he knew she would be a vital part of what came next.


    "Are you ready?" Pyris asked, his voice steady butced with the tension of what was toe.


    Alexa nodded, her golden eyes burning with determination. "More than ever."


    Pyris turned his gaze to the city outside. This was the day they would bring Sly Mines down, once and for all. But first, they needed to set everything into motion.


    ____


    Petne Chaos moved through the shadowed streets of the capital, slipping effortlessly through the cracks in the city''s security. His face was hidden beneath a dark cloak, his presence barely noticeable as he entered an undergroundwork of informants and contacts that he had built over the years.


    His mind was focused on the task ahead.


    Sly Mines had been supported from the shadows by both the Dragon and Vampire royal families. Their aim was to undermine Obsidian Mines, and in doing so, destabilize the economy of the empire.


    Pyris knew that the key to taking them downy in exposing their corruption and cutting off the financial ties that kept them afloat.


    Petne entered a dimly lit room where several high-level informants waited. These were people who thrived in the dark corners of society, their loyalty not to nations or families, but to the highest bidder.


    Petne didn''t need their loyalty¡ªonly their information.


    "We''ve located the key financial institutions backing Sly Mines," one of the informants said, sliding a set of documents across the table. "But it''s worse than you think. They''re more deeply connected to the Dragon Imperial Family than we realized. They''ve been using shellpanies and hidden assets to funnel money into Sly Mines."


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    Petne picked up the documents, his eyes scanning the details. The scope of the operation was vast, involving hidden investors from the Vampire and Dragon empires, but that didn''t intimidate him. He had dealt with worse.


    He leaned forward, his voice low and menacing. "Tell me who the key yers are."


    The informant hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Dragomir Skalethorn from the Dragon Empire and Valeria Sangrave from the Vampire Empire. They control thergest shares in Sly Mines through proxies. But they''re careful¡ªif you move too soon, they''ll vanish without a trace."


    Petne smiled beneath his cloak. "Let them try."


    He stood, slipping the documents into his cloak. The time hade for the second phase of their n.


    ____


    Back at the Obsidian Tower, Pyris stood in the boardroom, surrounded by Emberly, Alexa, and Mira, the leader of the Phantoms. Song stood nearby, his expression stoic as ever. This wasn''t just a battle of business¡ªit was a battle of power, influence, and survival.


    "The financial attack begins today," Pyris said, cing the documents Petne had acquired on the table. "We''ll cut off the flow of money into Sly Mines, but we''ll need more than just that. We have to dismantle their infrastructure and take down their leaders."


    Mira, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "The Phantoms are ready. We''ve been monitoring Valeria Sangrave and her operations within the Vampire Empire. She won''t be easy to track, but once she''s isted, we''ll take her down."


    Emberly nodded. "What about Dragomir Skalethorn?"


    Pyris nced at Alexa, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Alexa and I will handle Dragomir. His power may be formidable, but with her newfound strength and my dragon abilities, we''ll be more than a match for him."


    Alexa smiled, her eyes glowing with the same golden energy she had awakened the night before. "He won''t know what hit him."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Emberly ced a hand on Pyris''s shoulder. "Just be careful. Dragomir is cunning, and his reach extends far beyond what we can see."


    Pyris nodded. "We''ll be ready."


    ____


    The financial onught began at midday. Using Petne Chaos''swork, Pyris and his teamunched a coordinated attack on the hidden assets and shellpanies that had been propping up Sly Mines.


    Bank ounts were frozen, investments were exposed, and the flow of money into thepany ground to a halt.


    At the same time, Mira and her Phantoms targeted Valeria Sangrave. The Vampire Empire was notorious for its secrecy, but Mira''s team had already infiltrated their inner circle. They moved swiftly, dismantling her operations one by one until Valeria was left isted, her influence crumbling around her.


    But the real battle was yet toe.


    _____


    Pyris and Alexa made their way to a remote estate on the outskirts of the Dragon Empire, where Dragomir Skalethorn had been operating in secret. The estate was heavily guarded, but that didn''t matter to them. They hade prepared.


    Pyris stood at the entrance, his golden dragon aura radiating power as Alexa stood beside him, her presence equally imposing. She could now control the Golden Energy of the godly realm, something even Pyris couldn''t fully wield. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with.


    "I''ll deal with the guards," Alexa said, her voice calm and confident.


    Pyris nodded. "I''ll find Dragomir."


    Without another word, they moved. Alexa''s power surged around her as she raised her hand, golden light forming in the air. The guards barely had time to react before the energy enveloped them, rendering them unconscious in an instant.


    Pyris slipped through the shadows, his movements quick and precise as he made his way to the heart of the estate.


    The night sky above Dragomir Skalethorn''s remote estate was quiet, but inside, chaos was about to unfold.


    Petne Chaos¡ªthe shadowy identity of Pyris Obsidian¡ªmoved through the shadows of the Dragon Empire''s powerful base.


    Cloaked in darkness, his presence was concealed even from the most alert guards. With him was Song, the void-user and master of phantoms, quietly covering their tracks as they infiltrated the heart of Sly Mines'' key operations.


    Their mission wasn''t to kill Dragomir¡ªnot yet, at least. The time to remove him woulde, but there were more strategic moves to be made first. Petne''s goal was simple: weaken Sly Mines, gain influence, and cripple their connection to Dragon Mines without revealing Obsidian Tech''s true hand.

 Chapter 99 Petne Chaos vs. Dragomir Skalethorn

    As they advanced, Petne''s mind was focused on the next phase of his n. While the destruction of Sly Mines would have been satisfying, it wasn''t the right move¡ªnot yet. Pyris''s long-term goal was to control Sly Mines and use its existing ties to target Dragon Mines.


    To do that, he needed to control key assets, make strategic moves, and remain in the shadows.


    The proxies and investors behind Sly Mines still held significant power, and Dragomir wasn''t a man easily broken. This would take precision.


    ____


    In the grand hall of the estate, Dragomir Skalethorn sat surrounded by his advisors, blissfully unaware of the dark presence approaching. He was a massive figure, exuding confidence and power, his influence stretching throughout the Dragon Empire.


    He had been warned that Sly Mines was under attack¡ªfinancially and operationally¡ªbut Dragomir believed he had the strength and resources to weather the storm.


    After all, he was a key figure in the Dragon Imperial Family''s support of Sly Mines.


    That confidence quickly vanished as Petne Chaos appeared from the shadows, his dark cloak concealing his identity. The air around him shifted as his void energy permeated the room, creating an eerie silence.


    Dragomir''s eyes widened in shock as he turned to face the mysterious intruder. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice deep andmanding. "How did you get past my guards?"


    Petne Chaos said nothing at first, his cold, calcting gaze locking onto Dragomir''s. He took a slow step forward, his presence almost supernatural in its intensity.


    "Who I am is irrelevant," Petne finally spoke, his voice low and ominous. "What matters is that you''ve overstayed your wee in the world of business, Dragomir. Sly Mines is crumbling, and soon, so will your control over it."


    Dragomir stood, towering over Petne as his advisors backed away in fear. "You think you cane here and threaten me?" he growled. "I am Dragomir Skalethorn of the Dragon Empire. Sly Mines is mine."


    Petne''s lips curled into a slight smirk beneath his hood. "Not for long."


    Without warning, Dragomirshed out, his fiery dragon element ring to life as heunched a brutal attack. mes erupted from his hands, engulfing the room in a wave of heat. But Petne was already moving, his body slipping into the shadows with ease.


    The mes passed through the space where he had been standing, leaving nothing but scorched marble in their wake.


    "I control this domain, intruder!" Dragomir bellowed, summoning more mes that coiled like serpents around his arms.


    But Petne was faster, using his void powers to warp through the room, appearing and disappearing in rapid session. Dragomir''s attacks were powerful, but they couldn''t touch him. Every strike missed its mark as Petne danced through the darkness, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


    "Your strength is impressive," Petne said coolly, his voice echoing in the hall. "But strength alone won''t save you."


    With a sudden burst of speed, Petne closed the distance between them, his hand surging with dark energy as he struck Dragomir in the chest. The impact sent Dragomir staggering back, but it wasn''t enough to take him down.


    The dragon lord growled in fury, mes erupting from his body in an uncontrolled rage.


    Just as Dragomir prepared to unleash another deadly attack, Song stepped from the shadows, his presence barely noticeable until now. With a wave of his hand, the air around Dragomir distorted, as if the very fabric of reality was bending under Song''smand.


    The void energy swirled around Dragomir, weakening his mes and disrupting his attacks. His eyes widened as he realized he was no longer in control of the battle.


    "You... who are you?" Dragomir demanded, his voice trembling with fury and confusion. "How can you do this?"


    Petne Chaos stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "This is just a taste of what''s toe, Dragomir. Your empire is crumbling, and there''s nothing you can do to stop it."


    Dragomir, now fully aware of the threat he faced, realized he was outmatched. He needed to escape before things turned fatal. With a quick burst of me, he created a smokescreen, the fire blinding both Petne and Song for just a moment. It was all the time he needed.


    In an instant, Dragomir vanished from the hall, escaping into the night.


    Petne watched as the mes dissipated, his expression calm. He hadn''te to kill Dragomir¡ªnot yet. His mission was to weaken Sly Mines, to destabilize their hold without tipping his hand too early.


    "That went as nned," Song said, stepping forward, his voice quiet as always.


    Petne nodded. "Let him run. He''ll return to his proxies, and we''ll use that to our advantage."


    ____


    By the time dawn arrived, Petne Chaos and Song had vanished, leaving no trace of their presence. Dragomir, shaken but alive, had retreated to regroup. But the damage had already been done.


    Pyris Obsidian, now back in his true identity, sat in his office reviewing thetest developments. With Petne Chaos''s help, they had destabilized Sly Mines, weakening their control withoutpletely destroying it. But that wasn''t the end of the n.


    Pyris''s aim wasn''t to bring Sly Mines to ruin, but to use it.


    Sly Mines had deep connections with the Dragon Empire, and Pyris intended to exploit that. By weakening Sly Mines just enough, he had positioned himself to start buying more shares in thepany. By slowly gaining control, he would be able to use Sly Mines as a tool to go after Dragon Mines, the true target.


    His ultimate goal was to acquire 30% of Dragon Mines'' shares, paying back the Dragon Imperial Family for their betrayal. But first, he had to deal with Ss, who still posed a significant threat to House Obsidian.


    As Pyris leaned back in his chair, the pieces of his n falling into ce, his phone buzzed. It was a notification that another block of shares in Sly Mines had been acquired under an alias he controlled.


    Good.


    They were making progress.


    But this was only the beginning. The battle against Ss was far from over, and the war with the Dragon Empire was just starting. With Petne Chaos working in the shadows and Alexa by his side, Pyris knew that House Obsidian would emerge victorious.


    He would see to it personally.


    ____n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The confrontation with Dragomir had gone ording to n. Though the dragon lord had escaped, Petne Chaos had seeded in weakening him, forcing him to retreat to his proxies. Now, it was time to use Sly Mines against the very empire that had backed it.


    Pyris Obsidian wasn''t ying to destroy his enemies.


    He was ying to own them.


    And soon, the Dragon Mines would be next.

 Chapter 100 The Fall of Giants!

    A few Years Ago!


    Across the sprawlingnds of Argos, the world''s most powerful empires¡ªhuman, vampire, beast-human, demon, and elven¡ªvied for dominance, not just through politics and war but through control over one of the most coveted resources: magical minerals.


    Though each empire had its own miningpanies and powerful industries, there was one entity that stood above them all: Dragon Mines.


    "Dragon Mines," people would say in hushed tones, "it''s not just apany. It''s an empire within an empire."


    Dragon Mines was the undisputed leader in extracting and refining magical minerals like mana cores, dragonscale crystals, and aether stones.


    These were the lifeblood of Argos''s magical and industrial economy, powering everything from enchanted weaponry to entire cities. At the heart of this colossal operation was the Valyrian family, the ruling house of the Dragon Empire. Thepany was their crown jewel, and the world knew it.


    Emperor Drakos Valyrian sat at the top of both the empire and its prized miningpany. The emperor, a towering figure known for his cold, calcting gaze and iron grip over the empire''s economy, had built Dragon Mines into a titan.


    His connection to thepany wasn''t just business¡ªit was personal.


    Imperial Court


    "Emperor Drakos, our empire grows fat on the spoils of Dragon Mines. But what happens when the resources run dry?" The question was posed by a certain lord, a high-ranking official of the Dragon Empire''s council.


    Drakos Valyrian leaned back in his grand throne, his piercing eyes fixing on the man.


    His voice was deep, measured, andced with cold authority. "When Dragon Mines ceases to find new veins, then we will look deeper. And if thends of Argos run dry, we will look beyond. There are always more worlds to conquer."


    A wishful thinking!


    A murmur rippled through the room, the gathered nobles exchanging uneasy nces. Drakos had no interest in letting anyone believe that Dragon Mines, or his empire, could ever falter.


    "We hold thergest mana core reserves in the world," Drakos continued, his voice booming through the hall. "No one can challenge our reach. Not Bloodstone Enterprises of the Vampire Empire, nor Ironfang Minerals of the Beast-Humans. They mine pebblespared to us."


    It was a deration of dominance, one that few dared to challenge. But despite his confidence, there was one name that lingered in the minds of all present: Obsidian Mines.


    ____


    Despite Dragon Mines'' undisputed reign, there was one entity that had grownrge enough to cast a shadow even over them¡ªObsidian Mines, the secondrgest mineralpany in Argos. Owned by House Obsidian, their operations were closely tied to the dark and vtile resources of the Obsidian Abyss, a region few dared to venture.


    At the helm of Obsidian Mines was Emberly Obsidian, Duchess of the Dragon Empire and a formidable figure in her own right.


    The mistress and director of Obsidian Empire!


    Though she was of noble blood, Emberly and Drakos never stood onmon ground. Their rivalry was well known in the imperial court.


    _____n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the opulent chambers of the Imperial Pce, Emberly stood across from Drakos. There was a tension in the air, sharp and electric, as the two regarded each other. Though they shared a history, their dealings had always been more adversarial than cooperative.


    "You''ve expanded too far, Emberly," Drakos said, his voice low but edged with a warning. "Obsidian Mines is growing faster than even you can control. You''re stepping into territory that''s best left alone."


    Emberly''s expression remained calm, though her eyes were sharp. "And by territory, you mean Dragon Mines'' stranglehold on Argos'' resources?" she replied, her tone icy. "I''m not interested in ying by your rules, Drakos. House Obsidian has always charted its own path."


    There was no fear in her eyes, her voice firm as she called the emperor by hos name!


    A flicker of a smile crossed Drakos''s face, though it held no warmth. "You''ve done well, Duchess. But remember, Dragon Mines was here long before you started pulling shadows from the Abyss. We are the foundation of this empire''s economy. Without us, the Dragon Empire wouldn''t exist."


    Emberly stepped forward, her presence radiating power and grace. "Without Dragon Mines, maybe this empire would finally be free of your greed."


    The tension in the room thickened. It wasn''t the first time they had traded barbs, and it certainly wouldn''t be thest. But behind their words, both knew the stakes.


    Dragon Mines had the might of an empire behind it, but Obsidian Mines was quickly closing in, gaining influence, and edging into Drakos''s control over the mineral market.


    While Dragon Mines was a giant, it was not without rivals. Each empire had its own mineralpany, though none could truly match the scale of Dragon Mines or Obsidian Mines.


    The Human Empire, under the rule of the Eloise family, operated Silverlight Extraction, specializing in rare elemental stones. The Vampire Empire''s Bloodstone Enterprises was known for its secretive operations in the most dangerous parts of Argos, often mining forbiddennds where dark magic thrived.


    The Beast-Humans under the Rasgar n ran Ironfang Minerals, producing vast amounts of iron and steel for both trade and war. And the Elven Empire''s Sylvan Extraction focused on rare magical essences and nature-infused minerals, extracted in harmony with their ancient forests.


    In the courts of Argos, it was often said, "Dragon Mines digs the deepest, but Obsidian Mines sees into the void." This saying captured the rivalry between the Valyrian and Obsidian families.


    Bothpanies were powerful, but their methods couldn''t have been more different. Dragon Mines thrived on scale, control, and the ruthless efficiency that came from centuries of dominance.


    Obsidian Mines, meanwhile, operated in the shadows, its power growing silently yet steadily.


    ____


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    Pyris''s ns for Sly Mines and Dragon Mines unbeknownst to Drakos, there was an even greater threat brewing. Pyris Obsidian, the son of Emberly and the CEO of Obsidian Tech, had quietly begun acquiring shares in Sly Mines, a smaller miningpany with connections to Dragon Mines.


    His n wasn''t to destroy Sly Mines but to weaken it just enough to gain control, and from there, use it to strike at Dragon Mines from within.


    Over breakfast at Obsidian Tower, Pyris sat across from his mother, discussing the next phase of their n.


    "We don''t need to destroy Dragon Mines," Pyris said, sipping his coffee. "We need to make them vulnerable. Sly Mines is the key."


    Emberly nodded, her mind sharp as ever. "If you control Sly Mines, you''ll have ess to theirworks. Weaken them just enough, and you''ll slip through the cracks in their defenses."


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, a slow smile forming on his face. "And when the time is right, I''ll own some of Dragon Mines'' shares. After what Drakos has done to us, it''s the least he deserves."


    Emberly''s eyes glinted with approval. "The Valyrian family won''t know what hit them."


    ___


    Though Dragon Mines remained thergest mineralpany in Argos, its future was uncertain. The rivalry between Drakos Valyrian and House Obsidian had escted, and the world was watching.


    Other empires, too, were waiting for a moment of weakness¡ªwaiting for any of the dragons to fall. And if Pyris had anything to say about it, that moment woulde sooner rather thanter.


    With each passing day, the future of Dragon Mines, once seemingly unshakable, became more fragile.


    And the Valyrians could feel it.

 Chapter 101 The Valyrians Honey Trap!

    Days had passed since Pyris Obsidian''s confrontation with Dragomir Skalethorn. The dust had settled after their sh, but Pyris''s mind was still focused on the bigger picture¡ªthe weakening of Sly Mines and its eventual use as leverage to target Dragon Mines.


    Petne Chaos had been working in the shadows, pulling strings and acquiring more shares in Sly Mines, but his public persona was busy on multiple fronts.


    Obsidian Tech had dyed the much-anticipatedunch of their ARGO VRMMORPG. Pyris had imed that thepany wasn''t finished with the final touches, but the truth was moreplicated. His confrontation with Dragomir had forced him to reallocate his focus.


    The press release had disappointed millions of fans and investors, but they had no choice but to wait. In the meantime, Pyris''s attention was split between managing the family''s vast business empire, his studies at the academy, and his new entertainmentpany, Obsidian Ent.


    Zaranrel, the young idol from the Demon Empire, was now a household name, known among one of the number male artists in Argos at just eighteen. His meteoric rise had taken the entertainment world by storm, and under Pyris''s banner, he was now regarded as one of the top five male artists in the world. Alongside him was Julienne, whose face had be a sensation throughout the Human Empire.


    As one of the top models and actresses, Julienne''s name was whispered in fashion houses, film sets, and gossip circles alike.


    Emilia had done a remarkable job running Obsidian Ent, turning it into a powerhouse in the entertainment industry in record time. Under her leadership, new recruits were excelling, and thepany''s influence was spreading far and wide.


    On another front, Obsidian Mines had stabilized. The withdrawal of both the Vampire and Dragon imperial families from its shareholder base had initially caused shockwaves, but thanks to Petne Chaos''s ckmailing of key proxies, Pyris had managed to acquire over 35% of thepany''s shares.


    Now, Obsidian Mines thrived once more.


    But despite these victories, Pyris was feeling an invisible barrier to his growth. No matter how many mana cores he absorbed, how many essences he devoured, or how much he dual-cultivated, his progress remained stuck at Rank 9.


    Meanwhile, those around him were advancing rapidly.


    Alexa, now a Rank 10 Awakened, had surpassed him. Alera, his necromancerpanion, was at Rank 7 but was growing fast. Her astonishing army of 20 shadow beasts, all Rank 5, followed hermands, and the corrupted wyvern beast she had acquired was still Rank 10, unable to rise due to its nature.


    And Sanguine, the Rank 12 awakened vampire she had imed after his death, remained unchanged as well.


    Alera''s army grew stronger as she did, yet Pyris, for all his strength, felt something gripping his progress, holding him back. It gnawed at him, and no amount of training, no matter how intense, seemed to push him forward.


    ____n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    One evening, while sitting in his office and reviewing the recent developments, Pyris''s attention was pulled by a knock on the door. Alexa entered, holding a silver letter in her hand, the crest of the Dragon Empire emzoned on the front.


    "This just arrived for you," Alexa said, her golden eyes glimmering with curiosity.


    Pyris frowned and took the letter, breaking the seal and unfolding the parchment. His eyes scanned the elegant handwriting.


    "It''s an invitation," he said, his voiceced with suspicion. "From the Valyrian Royal family."


    "Valyrians?" Alexa raised an eyebrow. "What do they want?"


    "They''re inviting me to a birthday celebration for the youngest princess, Seraphina Valyrian." Pyris read further. "It''s a grand event at their pce. They''ve specifically requested my presence."


    "Seraphina Valyrian," Alexa mused. "I''ve heard of her. She''s young, just turned eighteen, if I remember correctly. A beautiful and powerful young dragoness from what the rumors say."


    Pyris closed the letter and leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "This feels like a trap."


    Alexa''s expression mirrored his concern. "The Valyrians have never extended a friendly hand to House Obsidian, especially not after everything with Dragon Mines."


    "Exactly," Pyris said, standing up and pacing across the room. "Drakos has always kept a firm grip on his empire. He wouldn''t extend an olive branch unless he had something to gain."


    "They might be trying to lure you into a false sense of security," Alexa suggested. "Or they could be nning something far worse."


    Pyris nodded.


    "But why now?" Alexa asked, her tone thoughtful. "You''ve been making gains against Sly Mines and the proxies connected to the Dragon Empire. Maybe they''re feeling the pressure and want to get closer to you before making their move."


    "Or they think they can manipte me," Pyris said, his voice cold. "They see me as a threat to Dragon Mines. They''ve likely orchestrated this party as a way to gather intel on me or trap me."


    Alexa moved closer, her hand brushing against his arm. "So, what do we do? Ignore the invitation?"


    Pyris shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "No. We y along. If they think they can outmaneuver me, they''re in for a surprise." Stay updated with empire


    "They''re inviting a wolf into a house of sheep," Alexa remarked, her eyes gleaming with understanding. "But they''re underestimating the wolf."


    Pyris smirked. "Exactly."


    ____


    In the grand chambers of the Imperial Pce of the Dragon Empire, Emperor Drakos Valyrian sat with his advisors, a pleased expression on his face. Across from him sat his daughter, Seraphina Valyrian, a striking beauty with her violet eyes glowing with the wisdom of someone far older than her mere eighteen years.


    "This will be the first step in bringing Pyris Obsidian to his knees," Drakos said, his voice smooth and confident. "He''s been ying his little games for too long. This celebration will be our chance to get close to him."


    Seraphina tilted her head, her long golden hair cascading down her back. "And you believe he''ll fall for it, Father? Pyris Obsidian isn''t known for being easily fooled."


    Drakos smiled. "Every man has his weakness. Pyris is ambitious, but like all young men, he thinks he''s invincible. He''ll attend the party out of curiosity, maybe even arrogance. And once he''s here, we''ll have the upper hand."


    Seraphina leaned forward, her eyes glowing with interest. "And what do you expect from me, Father?"


    Drakos''s smile widened. "Charm him. Make him believe that the Valyrian family has reconsidered its stance. Let him think we''re willing to work together."


    "And if that doesn''t work?" she asked, her voice cool and calm.


    "Then we''ll use more... persuasive methods," Drakos said, his eyes darkening. "Pyris Obsidian has many enemies. It wouldn''t be difficult to orchestrate an ''ident''."


    Seraphina chuckled softly. "I''ll handle it, Father. Let''s see if the young wolf can resist the allure of a dragon."

 Chapter 102 Harmony!

    Back in the Obsidian Tower, Pyris, now seated on the edge of his desk, carefully folded the invitation and slipped it back into its envelope. Alexa stood next to him, her expression concerned but supportive.


    "So, what''s the n?" she asked.


    Pyris''s eyes darkened, a cold determination settling over him. "I''m going to ept their invitation."


    Alexa frowned. "Are you sure? It''s obviously a trap."


    "I know," Pyris replied, his voice steady. "But this is an opportunity. They think they can manipte me, but they don''t realize who they''re dealing with."


    "You''ll be walking into the lion''s den," Alexa warned. "Or in this case, the dragon''sir."


    Pyris smirked, his confidence unwavering. "And they''ll be inviting a wolf into a house of sheep."


    As Alexa nodded, he could mimick a voice echoed in Pyris''s mind¡ªthe voice of Petne Chaos, the shadowy part of himself that thrived in darkness. "Let them try. We''re more than ready."


    With a final nce at the invitation, Pyris knew the game had begun. The Valyrians were ying a dangerous hand, but so was he.


    And in the end, only one would walk away unscathed


    ____


    The skies were painted with shades of dark purple and midnight blue as Pyris made his way to the Obsidian family mansion. It was a ce of power and legacy, where countless generations of his family had resided, each leaving behind their indelible mark on the world of Argos.


    Tonight, the mansion was quiet, save for the flicker of candles glowing through the windows. His mother, Emberly Obsidian, had been staying here with his eldest sister, Anastasia.


    The weight of the uing Valyrian party lingered on his mind. Seraphina Valyrian, the youngest princess of the Dragon Empire, was at the center of this honey trap¡ªdesigned not to kill him but to entangle him in something far more insidious.


    The n was clear. The Valyrians sought to bind him into something he wouldn''t be able to escape from, and Seraphina was the key to it all. The day was fast approaching, and Pyris knew he couldn''t face this alone.


    His thoughts, however, had been clouded by more than just political maneuvering. For weeks, he had felt something gripping his progress, as if an invisible force held him back. No matter how many mana cores he devoured or how much he cultivated, he couldn''t break through to the next rank.


    His progress had stalled at Rank 9, while those around him advanced rapidly. Even Alexa, who had grown to Rank 10, was surpassing him, and Alera''s army continued to expand in strength.


    It was Lia, the system spirit that had guided him through his awakening as a Golden Dragon, who had suggested seeking counsel from his mother. As an experienced dragoness, Emberly might have the wisdom he needed to solve this puzzle.


    When Pyris entered the mansion, Anastasia greeted him warmly. They exchanged a few words before she excused herself, sensing that his visit was of a more serious nature. He found his mother in her study, where the air was thick with magical energy.


    Emberly looked up from her work as he approached.


    "Pyris," Emberly greeted him, a small smile gracing her lips. "I can imagine," Emberly said, studying her son with keen eyes. "From what I''ve heard, you''ve been navigating quite a storm."


    Pyris nodded, then exined everything¡ªthe situation with Sly Mines, the uing trap set by the Valyrian family, and the way his progress had been stalling. He filled her in on all the recent events, not sparing a single detail.


    Emberly listened patiently, her face a mask of calm as she took it all in.


    After a long pause, Emberly stood up and motioned for Pyris to follow her. She led him to a more secluded room deep within the mansion, a ce few knew about. It was a chamber lined with ancient tomes and dragon relics, humming with a low, pulsating energy.


    Once inside, Emberly turned to face her son, her expression contemtive. "So that''s that," she finally said, her voice carrying a weight of understanding. "Your progress has been halted, and you believe it''s connected to your Golden Dragon heritage and Lust Dragon bloodline?"


    Pyris nodded, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes. "I suggested that you might have answers. You''re an experienced dragon. Maybe you can help me figure out what''s holding me back."


    Emberly took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the problem. "I think I know what''s going on, Pyris. But before I exin, you need to understand something about our bloodline¡ªabout both aspects of it."


    She moved closer, cing her hands on his shoulders, her gaze intense. "Your Lust Dragon bloodline is powerful, perhaps even more so than you realize. I think Lust Dragons don''t merely feed on physical desires; they feed on emotional and spiritual connections. The more you strengthen those bonds, the more power you can draw from them. But there''s a bnce to be maintained.


    If your rtionships with the people you care about aren''t in harmony, if there are unresolved conflicts, that can create blockages in your energy flow. It weakens you, preventing you from essing your full potential."


    Pyris''s brow furrowed. "You think I have unresolved conflicts in my rtionships?"


    Emberly shook her head. "Not necessarily conflicts. But the people in your life¡ªAlexa, Alera, Anastasia, and even me¡ªour connection to you, our influence on your emotions, could be affecting your growth. The Lust Dragon bloodline feeds on more than just lust¡ªit feeds on intimacy, trust, and deep emotional bonds.


    If there''s tension or unspoken feelings between you and those close to you, it creates a sort of ''drag'' on your energy. You need to resolve those connections if you want to move forward."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris took a deep breath, absorbing her words. "And what about the Golden Dragon heritage? How does that tie into this?"


    Emberly''s expression softened. "The Golden Dragon heritage is different. It''s a bloodline of creation, divine power, and ultimate control over the energy of the godly realm. The issue here is that your Golden Dragon bloodline demands perfect bnce. If there''s any disharmony within your soul or body, it bes harder to progress.


    The Golden Dragon heritage amplifies everything¡ªyour strengths and your weaknesses. Right now, your Lust Dragon bloodline is creating a subtle dissonance within you, which is why you''re stuck."


    Pyris nodded slowly, understanding the implications. "So, I need to bring bnce to both sides of my heritage?"


    "Yes," Emberly confirmed. "You''ve gained tremendous power from both the Lust Dragon and the Golden Dragon aspects of yourself, but they''re shing in ways you haven''t fully realized. Your lust powers feed on emotions and bonds, but your Golden Dragon bloodline seeks purity and order. Until you bring those two sides into harmony, you''ll be stuck."


    Pyris clenched his fists, the weight of his halted progress pressing down on him. "So how do I fix this?"


    Emberly smiled gently, cing a hand on his cheek. "It''s not something you can fix overnight. You need to examine the rtionships in your life. Who do you care about most? What bonds are strengthening you, and what bonds are holding you back? You''ve built connections, but some of them might not be as clear or resolved as you think.


    Focus on those rtionships. Strengthen the ones that bring you bnce. Resolve the ones that create conflict. Only then will both sides of your heritage find alignment."


    Pyris exhaled, the rity slowly settling in. "So, it''s not just about power. It''s about bnce."


    "Exactly," Emberly said. "Power means nothing if it''s not in harmony. You''ve be strong, Pyris, but strength without bnce will only hold you back."


    For a moment, Pyris stood there, absorbing everything his mother had said. It made sense. He had focused so much on gaining power¡ªthrough training, through cultivation, and through his connections¡ªthat he hadn''t stopped to consider the impact of those rtionships on his very essence.


    His connection to Alexa, Alera, Anastasia, and even his mother¡ªthey were all part of the intricate web that shaped his Lust Dragon powers.


    "I''ll do it," Pyris said finally. "I''ll focus on bringing bnce to my life, to my rtionships."


    Emberly smiled, her hand resting on his cheek. "Good. And remember, I''m always here if you need help. You''re not facing this alone."


    Pyris nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He now had a path forward, one that wasn''t just about acquiring more power but about finding the harmony between his dragon bloodlines.

 Chapter 103 Embracing the Epitome of Lust and Immorality

    The day had passed in a blur of silence and reflection. Pyris Obsidian sat in the chamber deep within the family mansion, the one where his mother, Emberly, had offered him the truth. The truth about why his progress had been halted. The words she had spoken lingered in his mind, each one peeling backyers of confusion, revealing the root of the problem: his feelings.


    But even deeper than that was something more fundamental¡ªa rejection of his own nature.


    As he delved into deep cultivation, Pyris found the disharmony within his very essence. It wasn''t just theck of bnce between his Lust Dragon bloodline and his Golden Dragon heritage¡ªit was the third power thaty dormant, simmering just beneath the surface: the Goddess''s blessings.


    The powers granted to him, infused with divine lust, shed with the fragmented eptance of his own desires, causing a conflict that rippled through his very soul.


    It became clearer to Pyris as he meditated¡ªhe had never truly epted the full depth of his Lust Dragon heritage. The lustful abilities coursing through him, gifts from both his bloodline and the Goddess, lingered in dissonance.


    They were powerful, seductive forces, yet Pyris had been holding back, bound by the morals of the world he lived in, morals that told him desire was something to be controlled and suppressed.


    And because of that, his powers resisted one another, fighting for dominance, unable to work in harmony.


    ____


    In the quiet recesses of his mind, Pyris began to explore his rtionships¡ªeach bond tugging at the strands of his emotions, contributing to the disharmony that held him back.


    First, there was Emberly, his mother. Pyris had always admired her strength, her wisdom, and her beauty. She was a powerful dragoness, a figure of authority who had always guided him. But beneath that admirationy something more. Something that Pyris had buried deep, hiding it even from himself¡ªfeelings of desire, lust.


    It was a part of him that he had refused to acknowledge, blinded by the world''s moral judgments, by the idea that such thoughts were taboo. But his Lust Dragon bloodline didn''t care for these judgments.


    His instincts, primal and undeniable, tugged at him, reminding him of the bond he shared with Emberly¡ªa bond that went beyond familial love.


    His feelings for her, unspoken and unresolved, created a barrier within him, a barrier that he was afraid to cross.


    Then there was Aurelia, his older sister. Pyris had epted his feelings for her¡ªthey had shared intimate moments that solidified their bond. Yet he had kept their rtionship a secret, hiding it from their mother, Emberly. This secrecy gnawed at him, creating a rift in the trust that was essential for his Lust Dragon powers to flourish.


    His bond with Aurelia was one of intimacy and love, yet by keeping it hidden, Pyris was denying the full truth of who he was and what he had embraced with her.


    There was also Alera, the necromancer whose quiet strength and growing power had drawn Pyris to her. He admired her dedication, her control over death, and the way shemanded her army of spirits. Yet his feelings for her remained in flux¡ªhe hadn''t fully allowed himself to admit how much she meant to him.


    There was an unspoken connection between them, but Pyris had hesitated, afraid to disrupt the bnce of their rtionship. His reluctance to ept his desire for her contributed to the internal dissonance he now faced.


    Finally, there was Emilia. She had grown close to him, but Pyris had let her fears guide the nature of their rtionship. He could sense her wariness, her reluctance to fully embrace the pull between them. Instead of guiding her, instead of deepening their bond, Pyris had hesitated, allowing fear and uncertainty to dominate her.


    This hesitation weakened their connection, further unbncing his power.


    ____n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    As Pyris meditated, rity washed over him like a tidal wave. The problem was not just with his rtionships but with himself. He had been fighting his own nature, the very essence of what made him powerful.


    His Lust Dragon bloodline was not something to be suppressed or controlled. It was the very core of who he was¡ªthe epitome of desire, of lust, of primal and unchecked passion.


    The world''s morals, the constraints of society, had no ce in the heart of a dragon like him. He was not bound by thews of mortals or their limited understanding of rtionships. His bloodline, his heritage¡ªboth Golden and Lust¡ªdemanded that he embrace every aspect of himself.


    Only then could the conflict within him cease.


    He saw it clearly now: his feelings for his mother, Emberly, weren''t something to fear. His lust for her was as much a part of his bloodline as his power over magic. The bond between them had always been special, and by denying his feelings, he was creating the very disharmony that halted his progress.


    It was time to ept those feelings fully, to stop hiding from what he truly wanted.


    Likewise, his rtionship with Aurelia needed to be acknowledged openly. By hiding their bond from Emberly, he was fracturing the trust that tied them all together. His family¡ªhis mother, his sister¡ªthey were part of the web that strengthened him, and hiding the truth was only weakening those bonds.


    As for Alera and Emilia, Pyris realized that he had been holding back, afraid to fullymit to his feelings for them. But there was no room for fear in his life. His Lust Dragon bloodline demanded total eptance of desire.


    He needed to take control, to guide those rtionships toward the intimacy and trust that would bring harmony to his power.


    With a deep breath, Pyris opened his eyes, his decision made. He would no longer deny his desires. He would no longer fight his own nature.


    He would embrace who he was¡ªthe epitome of lust and immorality.


    ____


    The moment Pyris epted himself, something inside him shifted. He felt it immediately¡ªa surge of energy unlike anything he had ever felt before. His Lust Dragon bloodline, his Golden Dragon heritage, and the blessings from the Goddess¡ªeach power that had once been in conflict now resonated together in perfect harmony.


    A golden light erupted from his body, swirling around him as his power soared to new heights. His aura became a perfect blend of lustful energy and divine creation, the two sides of his bloodlineplementing each other.


    The tension, the dissonance that had once held him back, dissolved in an instant.


    The power within him burst forth, filling every corner of the room with radiant energy. His Lust Dragon abilities, once fragmented, now flowed effortlessly with the divine energy of his Golden Dragon heritage. The blessings from the Goddess no longer shed with his nature; they became an extension of who he was.


    The synergy between the three forces¡ªlust, divinity, and creation¡ªcreated something far greater than the sum of their parts. Pyris could feel the raw potential within him, waiting to be unleashed. No longer would he be held back. No longer would his powers be in conflict.


    He felt free.


    ____


    Pyris stood up, his body humming with power. His eyes glowed with a golden light, his aura radiating strength and lust. This was only the beginning. By epting who he was, by embracing the fullness of his Lust Dragon nature, Pyris had unlocked a new chapter of his life.


    The journey ahead would not be one of restraint. It would be one of conquest¡ªof embracing his desires, his power, and the connections he would forge with those around him.


    As the epitome of lust and immorality, Pyris would reshape the world of Argos in his image, leaving no one untouched by his influence.


    His lustful conquest had begun.

 Chapter 104 The Grove Revisited – Unleashing His Full Potential

    The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silver glow over the vast wilderness of The Grove, a sacred forest that had always been a proving ground for Pyris Obsidian. The trees stretched tall and wide, their ancient roots winding deep into the earth, the foliage thick with mystical energy.


    The air buzzed with the presence of powerful beasts, their shadows lurking between the massive trunks.


    This was not the first time Pyris had ventured into the Grove. But tonight, it felt different. He had broken the shackles that had held him back, finally embracing the full extent of his power. His Lust Dragon bloodline, his Golden Dragon heritage, and the Goddess''s blessings now existed in harmony within him, fueling his strength.


    His aura radiated with divine energy, pulsating as he walked deeper into the heart of the Grove.


    A surge of excitement coursed through Pyris as he sought out the creatures that called this ce home. Tonight, he would test his newly unleashed powers.


    ____n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The ground trembled beneath his feet as Pyris entered a clearing, sensing the first beast nearby. A massive creature, a Stone Golem, emerged from the trees. Its body was formed entirely of rock and sand, towering over Pyris with a deep growl rumbling from its chest.


    Without hesitation, the golem charged, each step shaking the earth as it approached.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes and smirked, his body humming with energy. With a mere thought, he activated his superspeed. The world around him blurred as he moved faster than the eye could follow, his form vanishing in a sh. He appeared behind the golem, his movements almost effortless now.


    "Let''s see how you handle this¡­"


    He raised his hand, and the ground beneath the golem rippled. His mastery over the sand element took hold as the ground transformed into a swirling vortex of sand, trapping the creature''s massive legs and immobilizing it.


    The golem roared, struggling to break free, but Pyris wasn''t done. He sent a wave of sand upward, burying the creature''s body up to its chest. With a quick flick of his hand, he solidified the sand, trapping the beast in an immovable prison.


    Before it could react, Pyris blurred forward again with superspeed, delivering a powerful strike to its head with his fist. The golden aura surrounding him red, and the golem''s stone body cracked under the force of his blow. Within moments, the creature crumbled to pieces, disappearing into the ground.


    "Too easy." Pyris stepped back, his breathing steady as he watched the sand settle back into ce.


    The Grove was not done with him yet, as he ventured deeper, the air grew colder, darker, as if the very shadows were alive. Pyris felt a presence nearby, and from the darkness emerged a Shadow Stalker, a creature known for its ability to blend into the shadows and strike from the unseen.


    A flicker of movement. The creature lunged from the darkness, its ws sharp and dripping with a deadly poison. But Pyris was faster. With a mere thought, he activated his space element, warping reality around him. The world seemed to twist, and in an instant, Pyris disappeared, teleporting several meters away.


    The Shadow Stalker''s ws shed through the air where he had been standing, missing their mark.


    "I see you, even in the dark." Pyris smirked, his eyes glowing with the power of his darkness element. He allowed the shadows around him to twist and merge with his form, bing one with the darkness itself.


    The Stalker hissed, confused, as Pyris vanished into the shadows,pletely hidden from sight. Then, without warning, Pyris reappeared behind it, emerging from the darkness with a de of void energy in his hand. He plunged the de into the creature''s back, the shadows around it swirling and engulfing its form.


    The Shadow Stalker let out a low growl before dissolving into nothingness, consumed by the very darkness it had tried to use against him.


    ____


    As the night grew deeper, Pyris felt the presence of yet another powerful beast. This one was unlike the others¡ªa Chrono Serpent, an ancient creature that had the ability to manipte time itself, a Rank 8 beast.


    The ground cracked beneath its slithering form, and the air around it shimmered as time seemed to warp and bend.


    The serpent hissed, its glowing eyes locking onto Pyris as it tried to freeze him in a bubble of distorted time. The world around him slowed, the leaves falling from the trees in slow motion, the wind barely moving.


    But Pyris was ready.


    With a thought, he activated his time element, breaking free of the serpent''s time maniption. His form shimmered, and he moved freely through the slowed world, unhindered by the serpent''s power.


    "Two can y at that game," Pyris muttered under his breath.


    The serpent lunged, its mouth wide open to strike, but Pyris raised his hand, summoning his death element. A cold, eerie aura surrounded him as his hand glowed with necrotic energy. With a single motion, he unleashed a wave of death energy toward the serpent, causing its movements to falter.


    Time seemed to speed up as the serpent''s body decayed rapidly, its form withering and crumbling to dust before it could even reach him.


    The air crackled with residual energy as the serpent''s remains disappeared into the ether, leaving Pyris standing victorious once more.


    Satisfied with his victories, Pyris began to search for a ce to rest, his body swelling with power from the essense he had collected from the beasts.


    He wandered through the Grove, the thrill of battle still fresh in his mind. His powers had reached new heights, and the synergy between his elements was wless. He could feel the energy coursing through him, boundless and untamed.


    As he prepared to set up camp, his ears suddenly perked up. A soft sound carried through the night¡ªa sound that didn''t belong to the Grove''s usual ambiance. It was the gentle rush of water, followed by something else, something more subtle.


    The sound of someone bathing.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes, his heightened senses guiding him toward the source. He moved through the trees silently, his footsteps barely making a sound as he approached a small, hidden waterfall nestled deep within the forest.


    The moonlight shimmered off the flowing water, casting silver reflections across the rocks.


    There, in the center of the waterfall, stood a figure¡ªslender and graceful.


    *****


    Do you guys want a picture of the bathing beauty in the next chapter?

 Chapter 105 Ethereal Beauty!

    The water cascaded over her body as she bathed in the moonlit pool. Pyris could only make out the silhouette, but his sharp senses told him this was no ordinary woman.


    His instincts red, a mixture of curiosity and wariness creeping over him. Whoever she was, she didn''t seem to notice him yet. Pyris remained hidden, observing quietly from the shadows, his heart beating steadily as he considered his next move.


    The sound of rushing water filled the serene night air as Pyris Obsidian stood hidden in the shadows, his sharp eyes trained on the figure bathing beneath the moonlit waterfall. His senses, heightened from his recent battles in the Grove, told him that this woman was far from ordinary.


    There was a certain grace in the way she moved through the water, a fluidity that suggested strength, control, and something more¡ªpower.


    Pyris leaned against a tree, letting his eyes adjust further. As the woman bathed, the moonlight revealed more details of her figure. She was slender yet toned, curveous her body honed by years of training, her ass was big and perky while herrge breasts stood firm despite theirrge size, nothing would bring them down!


    Her long, silvery hair cascaded down her back, glistening with droplets of water, while her skin glowed with a faint aura of magic. It wasn''t just her beauty that drew his attention¡ªit was the raw power she emanated, a force that rivaled the greatest of Argos.


    ''Who is she?'' Pyris thought, his curiosity piqued while Liaughed inside.


    His mind raced through possibilities, trying to connect her presence in the Grove with the circles of power he was familiar with. And then, something clicked.


    There was only one business empire in Argos whose reputation and influence could match that of House Obsidian¡ªSerenova Enterprises, thergest and wealthiest conglomerate in the world, spanning across every major empire, with fingers in everything from magical artifacts to global trade.


    Could she be... Pyris''s thoughts trailed off, recalling rumors he had heard over the years about the elusive heir to Serenova Enterprises.


    Before he could think further, the woman''s voice broke the silence.


    "You''ve been watching for some time now. Do you n to stay hidden all night?" Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of amusement behind it.


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, impressed by her sharp awareness. Most wouldn''t have detected him so easily, especially not after he had perfected his abilities in shadow concealment.


    With a smirk, he stepped out of the darkness, his movements fluid as he approached the edge of the pool. "I wasn''t trying to be rude," Pyris said, his voice smooth. "Just... curious."


    The woman turned slowly, the water flowing around her as she faced him. Her eyes, a striking shade of violet, locked onto his. There was a confidence in her gaze, one that matched the power she exuded. She studied him for a moment before speaking.


    Her casual actions spoke millions of how confident she was in her body, he could feel his lust ring... Too bad, her cave was hidden in ayer mana but her naked nipples were a sight to behold!


    "I don''t usually get curious spectators in the middle of the Grove. Who are you?" she asked, her tone neutral butced with authority.


    Of course she knew who he was, Pyris wasn''t using his disguise, she wanted to test how honest the heir of House Obsidian was.


    Pyris met her gaze with equal intensity, his smirk never fading. "Pyris Obsidian," he replied simply.


    For a brief moment, the woman''s expression shifted, her eyes narrowing in recognition, fake surprise as far as she was concerned.


    Of course, she had heard of him¡ªwho hadn''t?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris Obsidian, the young CEO of Obsidian Tech, heir to Obsidian Mines, and one of the most powerful figures in Argos. But she didn''t seem intimidated, only intrigued.


    "Well then, Pyris Obsidian," she said, her tone softening slightly. "I suppose introductions are in order." She stepped gracefully from the water, her body glowing softly with magical energy as she conjured a light robe to cover herself. "Selene Serenova," she said, her name carrying weight.


    Pyris''s eyes widened slightly. She didn''t for once hesitate to mention who she was immediately after she confirmed who he was.


    Selene Serenova, the rumored heiress of Serenova Enterprises. Her family''s wealth and influence stretched across all major empires, rivaling even the power of the Dragon Empire. Serenova Enterprises was known for its mastery over magical trade, artifact creation, and global politics.


    Their reach was vast, their resources seemingly infinite, and Selene, while rarely seen in public, was whispered to be the most formidable business mind of her generation rivaling Pyris.


    "Selene Serenova," Pyris repeated, his smirk growing wider. "I''ve heard stories about you."


    "I''m sure you have," she replied, stepping closer, her violet eyes never leaving his. "But stories often fail to capture the truth."


    Pyris chuckled softly, nodding. "True. And what brings the heir of Serenova Enterprises to a ce like the Grove? Training, perhaps?"


    Selene''s lips curled into a small smile. "You could say that. I''m here to test my limits, just as you are. There are some things even the boardroom can''t teach."


    Pyris admired her directness. There was something refreshing about her, the way she spoke without pretense, despite her background. He could sense the weight of her ambition, the same hunger for power that drove him, yet her demeanor was calm and collected, like a coiled spring waiting to strike.


    "I came here for the same reason," Pyris admitted, crossing his arms. "I needed to test my new abilities. Push myself beyond what I''ve known."


    Selene tilted her head slightly, curious. "And? Have you?"


    "I have," Pyris said confidently. "But there''s always more to learn."


    Selene nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Agreed. That''s why I''m here. Serenova Enterprises may control the world''s trade routes and magical artifacts, but real power¡ªtrue poweres from within. It''s something you can''t buy or negotiate for."


    The intensity between them grew, the air crackling with unspoken energy. Pyris could feel her magical aura intertwining with his own, and for a moment, there was a silent understanding between them. They were both leaders of their respective empires, both driven by ambition, and both willing to do whatever it took to gain more power.


    "What''s next for you, Selene Serenova?" Pyris asked, his voice low, almost a challenge.


    Selene''s smile deepened, her violet eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and determination. "For now, I finish what I started here. But after that?" She paused, considering her next words carefully. "Perhaps our paths will cross again. After all, there''s no telling what the future holds for people like us."


    Pyris nodded, feeling a strange kinship with her, despite their brief meeting. "Perhaps. But the next time we meet, don''t be surprised if our ambitions sh."


    Selene''s eyes sparkled with something between a challenge and a promise. "I wouldn''t expect anything less."


    The tension between them was palpable, but it wasn''t hostility¡ªit was the tension of two forces recognizing each other, two powerful figures who knew that they were destined to be rivals, allies, or something in between.


    As the night deepened, Selene turned away, stepping back toward the waterfall with a casual grace. "Until then, Pyris Obsidian."


    Pyris watched her disappear into the shadows of the Grove, his mind swirling with possibilities. He hade here to test his strength, to push himself beyond his limits, but this encounter with Selene had been unexpected.


    Selene Serenova, heir to the biggest business empire in Argos, a woman who seemed to understand power as deeply as he did. Their meeting had left asting impression on him.


    With a sigh, Pyris turned and made his way back to the clearing, ready to rest for the night. But as hey beneath the stars, his thoughts drifted to Selene, and he couldn''t help but wonder how their paths would intersect again.


    The Grove had tested his strength tonight, but the real battle¡ªthe one between ambition and power¡ªhad only just begun.


    *****


    A few Golden tickets or a gift and I will drop the image of Selene bathing in the river. A review will get us another surprising image!

 Chapter 106 Resonance & Intrigue In the Grove

    The following morning, the sun broke through the dense canopy of The Grove, casting beams of light onto the dew-covered leaves. Pyris Obsidian woke from his light sleep, the memories of his encounter with Selene Serenova still fresh in his mind.


    The heir to Serenova Enterprises, a powerful, beautiful, and enigmatic woman, had left an impression on him that lingered like the fading mist of the forest.


    Rising from his resting ce, Pyris stretched, feeling the newfound synergy in his powers¡ªhis Lust Dragon bloodline, his Golden Dragon heritage, and the Goddess''s blessings all working together as one. His battle with the creatures of the Grove the previous night had confirmed his strength, and now, fully in control of his potential, he felt a deep satisfaction.


    Yet his thoughts kept returning to Selene. She was a force of her own, capable of challenging him in more ways than just business.


    Pyris stood, brushing the dust from his dark cloak, and prepared to leave. The Grove had tested him, and he had proven himself once more. But as he began to move through the thick trees, something stopped him.


    A faint rustling in the distance, the unmistakable sound of movement.


    He paused, his senses heightened. This part of the Grove was dangerous, home to creatures even more deadly than those he had already faced. But something about this sound felt... different. It was deliberate, not the random steps of a wandering beast.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes, moving silently through the trees toward the source of the noise. As he approached a dense cluster of bushes, he caught a glimpse of silver hair. His heart quickened. Selene?


    Pushing aside the leaves, he found her. Selene Serenova, fully dressed inbat gear, stood before a massive  Rank 10 Direwolf, her eyes glowing with magic as she fought the beast alone. The Direwolf was easily twice her size, its dark fur bristling, and its red eyes locked onto her with murderous intent.


    It lunged at her, its jaws snapping viciously, but Selene moved with practiced grace, dodging with ease.


    Pyris watched as Selene conjured shimmering magical des in each hand, parrying the beast''s attacks with swift, precise movements. She was a fighter, no doubt about it. Despite her reputation as a business mogul, she wielded magic like a seasoned warrior.


    Just as the Direwolf leapt again, Pyris decided to step in to tease her a little, a yful game to probe her. With a sh of superspeed, he appeared next to Selene, a barrier of darkness forming around them to block the wolf''s strike. The Direwolf crashed into the barrier with a snarl, thrown back by the force of Pyris''s defense.


    Selene turned to him, her eyes wide with momentary surprise before they settled into a smirk. "You again."


    "Couldn''t resist a good fight," Pyris replied with a shrug, the yful glint in his eyes matching her own.


    The Direwolf, undeterred, charged again. Pyris raised his hand, summoning his sand element. The ground beneath the beast shifted, turning into a swirling pit of quicksand. The Direwolf struggled, its legs sinking deeper with each step.


    Selene took the opportunity, her eyes glowing brighter as she unleashed a torrent of magic. A bolt of pure energy shot from her hand, striking the Direwolf with precision. The creature howled in pain, its massive form convulsing before it copsed, its body dissipating into the earth.


    The forest was silent once more, save for the faint whisper of the wind through the trees. Pyris nced at Selene, impressed by her strength and magical control. She had fought with the calm precision of someone who had faced countless battles.


    "You didn''t need my help," Pyris remarked, though there was a hint of admiration in his voice.


    Selene sheathed her magical des, wiping a few beads of sweat from her brow. "I had it under control. But I''ll admit, it''s nice to know you''re nearby."


    Pyris crossed his arms, smirking. "Not many people would say that."


    She chuckled softly, her eyes scanning him briefly before she turned her gaze to the horizon. "You and I are alike, Pyris. We''re both used to being the strongest in the room."


    Pyris nodded. "True. But strengthes in different forms. Yours... it''s not just about power, is it?"


    Selene smiled faintly. "You noticed. Power isn''t everything, not in the business world. Influence, control, and knowing how to move people... that''s where real strength lies."


    Pyris had to agree. He had seen firsthand how manipting people¡ªwhether through charm, cunning, or raw force¡ªcould yield results that brute strength alone never could. But the way Selene spoke made him think there was more to her than just her reputation as a business magnate.


    She had a clear vision, a hunger for something beyond mere wealth.


    "What are you after, Selene?" Pyris asked, his tone more serious now. "You could have had everything already. Serenova Enterprises is thergest conglomerate in Argos. You could stay in your towers,mand an empire, and no one would challenge you. So why are you here? Why train in a ce like this?"


    Selene turned to face him fully, her violet eyes holding his. "Because there''s more to the world than what I have. My family controls wealth and business, but that''s not enough. Not for me."


    Pyris remained silent, waiting for her to continue.


    "I want real power, Pyris. The kind that doesn''t just control markets or economies, but the kind that shapes the world itself. Influence over everything¡ªmagic, politics, empires. That''s why I''m here, pushing my limits. Because when the timees, I''ll be ready to im what''s mine."


    Pyris felt a strange resonance in her words. It was ambition, the same ambition that drove him. He, too, had realized that wealth and power weren''t enough. It was about control, shaping the world in his image, bending it to his will. And here was Selene, another force of nature, driven by that same desire.


    "We''re not so different, after all," Pyris said, his voice steady. "I understand that hunger."


    Selene''s eyes flickered with something¡ªperhaps recognition, perhaps something more. "I figured you would."


    The air between them was charged, not with tension but with the recognition of two people who saw the world through the same lens. Both Pyris and Selene knew that their paths would likely cross again, and not just in casual encounters. They were forces of nature, and whether they became allies or enemies, their destinies were intertwined.


    "I suppose I should thank you for the assist," Selene said, her smirk returning. "Though I had it handled."


    "Anytime," Pyris replied, matching her smirk. "Next time, try not to make it look too easy."


    With a final nod, Selene turned and began walking deeper into the Grove. But before she vanished into the trees, she called back over her shoulder, "Be careful, Pyris Obsidian. The world we''re after isn''t one for the faint of heart."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Pyris stood there for a moment, watching her disappear into the shadows. He felt a sense of excitement, not just from the battle but from whaty ahead. Selene Serenova wasn''t just another yer in the game¡ªshe was someone who could change the board entirely. And that intrigued him more than anything.


    As the Grove quieted around him once more, Pyris knew that his journey was only beginning. He had unlocked his true potential, embraced his destiny, and now, with powerful yers like Selene emerging, the world of Argos was set to change.


    The future would be one of conquest, power, and lust¡ªeverything he had prepared for.

 Chapter 107 Battle of Titans A Fallen & Dragon!

    The Grove was alive with energy as twilight descended over its ancient trees. Pyris Obsidian moved silently through the forest, the air thick with tension. It had been days since hisst encounter with Selene Serenova, and though their paths had crossed briefly, her presence had lingered in his mind.


    She wasn''t just another powerful individual¡ªthere was something about her, a mystery that Pyris couldn''t quite unravel.


    Tonight, however, his focus was elsewhere. The Grove had changed, a darker energy spreading through the trees, a primal force lurking in the shadows. Pyris could feel it¡ªsomething immense, something dangerous, was waiting for him.


    He pushed deeper into the forest until the air grew still. Then, he saw it.


    Emerging from the thick underbrush was a Rank 11 Nightmare Ravager, a towering, monstrous beast that stood over twenty feet tall. Its body was a mix of muscle and scale, ck as the void, and its eyes glowed a deep crimson. It radiated a malevolent power, and Pyris immediately recognized its strength.


    ''Rank 11'', he thought, his jaw tightening. He had faced powerful creatures before, but this one was unlike anything he had encountered in the Grove. This wasn''t just another test¡ªthis was a challenge of survival.


    The Ravager''s eyes locked onto Pyris, and with a deafening roar, it charged.


    Pyris moved with lightning speed, his superspeed carrying him across the clearing in a blur. The ground shook as the Ravager''s ws shed through the spot where Pyris had been, tearing up the earth. Reappearing several meters away, Pyris raised his hand, summoning his sand element.


    The earth shifted beneath the beast''s feet, pulling it down into a swirling vortex of sand.


    The Ravager roared in frustration, its massive form sinking into the sand, but it fought back with terrifying strength, breaking free in moments.


    Pyris wasn''t done. He raised his other hand, calling upon his time element. The world around him slowed, the Ravager''s movements bing sluggish as Pyris stepped forward, summoning a barrage of darkness bolts from his fingertips.


    The bolts struck the beast, their energy seeping into its body, but the Ravager roared, shaking off the dark magic as it powered through.


    Time snapped back to normal, and Pyris found himself face to face with the creature again. Its speed was staggering for its size, and it lunged at Pyris with ws extended, its maw wide open to devour him.


    Pyris vanished again, teleporting behind the beast with his space element. His hand crackled with golden lightning, and with a roar of his own, Pyris released the full force of his attack.


    The lightning mmed into the Ravager, sending ripples of golden energy across its body, scorching its flesh.


    But the creature didn''t falter. The golden lightning had barely slowed it down.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes. This beast was different. It was regenerating faster than he had anticipated. His breathing quickened as he realized how dangerous this fight was bing. He could throw everything at it, but the Ravager was relentless.


    "This thing''s stronger than anything I''ve faced here before," Pyris muttered, bracing himself for another round.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    _____


    Zoooom!!


    Just as the Ravager lunged at him again, the air around Pyris shimmered. A sh of light exploded in the clearing, and Selene Serenova appeared from the shadows, her eyes glowing a brilliant violet. Her presence wasmanding, almost otherworldly, as she stood between Pyris and the Ravager.


    Pyris, mid-battle, felt a surge of surprise. He had sensed Selene''s strength before, but now, as she stepped into the fray, he realized that her power was far beyond what he had imagined.


    Selene raised her hand, and in an instant, a barrier of celestial light erupted before them, mming into the Ravager and halting its advance. The beast growled, its ws raking against the radiant barrier, but Selene''s magic held strong.


    Pyris''s eyes widened as he took in her wings¡ªonce hidden, now spread wide. They shimmered with a mixture of light and darkness, an ethereal glow that seemed to pulse with the energy of the gods. But these wings were not those of a pure angel.


    There was something darker, more dangerous about them.


    "A Fallen!" Pyris realized, his heart pounding as he watched her wield powers of both light and shadow.


    "I thought you could use some help," Selene said, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity.


    Pyris nodded, still trying to process what he was seeing. Fallen Angels, or Nepharion, were the stuff of legends¡ªbeings cast out of the divine realms for defying celestialws.


    To see one in action was rare, and it struck Pyris just how powerful Selene truly was.


    "You have impable timing," Pyris replied, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.


    But Selene was just as surprised. As she nced at Pyris, she took in the glowing golden scales that had started to spread across his skin, and the faint shimmer of dragon wings that flickered behind him.


    ''A Golden Dragon!'' Selene thought, her eyes narrowing in shock. She had believed the Golden Dragons to be extinct, their kind having disappeared from the world eons ago. And yet here Pyris stood, embodying the power of one. The legends of the Golden Dragons were well-known in her family, a long heritage of knowledge passed down from the gods themselves.


    The Golden Dragons were creators, divine beings tied to the essence of the world. But even more, there were whispers of Lust Dragons¡ªbeings of desire, though she hadn''t yet seen evidence of that side in Pyris.


    But this? A Golden Dragon, alive and standing before her?


    ''Who are you really, Pyris Obsidian?'' Selene wondered.


    The Ravager, sensing thebined strength of Pyris and Selene, roared in defiance and charged once more, its dark energy twisting the air around it.


    Selene raised her hand again, summoning tendrils of darkness energy from the ground. The dark tendrils wrapped around the Ravager''s limbs, holding it in ce as it struggled to break free. At the same time, Selene''s wings red with radiant energy, and beams of celestial light shot from her palms, piercing the beast''s hide.


    The Ravager howled, thrashing against thebined assault, but Selene''s powers were formidable. Her mastery over both light and darkness was awe-inspiring, her magic weaving between divine protection and infernal destruction with ease.


    Pyris, not to be outdone, summoned his full strength. His golden dragon wings erupted from his back, glittering in the fading light. Golden scales spread across his body, forming a protective armor that radiated divine energy. In his hand, a sword of pure golden dragon energy materialized, its de shimmering with an ethereal glow.


    With a reap of his own, Pyris charged forward, his space element allowing him to teleport directly in front of the Ravager.


    He swung his sword in a devastating arc, the de slicing through the beast''s dark flesh, sending ripples of golden energy across the clearing.

 Chapter 108 Ill be watching you, Pyris!

    Selene, in perfect synchrony, unleashed a burst of radiant and darkness magic, her wings glowing with celestial light as she delivered the final strike. Thebined power of their attacks caused the air to shimmer, the ground trembling beneath their feet.


    The Ravager, caught between the full might of a Golden Dragon and a Nepharion, let out a final, pained howl before its body began to crumble, leaving nothing but silence in the clearing.


    As they stood in the aftermath of the battle, the air around Pyris shimmered with residual energy from the defeated Nightmare Ravager. He felt the essence of the beast swirling in the air, potent and untamed, waiting to be imed.


    His body hummed with anticipation, and his Essence Devouring ability red to life, instinctively reaching out to absorb the energy left behind.


    Tendrils of energy flowed from the remains of the Ravager into Pyris, its raw power coursing through his veins. The sensation was overwhelming, but Pyris controlled it, focusing the energy inward. His muscles tightened, his aura expanded, and he could feel his power growing with every second.


    Selene watched in silence, her eyes narrowing as she observed Pyris absorbing the essence of the beast. She had heard of lust dragons in legends devouring the essence of their prey to grow stronger, but witnessing it firsthand was something else entirely. It was rare to see a being absorb so much power so quickly, and it confirmed her suspicions¡ªPyris was no ordinary individual.


    He wasn''t just a Golden Dragon; there was something more lurking beneath the surface.


    As thest of the Ravager''s essence entered Pyris''s body, a surge of energy exploded outward from him, sending a shockwave through the clearing. His body glowed with a golden light, his scales shimmering momentarily before fading back into his skin.


    He had advanced¡ªRank 11.


    Pyris exhaled deeply, the rush of power settling into him. He felt stronger, sharper, his connection to his elements even more precise. He clenched his fist, feeling the raw energy at his fingertips, and smiled.


    "So this is what it feels like... breaking through."


    Selene stepped forward, her gaze locked on Pyris. "You absorbed the essence of that beast," she said, her voice filled with intrigue. "It''s not every day you see someone advance so quickly, even after a battle like that."


    Pyris met her eyes, his expression unreadable. "It''s part of who I am."


    Selene nodded slowly, though she was still processing everything she had witnessed. Thebination of his Golden Dragon heritage and his ability to devour essence made him dangerous¡ªmore dangerous than she had anticipated.


    "You''re full of surprises, Pyris Obsidian," she said, her tone carrying a hint of respect.


    "And so are you," Pyris replied, his eyes flickering with curiosity as they locked onto hers. "I didn''t expect to meet a Nepharion here, let alone one with your strength and status."


    For a moment, the two of them stood in silence, the tension between them palpable. They had both revealed parts of themselves that were rarely seen by others¡ªPyris as a Golden Dragon, and Selene as a Fallen Angel.


    There was a mutual understanding now, a recognition of power that bound them in a way neither had anticipated.


    The night air grew cooler, the battle long over.


    Pyris and Selene found themselves standing at the edge of the clearing, the Grove quiet around them.


    Selene''s wings had retracted, though the faint glow of her Nepharion powers still lingered in the air. She turned to Pyris, her expression thoughtful. "You''re not just some powerful CEO or the heir to House Obsidian," she said, her voice measured. "There''s more to you, Pyris."


    Pyris chuckled softly, his golden eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "And you''re not just a businesswoman who will soon run thergest empire in Argos. It seems we both haveyers to uncover."


    Selene smiled, a genuine smile that softened her usually sharp demeanor. "I suppose we do."


    There was a weight to their words, a mutual understanding that they were both far more than they appeared.


    Pyris knew that this encounter with Selene had shifted something¡ªboth in his perception of her and in the path they were on.


    For now, they were allies, bound by the forces of destiny and power. But there was an unspoken knowledge between them¡ªwhether as rivals, partners, or something more, their fates were tied together.


    "I''ll be watching you, Pyris," Selene said, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of meaning.


    "And I''ll be watching you," Pyris replied, his voice equally steady.


    With that, Selene turned, her form disappearing into the shadows of the Grove, leaving Pyris alone once more.


    As Selene''s presence faded into the distance, Pyris stood in the clearing, his mind racing. He had absorbed the essence of a Rank 16 beast, and pushed himself beyond his limits.


    But more than that, he had encountered a force in Selene that both intrigued and unsettled him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A Fallen Angel¡ªa being thatmanded both light and darkness, with knowledge of the world and its ancient history that rivaled his own.


    But Selene had also seen something in him¡ªa glimpse of his true potential as a Golden Dragon, a being thought to be extinct.


    And though she didn''t yet know it, there was another side to Pyris that remained hidden¡ªthe Lust Dragon bloodline that lurked just beneath the surface, a force that even Pyris had not fully embraced.


    The night was quiet, the Grove settling back into its natural state. Pyris stretched his wings once more, testing their strength, feeling the rush of power that came with his advancement.


    He had reached Rank 11, but there was still more toe¡ªmore power to unlock, more enemies to face, and more mysteries to uncover.


    As the moon rose higher in the sky, Pyris took onest look at the clearing before turning toward the horizon. The future was filled with uncertainty, but one thing was clear¡ªhis journey had only just begun.


    And with beings like Selene in the world, that journey would be anything but ordinary.

 Chapter 109 A Game of Power and Subtlety

    The morning sun crept over the imperial capital, casting a warm glow across the sprawling city. Pyris Obsidian stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office in Obsidian Tower, staring out at the shimmering skyline. Today was no ordinary day¡ªtoday, the Valyrian Imperial Family was hosting an borate birthday party for the youngest princess, Seraphina Valyrian.


    It was more than a simple celebration, though; Pyris knew a trap when he saw one.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The invitation had arrived two weeks earlier, wrapped in gold, bearing the imperial seal of the Dragon Empire. The Valyrians were subtle but not subtle enough. They were ying a dangerous game of politics, and Seraphina was at the center of their ploy.


    He knew the Valyrians weren''t aiming to kill him outright¡ªthat would be too crude, too obvious. No, they had something more borate in mind, and he was walking straight into it.


    But Pyris was no stranger to maniption.


    He turned from the window, mind whirring with strategy, as he prepared for the night ahead.


    _____


    In his suite, Song, his ever-loyal bodyguard and master of the void, adjusted the final touches of Pyris''s tailored ck and gold attire. The outfit was simple yet elegant, marked with subtle golden and ck dragons'' emblems stitched into the fabric¡ªa quiet statement of power without excess.


    His aura radiated dominance, something that even the Valyrians would find hard to ignore.


    "Everything''s in ce?" Pyris asked, his tone calm.


    Song nodded silently. "I''ll be in the shadows, should things... shift unexpectedly."


    "They will," Pyris replied, fastening the final button on his jacket. "The Valyrians don''t move without a n. But they forget¡ªI''m not someone they can easily outmaneuver."


    Song gave a rare, slight smile. "They underestimate you."


    "They always do," Pyris mused, ncing at his phone as it buzzed. A message from Selene Serenova shed across the screen:


    "See you tonight. Stay sharp."


    Pyris chuckled. Selene was a force of her own, and their recent encounter in the Grove still yed on his mind. She had warned him to be cautious, and he didn''t take her lightly.


    The Valyrians might have set a trap, but Pyris had his own ns.


    With everything in ce, Pyris made his way to the entrance of Obsidian Tower, where a sleek, ck car waited to take him to the Valyrian Pce. Tonight would be a dance of power, influence, and deception. But he was ready.


    _____


    The Valyrian Pce was a testament to the sheer might of the Dragon Empire. A towering structure of golden domes, intricate dragon statues, andvish decorations, it dominated the skyline around, casting long shadows across the imperial capital.


    As Pyris stepped out of his car, he took in the sight of the grand entrance, the majestic dragon statues staring down as though they were watching every move he made.


    The pce was already buzzing with activity. Nobles from every corner of Argos had gathered, each dressed in their finest, vying for the attention of the imperial family. Pyris strode through the entrance, his presence turning heads, but he ignored the stares and whispers.


    He had a part to y, and attention was simply a byproduct of power.


    The pce ballroom was a spectacle of opulence. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, and long tables lined with the finest foods stretched across the room. The chatter of nobles filled the air as they exchanged pleasantries, their faces masked with smiles but eyes calcting every interaction.


    It didn''t take long for Pyris to spot Seraphina Valyrian, the evening''s centerpiece. The young princess was a vision of beauty, with golden hair cascading down her back and a gown of deep crimson and gold that shimmered as she moved through the crowd. But her beauty wasn''t what caught Pyris''s attention¡ªit was the sharp intelligence in her eyes.


    She was watching him, waiting, just as he expected.


    Pyris mingled with a few nobles of higher rankings to came to him, not just as the heir of House Obsidian and son of the Duchess but as the CEO of thergest technologypany in the mortal realm and the secondrgest bussineses empire in Argos!


    His eyes darted around looking through everyone and before he knew it, two hours passed with many activities going on in the grand ball room obscuring the sense of time.


    "Pyris Obsidian," a deep,manding voice echoed across the ballroom. Pyris turned to see Emperor Drakos Valyrian, the ruler of the Dragon Empire, making his way toward him. The Emperor was an imposing figure, standing tall with an air of unshakable authority.


    His silver hair, glowing golden eyes, and regal dragon-emzoned armor marked him as the undisputed leader of the most powerful empire in Argos.


    Pyris bowed slightly in respect, but his expression remainedposed. "Emperor Drakos, it''s an honor to be here."


    Drakos''s eyes flickered with something that resembled amusement. "The honor is mine, young Obsidian. Your recent sesses have not gone unnoticed. The youngest CEO in Argos, and now, you''re even dabbling in... other ventures."


    Pyris smiled subtly. "The world is ever-changing, Your Majesty. One must be adaptable."


    The Emperor''s gaze lingered on Pyris, as though he was trying to peer into the depths of his soul. "Indeed. Adaptability is the key to survival in these times. I''ve heard a great deal about your... extracurricr activities."


    There it was¡ªthe Emperor was probing, testing his boundaries. Pyris knew this conversation was more than pleasantries; it was a measure of strength.


    "Every action is calcted, Emperor Drakos. I''ve learned that from the best," Pyris replied smoothly, his tone respectful but with an edge.


    The Emperor''s lips twitched into a small smile. "I see. Tonight is a celebration, of course, but I trust you understand that nothing in the Valyrian Empire is without meaning."


    "I wouldn''t expect anything less," Pyris responded.


    Drakos''s smile didn''t reach his eyes. "Enjoy the evening, Pyris. But remember, in the Dragon Empire, one must always tread carefully."


    With that, the Emperor moved away, his presence leaving a ripple of tension in his wake. Pyris exhaled quietly, his mind already working through theyers of meaning behind Drakos''s words. The Emperor was no fool¡ªhe knew exactly who Pyris was and what he represented.


    But if Drakos thought he could intimidate Pyris, he was mistaken.


    ____


    As the evening progressed, the ballroom grew more crowded, the atmosphere thick with tension and intrigue. Pyris moved through the room with the practiced ease of someone who had attended countless high-society events, but his mind was always alert, scanning for any signs of the trap beingid for him.


    It wasn''t long before Seraphina Valyrian approached him again. She glided across the floor, her smile warm but her eyes calcting.


    "Pyris," she greeted, her voice honeyed. "I''m so d you could make it."


    "Princess Seraphina," Pyris replied with a smile of his own. "I wouldn''t miss such an important event."


    Her eyes lingered on him for a moment before she spoke again, her tone lowering just slightly. "You seem... distracted. I hope the weight of the world isn''t keeping you from enjoying my birthday."


    Pyris chuckled, lifting his ss of wine. "I''m never one to spoil a good celebration."


    Seraphina''s smile deepened, but Pyris could feel the underlying tension. She wasn''t here just to exchange pleasantries. The Valyrians were nning something, and Seraphina was at the heart of it.


    She stepped closer, her voice softening. "You know, Pyris, not everyone in this room sees the world as we do. Power, control, the things that make the world turn... few truly understand it."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "And what is it that you understand, Princess?"


    Seraphina''s gaze locked onto his, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand that we are not so different. And that sometimes, it''s better to be... allies."


    Pyris remained silent, considering her words. The trap wasn''t just about politics¡ªit was personal. Seraphina wasn''t simply a pawn in the game; she was trying to draw him in.


    "You''re ying a dangerous game, Seraphina," Pyris said finally, his voice low but firm.


    She smiled, the glint of ambition in her eyes unmistakable. "Aren''t we all?"


    ____


    As the night wore on, Pyris felt the pressure mounting. The Valyrians were not going to let this opportunity slip away. Their aim wasn''t to kill him outright but to lure him into something he couldn''t easily escape¡ªa trap that would bind him to the Valyrian family, perhaps through Seraphina herself.


    But Pyris was not without his own strategy. He had prepared for this. The question was, how far would the Valyrians go?


    Across the room, he caught sight of Selene Serenova, her eyes scanning the crowd with a sharp intensity. She had warned him to be cautious, and now he understood why. The Valyrians wereying the groundwork for something muchrger than a mere birthday celebration.

 Chapter 110 Pyriss Eyes on the Prize

    As the night wore on, Pyris could feel the pressure mounting. The Valyrians were calcting, precise, and subtle in their efforts to draw him into their web. The entire evening had been orchestrated as part of arger game, and Pyris was the key piece they were trying to manipte.


    The real question, however, was how far they were willing to go.


    His sharp eyes scanned the room, catching sight of Selene Serenova standing at the edge of the ballroom. Her eyes, ever watchful, took in the crowd with cool detachment. She stood apart from the festivities, observing but not engaging, her power simmering just beneath the surface.


    Despite her calm demeanor, Pyris knew she was fully aware of the games being yed tonight. Her earlier warning echoed in his mind¡ªthis was no ordinary gathering, and the Valyrians had ns that went far beyond celebration.


    Selene gave him a subtle nod from across the room, a wordless acknowledgment of the tension they both could feel. She knew the Valyrians wereying the groundwork for something muchrger, and it wouldn''t end with simple political maneuvering.


    She drifted into the shadows before disappearingpletely.


    Pyris took a deep breath, steeling himself. He had no intention of being ensnared by the Valyrian family, no matter how carefully they wove their trap. He wasn''t just here to survive the evening¡ªhe intended to turn the tables.


    _____


    As Pyris made his way through the crowd, he felt eyes on him¡ªeyes filled with admiration, desire, and curiosity. The women in the room were drawn to him, just as they always were, their gazes lingering on him longer than necessary, their smiles just a touch more inviting.


    It was something Pyris had grown used to, a natural effect of his Lust Dragon heritage and the Goddess''s blessings.


    But among those captivated stares, one stood out.


    Seraphina Valyrian, the youngest princess and the heart of the Valyrian family''s n, was watching him more intently than before. Pyris could sense the growing pull between them.


    Like many others, she couldn''t seem to resist the maic attraction he exuded, but there was something deeper in her gaze now¡ªhesitation.


    Seraphina was ying her part well, but Pyris could tell she was beginning to have doubts. Her feelings were conflicting; the cold calction with which she had approached him was faltering under the weight of something more primal, more instinctive.


    She was feeling it¡ªthe same draw all others felt around him¡ªand it was starting to disrupt her carefullyid ns.


    She''s starting to doubt herself, Pyris thought, a small smirk tugging at his lips. Perfect.


    As he moved toward her, he could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, though her posture remained poised and elegant. Seraphina was known for her ability to manipte others, to bend them to her will through charm and guile.


    But now, Pyris was the one shifting the bnce.


    He could y the long game too. His goal wasn''t just to survive the night; it was to take Seraphina, to make her his, without giving the Valyrian Emperor what he wanted.


    Pyris had no intention of bing a pawn in their schemes. If he was going to walk into their trap, he would walk out of it with more than just his pride intact¡ªhe would walk out victorious.


    _____


    Seraphina''s thoughts were tangled. She had approached the evening with a clear objective: draw Pyris into the fold, use the party as a means to bind him closer to the Valyrian family, and in doing so, secure a powerful ally¡ªor a tool for the empire''s goals.


    The Emperor, her father, had given her the task of luring Pyris in, and she had taken it on without question.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But now, standing before Pyris, feeling the intensity of his presence, the allure of his power, Seraphina was beginning to doubt herself. She had never expected to be affected by him, not like this. His aura was overwhelming¡ªan intoxicating mix of raw strength, elegance, and something else she couldn''t quite ce.


    Every word he spoke, every nce he cast her way, sent a thrill through her that she struggled to ignore.


    ''Why do I feel this way?'' Seraphina thought, her heart pounding in her chest. ''I''m supposed to control him, not the other way around.''


    She nced at Pyris as he approached, and for a moment, her carefully crafted fa?ade slipped. He was more than just another powerful noble, more than just the heir to the Obsidian family.


    There was something ancient, something primal in him that she couldn''t resist.


    Unbidden thoughts crept into her mind¡ªthoughts she had no business entertaining. She shook them off quickly, reminding herself of her duty. But the growing attraction was undeniable, and it was starting to chip away at her resolve.


    ____


    Pyris closed the distance between them, his expression calm but his eyes gleaming with purpose. He could sense Seraphina''s inner turmoil, the way her emotions were battling with her logic. She had been sent to manipte him, but now she was caught in her own web, and Pyris was more than ready to take advantage of that.


    He smiled, offering her a ss of wine as he reached her. "It seems the evening is turning out to be... more interesting than either of us expected."


    Seraphina epted the ss, her fingers brushing against his as she did. She felt a shiver run through her at the brief contact, and her pulse quickened.


    "Interesting, indeed," she replied, her voice steady but her heart racing.


    Pyris could see the conflict in her eyes. She was still trying to y the game, still trying to maintain control, but the cracks were beginning to show. The attraction between them was undeniable, and Pyris wasn''t going to let her walk away from it.


    He stepped closer, his voice lowering just enough to make the moment feel more intimate. "You''re not like the others, Seraphina. You don''t follow the rules¡ªthey follow you."


    Seraphina blinked, surprised by his words. "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying to keep herposure.


    "You and I¡ªwe''re alike," Pyris continued, his eyes locked on hers. "We''re not here to be controlled. We''re here to take control."


    Seraphina''s breath hitched, and she felt the pull between them intensify. ''No'', she thought, trying to keep her focus. This isn''t how it''s supposed to go. ''I''m supposed to be the one pulling the strings.''


    But Pyris wasn''t giving her time to think. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "You feel it too, don''t you? The power. The connection. You''re not just another pawn in this game, Seraphina.


    You''re the queen. But queens can still fall."


    Her heart raced at his words, and despite herself, Seraphina felt the walls she had built start to crumble. She hade here with a n, but now she wasn''t sure who was controlling the game anymore.


    Pyris smiled inwardly. He could see the doubt in her eyes, the hesitation in her movements. She was attracted to him, just like all the women in the room, but with Seraphina, it was deeper.


    She hade to ensnare him, but Pyris was already flipping the script. He was going to take her, but not on the Valyrian family''s terms¡ªon his.


    And when he did, the Emperor would be left with nothing.


    ____


    As the music swirled around them and the other guests moved about, Seraphina found herself drawn into the conversation, her carefullyid ns unraveling in the presence of Pyris. Her attraction to him was growing stronger with every word he spoke, every nce he gave her.


    She had been tasked with bringing Pyris into the fold, but now she wasn''t sure she wanted to let him go¡ªat least not in the way her father had intended.


    ''What is this?'' she thought, her mind spinning. ''I was supposed to control him, but...''


    But what?


    She couldn''t shake the feeling that Pyris was more than he appeared. And it wasn''t just his status as the CEO of Obsidian Tech or his impressive business acumen. No, there was something ancient, something otherworldly about him.


    Something that both intrigued and terrified her.


    Seraphina''s thoughts raced as she tried to reconcile her mission with her growing attraction to him. She knew the Emperor hadid out a n, but now she wasn''t so sure she could follow through with it.


    There was something about Pyris¡ªsomething she couldn''t resist.


    And Pyris could see it all. He could feel the doubt creeping into Seraphina''s mind, the hesitation in her actions. She was being pulled toward him, just like so many others had been before. But this time, Pyris wasn''t just going to let things unfold naturally.


    He was going to take control.


    He wasn''t just going to y the game.


    He was going to win.

 Chapter 111 The Seduction Begins

    The ballroom around them buzzed with activity, but to Pyris and Seraphina, the world had narrowed to just the two of them. The noise of the party became distant, theughter and chatter of the other nobles fading into the background.


    It was as if they were the only ones standing in the grand hall, the air between them charged with an electric tension that neither could deny.


    Seraphina hade here with a mission¡ªan intricate n crafted by her father, Emperor Drakos, to lure Pyris into their fold. But the closer she got to him, the more her confidence began to waver. There was something about Pyris that pulled her in, something that went beyond simple attraction.


    He radiated a power that she had never encountered before, a force that both intrigued and terrified her.


    And as she stood before him, her breath catching in her throat, she could feel her carefully constructed n unraveling.


    Pyris, sensing her uncertainty, leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, intimate tone. "You''re not like the others, Seraphina. You have power¡ªreal power. But I wonder... are you afraid of it?"


    Seraphina swallowed hard, trying to regain control of the conversation, but her mind was spinning. She had never felt this vulnerable, this exposed. "I''m not afraid," she managed to say, though her voice was softer than she intended.


    Pyris''s golden eyes locked onto hers, and he could see the flicker of doubt in her gaze. She was trying to hold on to her role, to maintain the upper hand, but her resistance was slipping away.


    The subtle sway of her posture, the way her lips parted as she spoke¡ªit all told Pyris what he needed to know.


    She was his for the taking.


    Pyris stepped closer, his presence dominating the space between them. He reached out, gently brushing a lock of her golden hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just long enough to send a shiver down her spine.


    "You''re trying so hard to control me," he murmured, his voice a velvety whisper. "But we both know where this is going."


    Seraphina''s breath hitched at the touch, her body reacting instinctively to his closeness. The rational part of her mind screamed for her to pull back, to reassert control over the situation, but her body betrayed her.


    She leaned into his touch, her pulse quickening as heat pooled in her core.


    "I... I''m not trying to control you," she said, though even as the words left her lips, she knew they were a lie.


    Pyris smiled, his lips curving in a way that made her heart race. "No? Then why do I feel like you''re trying to make me yours?"


    Seraphina''s face flushed, the boldness of his words sending a thrill through her. She opened her mouth to respond, but Pyris didn''t give her the chance. His hand slid from her hair to her neck, his thumb brushing lightly against the sensitive skin of her throat.


    His touch was possessive, yet tender, and the sensation sent a wave of heat rushing through her.


    Seraphina''s mind raced, but her body was already making decisions for her. She wanted him¡ªshe couldn''t deny it any longer. The pull she felt toward Pyris wasn''t just a result of her family''s n, it was something deeper, something primal that she couldn''t exin.


    And Pyris could sense it all.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Seraphina," he said softly, his voice filled with purpose. "You can stop pretending. You want this. You want me."


    Her heart pounded in her chest, and for the first time that evening, Seraphina feltpletely out of control. She had always been the one pulling the strings, the one who manipted others, but now she was caught in her own web, and Pyris was the one with the power.


    "I..." she started to say, but the words wouldn''te. Her eyes flickered down to his lips, the tension between them growing unbearable.


    Pyris''s hand slid down from her neck to the small of her back, pulling her just a fraction closer to him. "It''s okay," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "You don''t have to fight it."


    Seraphina''s resistance crumbled in that moment. She was done pretending, done trying to outy him. The attraction between them had grown too strong, and all she could think about now was how much she wanted him.


    ____


    The world around them seemed to fall away as Seraphina let herself give in to the pull she felt toward Pyris. Her eyes met his, and she saw the raw, untamed desire in them. He wasn''t just some nobleman to be manipted¡ªhe was a force of nature, and she was drawn to him like a moth to a me.


    She took a step closer, her chest almost brushing against his as she looked up into his golden eyes. Her lips parted, but she didn''t speak. She didn''t need to.


    Pyris tilted her chin up gently with his hand, his gaze locking onto hers. "I knew you''de around," he said softly, his voice filled with confidence.


    And then, without another word, he leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss.


    Seraphina''s breath hitched as his lips met hers, her body responding immediately. She melted into the kiss, her arms sliding around his neck as the heat between them red into an inferno.


    Pyris''s hand tightened on her waist, pulling her against him as the kiss deepened, the intensity of it overwhelming her senses.


    All of her doubts, all of her carefullyid ns, dissolved in that moment. All that mattered was the feeling of Pyris''s lips on hers, the way his body felt pressed against hers, the way he made her feel alive in a way she had never experienced before.


    Pyris, for his part, had won. He had felt Seraphina''s walls crumble, her resistance fade away. She was his now,pletely and utterly, and it wasn''t just the Emperor''s trap he had escaped¡ªit was the beginning of something far more significant.


    As the kiss deepened, Pyris pulled her even closer, his fingers sliding through her hair as he imed her in full. He could feel the electricity between them, the raw chemistry that had been simmering all night now unleashed.


    Seraphina moaned softly into the kiss, her body pressing into his as her hands roamed over his shoulders, feeling the strength beneath his clothes. She was no longer thinking about the Emperor''s n, no longer thinking about her duty.


    All she wanted now was Pyris.


    When they finally broke the kiss, both of them were breathing heavily, the air around them charged with tension. Seraphina''s face was flushed, her lips slightly swollen from the intensity of the kiss, and Pyris looked down at her with a satisfied smirk.


    "See?" Pyris murmured, his voice low and filled with heat. "You don''t have to fight it."


    Seraphina''s eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him, her heart still racing. She knew she had crossed a line tonight, but in that moment, she didn''t care. All she could think about was how much she wanted more.


    _____


    Pyris had yed the game perfectly. He had taken what the Valyrian Emperor had set before him and turned it to his advantage. Seraphina will be his now, bound to him not by the Emperor''s ns but by her own desire.


    And Pyris knew that this was just the beginning.


    He had no intention of letting the Valyrians win, and tonight had proven that he could take control of the situation¡ªon his terms. He had seduced Seraphina not just as a conquest, but as a strategic move that would give him leverage over the Valyrian family.


    The Emperor had wanted to manipte him, but instead, Pyris had imed the heart of his daughter.


    And as Seraphina looked up at him her eyes filled up with desire and uncertainty!

 Chapter 112 Unleashed desires!

    The evening continued as the crowd began to thin, guests slowly drifting out of the grand ballroom, their conversations now softer, less animated. The golden chandeliers overhead dimmed slightly as the night wore on, casting a more intimate glow over the pce.


    Pyris Obsidian stood at the edge of the room, watching as Seraphina Valyrian mingled with the remaining guests. Her every movement was calcted, her smile poised, but Pyris could see the subtle signs of distraction in her.


    The tension between them had been simmering all night, and he could feel it building¡ªan invisible force pulling them closer.


    Seraphina''s eyes kept flickering toward Pyris, her mind clearly split between the conversations around her and the unspoken connection they had shared earlier. She was no longer in full control of herself, and she knew it.


    Pyris had shifted the bnce, taking what was meant to be a trap and turning it into something else entirely¡ªan intricate dance of seduction, power, and submission.


    Pyris''s gaze never wavered from her. He was patient, waiting for the right moment, knowing that Seraphina was already unraveling under the weight of her own desire.


    ''She''s fighting it,'' Pyris thought, his eyes narrowing as he watched her make her way toward the balcony. But she won''t win.


    Seraphina paused at the doorway leading to the balcony, her hand resting on the gilded frame. For a moment, she stood still seemingly enjoying the night''s view of the capital, her back turned to him, her head lowered as if deep in thought.


    It was all the invitation Pyris needed.


    He moved silently across the ballroom, the remaining guests and attendants fading into the background as his focus narrowed on Seraphina. By the time she stepped out into the cool night air, Pyris was right behind her.


    _____


    The night sky was clear, stars twinkling above as the city of the dragon empire Drakos ruled over spread out beneath them like a sea of lights. The balcony overlooked the imperial capital, but neither of them was interested in the view.


    Seraphina stood at the edge, her hands resting lightly on the marble railing. She didn''t turn around as Pyris approached, but he could sense the way her body tensed slightly in anticipation of his presence.


    "You left the party rather early," Pyris said, his voice low and smooth as he stepped up beside her.


    Seraphina nced at him, her expression calm but her eyes betraying her inner turmoil. "I needed some air," she replied softly, though her words felt like an excuse.


    Pyris leaned casually against the railing, his gaze fixed on her. "You''ve been thinking about what happened earlier, haven''t you?"


    Seraphina''s breath caught for a moment, and Pyris could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. She looked away, her fingers gripping the marble railing a little tighter.


    "You''re mistaken," she said, though her voicecked conviction.


    Pyris smirked, leaning in just a little closer. "Am I?"


    There was a brief silence between them, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Pyris could feel the pull between them growing stronger, and Seraphina''s defenses were crumbling with every second that passed.


    "I see it in your eyes," Pyris continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "You''re not just thinking about the power, the politics. You''re thinking about what it would feel like to give in."


    Seraphina''s breath quickened, but she still didn''t turn to face him. She was fighting it¡ªfighting the attraction, the desire¡ªbut Pyris knew it was only a matter of time before she broke.


    "Seraphina," he said, his tone soft butmanding. "Look at me."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Slowly, as if against her will, Seraphina turned her head to meet his gaze. Her violet eyes were filled with conflict, but there was no mistaking the desire in them. She wanted him¡ªmore than she had ever admitted to herself.


    Pyris took a step closer, closing the distance between them, his hand gently brushing against hers on the railing. "You don''t have to pretend anymore. You want this as much as I do."


    Seraphina''s pulse raced, her mind spinning as she tried to maintain control, but the maic pull of Pyris''s presence was overwhelming. Her carefully constructed facade was crumbling, and she knew it.


    "I..." she started, but her voice trailed off as she struggled to find the words.


    Pyris''s hand slid over hers, his touch warm and reassuring. "You''ve been fighting yourself all night. Why keep pretending?"


    Seraphina closed her eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. The cool night air did little to calm the fire burning within her, and every fiber of her being was screaming for her to give in.


    And then, with a soft exhale, she let go.


    Seraphina turned fully toward Pyris, her body now facing his, the space between them almost nonexistent. Her gaze locked onto his, her resolve wavering but her desire undeniable.


    "I hate you for this," she whispered, though there was no anger in her voice¡ªonly longing.


    Pyris chuckled softly, his hand sliding to her waist, pulling her gently toward him. "No, Seraphina. You don''t hate me. You hate how much you want this."


    Her lips parted as if to protest, but no words came. Instead, she leaned into him, her body responding to the maic force between them. Her hands rested on his chest, her fingers curling slightly into the fabric of his shirt as she allowed herself to be drawn into his orbit.


    "You''ve yed the game well," Pyris murmured, his lips now inches from hers. "But now it''s time for the real thing."


    Seraphina''s breath hitched as the weight of his words sank in. She had been caught in a web of her own making, and Pyris had turned the tables on her so effortlessly. But now, standing here with him, she didn''t care about the game anymore.


    She wanted him.


    Pyris could see the moment of decision in her eyes¡ªthe moment when she chose to surrender to the desire that had been building all night. And as she pressed her body against his, her lips barely brushing his, Pyris knew the hunt was over.


    Seraphina Valyrian had fallen.

 Chapter 113 Surrender to Desire_Fall From Grace!

    The cool night air wrapped around them, but the tension between Pyris and Seraphina was hot, charged, and undeniable. Her chest rose and fell with each shallow breath as she stood so close to him that their bodies almost touched.


    The moonlight painted her golden hair in silver, and her violet eyes, though filled with uncertainty, were bright with something far more potent¡ªdesire.


    Pyris could feel her pulse quicken under his fingers as his hand slid from her waist up to her neck, gently tracing the line of her jaw. Seraphina''s breath hitched, her lips parting ever so slightly, but she said nothing.


    The silence between them was louder than any words could be. She wanted him¡ªneeded him¡ªbut part of her was still fighting the inevitable.


    "Seraphina," Pyris whispered, his voice low and intoxicating as his thumb brushed lightly against her soft lips. "Why fight it?"


    Her body trembled under his touch, her walls crumbling with each passing moment. She hade into the night with a clear mission, but all of it seemed to melt away in the heat of Pyris''s presence. He wasn''t just seducing her; he was unraveling her entire sense of control.


    And for the first time, Seraphina didn''t want to be in control.


    "Because..." she began, but her voice faltered. Her body betrayed her, leaning closer to him, her head tilting ever so slightly toward his lips. The words died on her tongue as she stared up at him, the desire in her gaze raw and unguarded.


    Pyris, always attuned to such moments, leaned in until his breath mingled with hers. "Because what?" he asked softly, his lips brushing hers as he spoke.


    A shiver ran down Seraphina''s spine, and her eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment. Every instinct in her told her to pull away, to keep her defenses up. But Pyris''s voice, his presence, the way his fingers traced her skin¡ªit was all too much.


    The barriers she''d built over the years, the carefully constructed persona of a princess in control of her every move, had been shattered.


    "I can''t...," she whispered, though her body was already betraying her words, moving closer, surrendering.


    "You already have," Pyris murmured, his voiceced with victory.


    Seraphina''s breathing quickened, her heart hammering in her chest as she realized the truth in his words. She had already fallen, already surrendered, and there was no going back. Pyris''s hand moved lower, brushing against her waist, pulling her closer as their lips hovered just a breath apart.


    This was it¡ªthe moment she had been dreading and desiring all at once. Her mind screamed for her to resist, but her body¡ªoh, her body¡ªhad already made the choice.


    And in that instant, she closed the final distance between them.


    Their lips met in a slow, electrifying kiss that sent sparks shooting through her entire body. Seraphina gasped softly against his mouth as Pyris deepened the kiss, his hands tightening around her waist, pulling her flush against him.


    His dominance was palpable, and Seraphina found herself melting into him, her hands sliding up to his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt as if it were the only thing grounding her in this whirlwind of desire.


    Pyris''s hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve as the kiss grew more intense, more passionate. Seraphina''s heart raced, her body responding to his every touch, every whisper of his lips against hers.


    She had never felt anything like this¡ªnever.


    Her mind, once filled with doubt and hesitation, was now consumed with only one thought: ''I want him.''


    Pyris could sense it¡ªthe final surrender. She was his now, fully andpletely. Her submission had been hard-fought, but Pyris reveled in the victory. His hands slid lower, pulling her even closer as his lips moved to her neck, his breath hot against her skin.


    Seraphina moaned softly, her hands tangling in his hair as she tilted her head back, giving him full ess to the delicate skin of her throat. Her body was on fire, every nerve alight with sensation as Pyris imed her in a way no one ever had.


    "You belong to me now," Pyris whispered against her ear, his voice a soft growl that sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine.


    Seraphina''s breath caught in her throat at his words, a mixture of defiance and excitement surging through her. She had spent her entire life being in control, being the one pulling the strings.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But now, in Pyris''s arms, she found herself wanting to let go¡ªto belong to him.


    "Yes..." she breathed, the word barely a whisper, but it was all Pyris needed to hear.


    Pyris pulled away for a moment, his eyes locking onto Seraphina''s, and what he saw there made his blood hum with satisfaction. Her defenses werepletely shattered. She was his.


    The cool night air contrasted with the heat between them as Pyris led Seraphina further into the shadows of the garden, away from prying eyes. She followed willingly, her hand slipping into his, her body pressed against his side.


    There was no hesitation now¡ªjust the undeniable pull of desire.


    They found a secluded corner, hidden from the view of the pce, and without a word, Pyris pushed Seraphina gently against the marble wall. His lips found hers again, more demanding this time, and she responded eagerly, her hands roaming over his chest and shoulders as their kiss deepened.


    Seraphina moaned into his mouth, her body arching into his as Pyris''s hands moved over her waist, pulling her even closer. The intensity of his touch, the dominance in his movements¡ªit was everything she had never allowed herself to want, and yet here she was, giving herself over to himpletely.


    His strong hands slid down her hips, gripping them possessively as his lips moved to her neck, biting gently at the sensitive skin there. Seraphina gasped, her body trembling under his touch, the fire between them threatening to consume her entirely.


    "You''re mine," Pyris whispered against her skin, his voice a mixture ofmand and promise.


    "Yes," Seraphina breathed, her hands gripping his arms as if holding on for dear life. She had never felt anything like this¡ªnever. And now, she couldn''t imagine feeling anything else.


    Pyris''s hands moved lower, his touch igniting every nerve in her body, and Seraphina moaned softly, her head tilting back as she surrendered fully to him.


    She had fallen. And there was no going back.

 Chapter 114 The Hunt Ends – Pyriss Conquest!

    The cool night air wrapped around them as the garden''s shadows deepened, isting Pyris and Seraphina from the rest of the world. It was as though the stars above had disappeared, leaving only the two of them in a cocoon of heat, desire, and the undeniable pull of power.


    Seraphina, once the proud princess of the Dragon Empire, now trembled in Pyris''s arms, her breath ragged, her defenses utterly destroyed.


    Pyris''s grip on her waist tightened as he pressed her back against the cool marble wall. His lips traced a path from her neck to her jawline, every touch making her shiver with a mixture of anticipation and surrender. Seraphina''s hands clutched at his shirt, her fingers gripping the fabric as though he were the only thing anchoring her in reality.


    "You''ve been fighting it all night," Pyris murmured against her skin, his voice like velvet, roughened by the satisfaction of his victory. "But now you know¡ªthis was inevitable."


    Seraphina''s breath hitched, and she closed her eyes as his words sank in. He was right, and she had known it from the moment their eyes had met across the ballroom. She had been drawn to him, pulled into his orbit like a star falling into the gravity of a ck hole.


    And now, she was lost in him.


    "I can''t... stop," Seraphina whispered, her voice barely audible,ced with a mixture of fear and excitement. Her violet eyes fluttered open, locking onto his.


    Pyris''s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "I don''t want you to."


    Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze, and for a moment, her mind raced, trying to grasp at any semnce of control. But it was useless.


    Pyris had taken everything from her¡ªher resolve, her control, her very sense of self¡ªand reced it with something far more powerful: submission.


    Without another word, Pyris leaned down and captured her lips again in a kiss that was deeper, more demanding than before. Seraphina''s body responded instinctively, pressing against his as her hands roamed over his chest, his shoulders, her fingers tangling in his hair.


    She had never felt this kind of desire before, this need that consumed her so fully.


    Pyris''s hands roamed down her body, tracing the curve of her hips, his touch sending electric shocks through her veins. His dominance was palpable, and Seraphina found herself craving it¡ªcraving him¡ªin a way that left her breathless.


    "You''re mine now, Seraphina," Pyris repeated, growled softly against her ear, his breath hot against her skin.


    She whispered, her voice trembling with both fear and desire. "I''m yours."


    _____


    The garden felt like another world, isted from the politics and maniptions of the ballroom, from the watchful eyes of the Dragon Empire. Here, there was only Pyris and Seraphina¡ªand the maic force that had drawn them together.


    Pyris pulled Seraphina closer, their bodies fitting together as if they had been made for this moment. His lips trailed down her neck, his hands gripping her waist possessively.


    He could feel her trembling beneath his touch, her body responding to him in ways that told him she had fully surrendered.


    She wasn''t just giving in¡ªshe was offering herself to him,pletely and without reservation.


    Seraphina''s mind was a blur. She had never felt this way before, had never been dominated so utterly. She was used to control, to manipting those around her to achieve her goals.


    But now, with Pyris''s hands on her, his lips on her skin, she found herself reveling in the loss of that control.


    Her breaths came in ragged gasps as Pyris''s hands moved over her, exploring every inch of her body with a slow, deliberate touch. She moaned softly against his lips, her fingers clutching at his arms as though she might fall if she let go.


    "You''ve been pretending for too long," Pyris whispered against her skin. "Pretending you didn''t want this, pretending you were in control. But you knew... you''ve always known."


    Seraphina''s heart raced as his words cut through her, the truth of them undeniable. She had known. From the moment she''d set eyes on him in the ballroom, she had felt the pull¡ªthe need. And now, standing here in the shadows of the pce, she could no longer fight it.


    "Take me," she breathed, her voice shaky but filled with resolve. "I''m yours."


    Pyris''s smirk deepened as he imed her lips once more, his hands moving lower, his touch firmer now, more possessive. Seraphina moaned against his mouth, her body arching into him, craving more, needing more.


    He had her now!


    The air around them thickened as Pyris''s dominance radiated from him, his golden eyes glowing faintly with a predatory gleam. He was the hunter, and Seraphina the willing prey.


    Her every breath, every movement, was a submission to his power, a silent acknowledgment that she was his to im.


    Pyris''s hand slid up her back, tangling in her hair as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring hers in a slow, sensual rhythm that made her knees weak.


    Seraphina whimpered softly against him, her body trembling as she gave herself over to the pleasure that was building inside her, threatening to consume her whole.


    She felt the heat between them intensify, her body reacting to his every touch, her mind spinning in a haze of desire. She had never felt this kind of intensity before¡ªnever. And now, she couldn''t imagine anything else.


    Pyris''s smirk widened as he leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "And you''ll do anything I want, won''t you?"


    Her breath hitched at his words, and she closed her eyes, her body trembling with the weight of her submission. "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Anything."


    Pyris''s satisfaction was palpable as he gazed down at Seraphina, her violet eyes clouded with desire, her body pressed against his, trembling under his touch. He had won.


    He had taken the princess of the Dragon Empire, and she had given herself to him fully.


    But this wasn''t just a physical victory¡ªit was a political one as well, one he didn''t care about so much at the moment.The Valyrians had set a trap for him, but Pyris had turned it into his own victory, iming their most prized daughter in the process.


    Seraphina had fallen. And now, she was his.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The cool night air wrapped around them as the reality of what had just happened sank in. Seraphina''s chest heaved as she caught her breath, her body still trembling from the intensity of the moment. She looked up at Pyris, her gaze filled with a mixture of awe and surrender.


    Pyris smirked, his hand still gripping her waist as he leaned down to press one final, possessive kiss against her lips.


    "Seraphina," he whispered against her mouth. "I''m not letting you go."


    Seraphina''s heart raced at his words, her body responding instinctively to the promise in them. She knew there was no going back now¡ªno returning to the woman she had been before.


    She had given herself to him, and Pyris had imed her in every way that mattered.

 Chapter 115 Space Dragon!

    The night was still buzzing with the energy of the grand Valyrian party as Pyris Obsidian took a deep breath, his mind racing after his encounter with Seraphina Valyrian. The ballroom, filled with the most powerful figures from across Argos, suddenly felt smaller.


    He had won this round, turning the Valyrian family''s trap into his own victory, but there was something else¡ªsomething stirring within him.


    Seraphina had been the target tonight, but there were others in this vast world. Selene Serenova, for one, had caught his attention in recent days, but now Pyris felt the pull to widen his horizons even further.


    ["Quite greedy, aren''t we?"] Lia chuckled.


    The Obsidian Empire and the business world had consumed much of his focus for months now, leaving little room for the people at the academy he attended.


    He had always been too upied with managing his family''s empire, never caring much about who else was around.


    But now, after his encounter with the powerful and ambitious Seraphina''s family, Pyris realized he had been missing something. He had been walking among potential allies¡ªand even rivals¡ªwithout paying them any heed.


    ''Perhaps it''s time to change that,'' Pyris thought, his mind shifting gears. ''There are more opportunities at the academy than I realized. Selene, Seraphina... if they were hidden gems, how many more have I ignored?''


    The thought stirred something deep within him¡ªan ambition that had been growing ever since he unlocked the full potential of his Golden Dragon heritage. Pyris was no longer content to be reactive.


    He would seek out these people, engage them, and bend them to his will if necessary.


    As he contemted his next moves, Pyris turned to leave the grand ballroom, wanting to clear his head. He had aplished much tonight, but something still nagged at the edge of his consciousness.


    ___


    The cool night air hit Pyris as he stepped out into the garden of the Valyrian Pce, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow over the meticulously maintained grounds. His steps were slow, thoughtful, as his mind reyed the events of the night.


    But suddenly, a shift in the atmosphere made Pyris pause.


    The air grew thick, heavy with power. Pyris''s senses red to life as an overwhelming aura brushed against his mind¡ªan aura far more potent than anything he had felt in years. It wasn''t just strong; it was suffocating.


    The sheer weight of it pressed down on him, his dragon instincts roaring in response.


    Before he could fully react, Pyris''s gaze snapped toward the source of the power. A woman stepped into view from the shadows of the garden, her presencemanding and regal. Her beauty was breathtaking¡ªmature, refined, andpletely intoxicating.


    Her dark silver hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves, and her eyes, a deep amethyst, held an otherworldly glow.


    Her aura was unmistakable¡ªshe wasn''t just powerful; she was on another level entirely. The very air around her seemed to bend and warp as if space itself was her domain.


    Pyris''s breath caught in his throat, but not just from the pressure of her presence¡ªthere was something else. Something primal.


    He felt drawn to her in a way that was unlike anything he had experienced before.


    Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.


    ["Pyris, be careful."] Lia, his system spirit, whispered urgently. ["That woman... she''s not just powerful. She''s beyond Rank 20. She''s feels like dangerous figures in the Dragon Empire... and a Space Dragon.


    You can''t afford to be reckless with her."]


    Pyris''s heart raced as the full weight of what Lia said sank in. That Space Dragon, one of the reasons the Dragon Empire had remained untouchable for centuries. Her power over space made her nearly impossible to challenge, let alone defeat.


    But even as Lia''s warning settled in his mind, Pyris felt something deeper stir within him¡ªa challenge. This woman was beyond anyone he had encountered, but instead of fear, all Pyris felt was desire.


    The power she wielded, the overwhelming authority she exuded, it only made him more determined.


    I''ll have her, Pyris thought, his eyes narrowing with purpose. No matter what.


    The woman noticed Pyris immediately. Her silver eyes locked onto him, assessing, curious. She took a step closer, and the pressure of her aura increased, her power crackling in the air.


    It was like standing on the edge of a copsing star¡ªbeautiful, deadly, and impossible to escape.


    "I didn''t expect to see someone like you out here, Pyris Obsidian," she said, her voice smooth and authoritative. "I''ve heard a great deal about you."


    Pyris met her gaze, his confidence unshaken despite the weight of her presence. "I could say the same about you," he replied, his voice steady. "Though I suspect you''re not here by coincidence."


    Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "I go where I please," she said, her toneced with amusement. "And right now, I''m intrigued. You''ve stirred quite themotion tonight, though I doubt most realize it."


    Pyris''s eyes flickered with interest. "It seems you know more than most, then."


    The woman stepped closer, her aura brushing against Pyris like a physical force. He could feel the pull of her presence¡ªthe sheer gravity of it¡ªand yet, there was something intoxicating about being so close to her.


    She was dangerous, yes, but that only made him more determined.


    "I make it my business to know about those who... disturb the bnce," she said, her eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "You''ve done more than just y the Valyrians'' game tonight. I can see that."


    Pyris smirked, the challenge in her words igniting something within him. "If I''m disturbing the bnce, then perhaps the bnce needed to be disrupted."


    Her smile widened, and Pyris could sense the growing tension between them. She wasn''t just powerful¡ªshe was ying a game of her own, one that Pyris was eager to be a part of.


    "And what do you intend to do now, Pyris?" she asked, her voice a low, seductive murmur. "You''re standing in a garden with a Space Dragon. Surely you understand the risk of that."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Pyris stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "I''m not afraid of risks," he replied, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "In fact, I''m quite fond of them."


    The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his boldness. "You''re bold. But I wonder... do you truly understand what you''re up against?"


    Pyris''s lips curved into a smirk. "I understand more than you think."


    Their eyes locked, the air between them crackling with tension. Pyris could feel the pull growing stronger, the attraction between them undeniable. But more than that, he could feel the power she radiated¡ªand he wanted it. He wanted her.


    Not just as another conquest, but as a challenge, a test of his growing strength and ambition.

 Chapter 116 Glimpse of the Dragon Empress!

    The woman''s smile deepened, and for a brief moment, Pyris thought he saw something flicker in her eyes¡ªrespect? Amusement? He couldn''t be sure.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "You''re not what I expected, Pyris Obsidian," she said softly, her voice carrying an air of finality. "Perhaps we''ll meet again."


    With that, she turned and began to walk away, her form fading into the shadows of the garden, leaving Pyris standing alone, the weight of her presence lingering in the air.


    But as she disappeared into the night, Pyris knew one thing for certain.


    "I''ll find her again. And when I do..!"


    The night had revealed more than just political games¡ªit had shown Pyris the true scope of power that existed beyond the walls of the academy and his business empire. He had tasted victory with Seraphina, but now he craved more.


    The Space Dragon had lit a fire within him, a desire to im what others thought untouchable.


    And Pyris was nothing if not ambitious.


    ____


    The cool night had deepened over the Valyrian Pce, the stars above glimmering like distant beacons as Pyris stood alone on the balcony, his mind filled with the evening''s conquests and revtions.


    The once-bustling party had quieted, and in the silence, Pyris let the weight of the night settle in.


    Seraphina Valyrian, now could be called his, had returned to her quarters. Their encounter had been more than just seduction¡ªit was the beginning of their rtionship and his conquest of the empire!


    Pyris knew that Seraphina was no longer simply a pawn in her family''s grand political game. She was bound to him now, both in desire and in loyalty. The Valyrian family had tried to use her to entrap him, but Pyris had turned the tables.


    Even now, the emperor was oblivious of what had happened blindly sure that his daughter had got Pyris into the honey trap!


    He smirked at the memory of her surrender, knowing full well that this was only the first step in a muchrger game.


    ["You yed her well, Pyris,"] Lia''s voice echoed in his head, her tone filled with satisfaction. ["She''s no longer a threat, not just another piece on a board."]


    ''Indeed'', Pyris thought to himself. But there was still more to be done.


    His thoughts turned to the Space Dragon woman he had encountered in the garden earlier. Her power had been overwhelming, her presence suffocating, yet it had ignited something deep within him.


    Pyris knew he had to have her¡ªnot just as a conquest but as a way to test his strength, to see if he could rise to her level.


    "I''ll find her again," Pyris whispered, his eyes narrowing with determination.


    ["She''s dangerous, Pyris. Beyond Rank 20 is no small feat. But if anyone can get to her, it''s you,"] Lia''s voice whispered again, her confidence in him unwavering.


    With Seraphina bound to him and the Space Dragon lingering in his thoughts, Pyris felt the night''s conquests were far from over.


    His horizons were expanding¡ªhe had to focus not just on his business empire, but on the vastwork of power yers around him.


    As Pyris made his way back through the pce, preparing to leave, he found himself drawn to the grand hall. The remnants of the party still lingered, with a few of the most powerful guests conversing in small, isted groups.


    Just as he passed the entrance to the hall, a powerful aura washed over him, sharp andmanding. Pyris stopped in his tracks, his dragon senses tingling as he turned to the source of the energy.


    Across the room, he saw him¡ªDrakon Valyrian, the oldest prince of the Dragon Empire. Tall, broad-shouldered, and exuding the unmistakable aura of a high-ranking awakened, Drakon stood with a regal posture, his piercing gaze scanning the room.


    His long ck hair was tied neatly behind him, his golden eyes¡ªa hallmark of the Valyrian family¡ªfixed on Pyris with an intensity that immediately sparked tension between the two.


    Drakon''s aura hit Pyris like a wave, easily identifiable as that of a Rank 17 Awakened, a level of power thatmanded respect and fear alike.


    ["That''s Drakon Valyrian," Lia said, her voice tinged with warning. "He''s strong, Pyris. Definitely a threat."]


    Pyris''s lips curled into a subtle smirk. A threat, perhaps. But a challenge? Definitely.


    He took a step forward, their eyes locking across the grand hall. It was clear that neither would back down. Pyris had always known that if he were to challenge the Dragon Empire, he would eventuallye face-to-face with its elite.


    But this¡ªmeeting the crown prince¡ªwas sooner than he expected.


    Drakon''s expression was unreadable as he strode confidently toward Pyris, his aura of power unwavering. "You must be Pyris Obsidian," Drakon said, his voice deep andmanding, a trace of curiosity flickering in his eyes. "I''ve heard about you. The young prodigy running Obsidian Tech."


    Pyris''s confidence never wavered as he nodded. "I''ve heard a lot about you as well. The crown prince of the Dragon Empire." He matched Drakon''s regal tone, keeping his own presence strong.


    Drakon raised an eyebrow. "It seems we both live up to the rumors."


    The tension between them thickened. Neither of them moved, but the challenge hung in the air, unspoken yet palpable. Drakon''s eyes seemed to gleam with recognition¡ªperhaps he sensed the dragon blood that coursed through Pyris''s veins, though it was hidden beneathyers of other powers.


    ["He''s testing you,"] Lia warned. ["Be careful. He''s not just a rival in power¡ªhe has influence, too."]


    Pyris knew this encounter was important. Drakon wasn''t just another high-ranked opponent. He was the future of the Dragon Empire¡ªa potential roadblock or a key to something far greater.


    But just as Pyris was about to respond, his gaze flickered over Drakon''s shoulder¡ªand that''s when he saw her.


    ____


    Across the room, seated elegantly on a raised tform, was Empress Astrid Valyrian, the wife of Emperor Drakos and the mother of Drakon and Seraphina. Her presence was breathtaking, an aura of authority and beauty radiating from her like the sun.


    She wore a shimmering gown of crimson and gold, the colors of the Valyrian royal family, but it was her form that captured Pyris''s attention.


    Her figure was graceful yet powerful, her curves entuated by the way her gown clung to her body. Dark, cascading hair framed her sharp, regal features, and her emerald green eyes shone with wisdom and the fierce energy of a ruler.


    She carried the aura of a Rank 18 Awakened, her power immense yet restrained with the effortless grace of someone ustomed to authority.


    For a moment, Pyris was dazed, his dragon instincts ring to life at the mere sight of her. The empress was more than just beautiful¡ªshe was perfect, exuding the kind of power and allure that made her utterly irresistible.


    ["So beautiful..."] Lia''s voice whispered in his mind, echoing his thoughts. ["Pyris, you should get her no matter what!]


    *****


    Last chapter for today! Vote guys, power stones, golden tickets and give more gifts. Pyris'' thirsty! Oh right, he''s rich, but a little encouragement won''t hurt

 Chapter 117 I Will Be Your Father Soon!

    Pyris''s heart pounded in his chest, his gaze locked onto the empress. She hadn''t noticed him yet, but that didn''t matter. Pyris knew then that he had to meet her¡ªhad to find a way to be in her presence again.


    The challenge of winning the empress over, of iming her despite her status and power, filled him with a sense of purpose unlike any other.


    As his mind raced with possibilities, a sharp ding echoed in his head.


    [Ding!


    [Mission: Win the Heart of Empress Astrid Valyrian


    1000 LPs (Lust Points)


    Unlock: Golden Dragon''s Charm (Passive ability to enhance your influence over those with dragon blood)


    +23 to all physical and mental attributes.


    Punishment for Failure:


    Permanent lock on all advanced Golden Dragon abilities.]


    ["This one''s big, Pyris," Lia said, her voiceced with excitement. "But if anyone can do it, it''s you."]


    Pyris''s eyes flickered with renewed determination. He would win her¡ªEmpress Astrid¡ªand im the power that came with it. But it would take careful nning, a strategic approach, and a way to constantly remain close to the royal family.


    ___


    Drakon''s voice broke Pyris from his daze. The crown prince''s gaze narrowed as he noticed Pyris''s momentary distraction. "Something catch your eye, Obsidian?"


    Pyris smirked, his confidence returning in full force. "Just appreciating the... scenery."


    Drakon frowned slightly, his eyes darkening with suspicion. "Be careful, Pyris. The Dragon Empire has many eyes, and not all of them are kind to outsiders."


    Pyris chuckled, his smirk never leaving his lips. "I''ve never been the one to take warnings lightly, thank you?"


    Their gazes locked once more, the tension between them shifting from a simple test of power to something deeper. Pyris knew this wouldn''t be thest time he encountered the crown prince.


    Drakon would be a rival, not just in strength, but in influence¡ªand now, perhaps, in matters of the heart.


    But Pyris weed the challenge. He thrived on it.


    With a final nod to Drakon, Pyris turned on his heel and began to walk away, his mind already calcting his next steps. He would return to the imperial pce soon enough. But when he did, it would be with a n¡ªto im the empress, to rise above the Valyrian family''s games, and to expand his influence even further.


    ____


    Pyris Obsidian walked confidently out of the Valyrian Pce, his mind buzzing with thoughts of power and conquest. As he left Drakon behind, a sly grin crept across his face.


    "I''ll be your daddy soon, Drakon! Let''s see how you keep that attitude!" Pyris thought, the satisfaction of outwitting the crown prince already sinking in. The night had been a victory for him, and the game had only just begun.


    Once inside his sleek, private car, Pyris leaned back into the plush seat, exhaling slowly. The lights of the capital city blurred outside the window, but his mind was fixed on more pressing matters.


    The image of Empress Astrid Valyrian burned brightly in his thoughts. Her beauty, her power¡ªit was enough to stir his dragon blood in ways few women had. He had to have her, and his mind raced, seeking a way to make his presence in the Imperial Pce more frequent.


    After all, he wasn''t just trying to conquer the empress¡ªthere was the mysterious Space Dragon to locate as well.


    ["How bold of you, Pyris,"] Lia''s voice echoed in his head, her tone teasing and yful. ["Trying to cuck the dragon emperor himself!"]


    Pyris chuckled darkly, his smirk widening as he considered the gravity of his ambitions. Bold didn''t even begin to cover it.


    "It can''t be helped, Lia," Pyris said, his tone matter-of-fact. "She''s just too beautiful to be with that loser of a man. I''m the only one worthy of her." Well, the emperor wasn''t a loser but a joke wouldn''t hurt.


    Liaughed softly in his mind, the sound light but full of mischief. ["The lust dragon in you won''t let this go, will it?"]


    "Of course not," Pyris replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "There''s something thrilling about it, Lia. Something that makes my blood stir. Besides, I know I can win her."


    He was quiet for a moment, then the n started to form in his mind. With Song''s mastery of the void element, they could sneak into the pce undetected. It was dangerous¡ªinsanely bold¡ªbut it was the kind of danger that Pyris craved. The kind of challenge that made his lust dragon blood burn.


    ["Sneaking into the imperial pce to seduce the empress and find the Space Dragon, all under the emperor''s nose? You''ll get yourself killed if they catch you, Pyris,"] Lia warned, though her tone was filled with excitement, mirroring Pyris''s own feelings.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "The thrill is part of the n, Lia," Pyris said, his grin never fading. "The risk makes it all the more worth it. And once I get inside, it won''t be long before the empress is mine."


    His mind flickered back to his women. Aurelia, his death dragon sister, Alera, and Alexa. They were powerful, and training with them had honed his skills, but he couldn''t shake the feeling that it wasn''t enough. He needed more. His dragon blood screamed for more.


    "Selene," Pyris muttered to himself, his thoughts drifting to the fallen angel who had captured his attention recently. She was still a mystery to him, but he felt the pull between them growing stronger.


    ["Selene would make a fine addition,"] Lia mused. ["But you''ll need time to win her over. In the meantime, use your visits to the pce as an opportunity. If you''re patient, Seraphina will be yourspletely."]


    Pyris leaned back, nodding. "Seraphina will fall further into my grasp soon enough. But Selene... She''s different."


    ____


    The next day at the academy, Pyris walked the familiar halls with renewed purpose. His mind was sharp, constantly calcting his next moves. His growing empire, his future ns at the pce, and now, the potential of adding new women to his already powerful group.


    As he rounded a corner, his senses tingled, alerting him to a familiar presence.


    There, walking through the courtyard with her head held high and her auramanding, was Selene Serenova. The fallen angel moved with the grace of her kind, her white hair and striking features making her stand out even among the most powerful students at the academy.


    Her aura, like Pyris''s, exuded an imposing force that couldn''t be ignored.


    Pyris caught her gaze, and their eyes locked for a moment. There was a brief flicker of something¡ªperhaps curiosity or recognition. Pyris stepped toward her, his confidence unwavering.


    "Selene," he greeted, his voice smooth. "It''s been a while."


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 118 Mysterious Teacher Again!

    She turned fully to face him, her expression unreadable, though her violet eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement. "Pyris," she replied, her tone cool but not unfriendly. "You seem... more focused today."


    Pyris smirked. "I''ve been thinking about ourst encounter in the Grove. I was wondering if you''d like to train together again."


    Selene raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting slightly. "Train together?"


    "I''ve been honing my skills with some... rather powerful, people, you know... women," Pyris said, a sly smile ying on his lips. "But I think it''s time to broaden my horizon. You''re one of the few at the academy who can keep up with me."


    Selene was silent for a moment, studying him closely. She could feel his confidence, his power, and perhaps something more lurking beneath the surface¡ªsomething darker and more driven than what he showed others.


    "And what do you hope to gain from this, Pyris?" she asked, her tone challenging.


    Pyris''s smirk deepened. "Let''s call it mutual benefit. I''ll learn from you, and you''ll learn from me. Simple."


    Selene tilted her head slightly, her gaze never leaving his. "And when do you n on this... training?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Tomorrow," Pyris said without hesitation. "At the Grove."


    Selene considered him for a moment longer, then gave a slight nod. "Very well. Tomorrow it is."


    As she turned to leave, Pyris watched her go, his heart quickening with anticipation. He could feel it¡ªthe pull of something far moreplex than mere training. His dragon instincts told him that getting closer to Selene was more than just a challenge; it was an opportunity.


    ["You''re ying a dangerous game, Pyris,"] Lia said softly in his mind. ["But I think I''ll like the oue. Selene is powerful. If you can get to her heart, you''ll have another formidable ally¡ªand lover."]


    Pyris''s eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned away, heading back to his room to prepare for the next day''s training.


    "I''ll use this opportunity to get into her heart," Pyris whispered to himself, his mind buzzing with anticipation. This training wouldn''t just be about honing his powers. It would be the first step in iming Selene for himself.


    ____


    The early morning at the academy unfolded smoothly, with Pyris walking through the empty halls. The day already had a different energy to it¡ªone that promised fruitful encounters. Alera followed by his side, as they moved toward their next ss.


    As they approached the ssroom, Pyris''s gaze fell on a familiar figure sitting alone.


    It was Vrie.


    The vampire princess sat near the window, her gaze distant, lost in thought. Pyris paused, feeling the pull of old memories. Their rtionship had been aplicated web of lust, mistakes, and missed opportunities. He recalled how she had tried to ckmail him on his first day which was partly his mistake, leading to their unexpected time together.


    Her brother, Ragna, had even challenged him to a fight and the message she identally sent to his mother led to unexpected results¡ªPyris being made the CEO of Obsidian Tech.


    Vrie had since pulled away, the fallout between their families widening the gap between them. But now, seeing her here, something stirred within Pyris.


    "Val," he called out, his voice soft yetmanding.


    Vrie''s heart skipped a beat as she turned to face him. The fierce look that usually defined Pyris softened as his eyes met hers. She hesitated for a moment, her internal struggle clear. But finally, she gave in, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, "Pyris."


    The air between them was thick with unspoken words, but Pyris broke the silence. "I''ve learned a lot since then... about what happened, why my mother suddenly gave me control of thepany." He paused, stepping closer. "I don''t know if I should thank you or what, but I want you to know you don''t need to feel burdened by what happened."


    Vrie''s eyes widened slightly. She had always feared that her actions¡ªsending that message to his mother by mistake¡ªhad strained whatever connection they had. But now, hearing his words, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.


    "I never meant for things to get so...plicated," Vrie admitted, her voice tinged with guilt.


    Pyris gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I don''t me you. What happened wasn''t ideal, but in a way, it set things into motion. I''m running thepany now because of it, and I''ve gained a lot from that."


    Vrie blinked, surprised. "So... you''re not mad?"


    "Not at all," Pyris said softly. "And I don''t want you to feel like you have to keep your distance because of it. Things areplicated between our families, but that doesn''t mean they have to beplicated between us."


    The tension between them eased slightly. Pyris could see the walls Vrie had built beginning to crumble, if only just a little. It wasn''t the full repair of their rtionship, but it was a start¡ªa first step toward something more harmonious.


    ____


    As the bell rang for lunch break, Pyris felt the morning had gone smoothly. His conversation with Vrie had lifted some of the weight that lingered between them, and for now, that was enough.


    He left the ssroom with Alera at his side, heading toward the cafeteria, but as they turned the corner, Pyris''s senses tingled. A familiar energy washed over him, one that made him pause in his tracks.


    His eyes narrowed as he scanned the room.


    There, standing by the windows, was the mysterious teacher he had met before.


    Her presence was undeniable, radiating authority and an enigmatic aura that made her stand out among the rest. She was beautiful, yes, but there was something more about her¡ªsomething powerful.


    Pyris''s instincts sharpened as he approached her, Alera trailing silently behind.


    Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.


    "Pyris," the teacher said, her voice soft but filled with an unspoken knowing. "It''s been a while."


    Pyris''s gaze lingered on her face, his curiosity burning even brighter than before. "I didn''t expect to see you here." Continue your journey on empire


    She smiled faintly. "I tend to appear when I''m least expected."


    The tension between them was palpable, a subtle dance of intrigue and power. Pyris had felt this pull before, but now, it was more intense¡ªmore personal. He had questions, but more than that, he had a growing desire to understand who she truly was.


    "I never got your name, okay I admit, I don''t remember," Pyris said, his voice steady as he moved closer.


    Her smile widened slightly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Names are overrated, don''t you think?"


    Pyris chuckled, though his eyes never left hers. "Maybe. But they''re useful."


    She studied him for a moment, as if weighing something in her mind. Then, with a soft sigh, she said, "You can call me Arabelle."


    ["Pyris, be careful,"] Lia''s voice whispered in his head. ["She''s dangerous. Strong. I still can''t get a proper read on her, but she''s no ordinary teacher."]


    Pyris''s mind raced, but outwardly, he remained calm. He had known from their first encounter that Arabelle wasn''t just any instructor at the academy. There was an aura of mystery and power around her that went far beyond the norm.


    "And why are you here, Arabelle?" Pyris asked, his voice low, his curiosity growing with each word.


    Arabelle tilted her head slightly, her gaze never wavering from his. "Why am I here?" she repeated softly. "That''s a question with many answers. Perhaps, for now, we''ll leave it at this: I have my reasons."


    Pyris smirked, sensing the evasion in her response. "I''ll find out eventually."


    Arabelle raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You might. But not today."


    The tension between them remained as sharp as ever, but there was something else in the air now¡ªa mutual understanding, perhaps. Pyris knew this wouldn''t be thest time he encountered Arabelle.


    There was much more to her than met the eye, and Pyris was determined to uncover it.


    But for now, they left things as they were¡ªunfinished but filled with potential, he cooked a n, to meet her again before today disappeared with the sun!

 Chapter 119 Subtle Desires

    It had been a quiet day at the academy, but Pyris Obsidian''s mind was far from still. After some  reflection and thoughts, his focus had narrowed. Arabelle, the enigmatic teacher who had recently piqued his interest, stood out not only because of her formidable rank and mysterious background but because of something deeper¡ªsomething that tugged at the edges of his awareness.


    There was power in her, yes, but something far more dangerous: desire. Your journey continues on empire


    He had seen her around the academy for some time now, but today would be different. He was ready to engage her directly, to test both her strength and something even more elusive¡ªher will.


    As the final bell of the day rang out, signaling the end of sses, Pyris made his way through the corridors, Lia whispering softly in his mind.


    ["Are you sure this is a good idea, Pyris? She''s not just any teacher. If your charm starts affecting her... well, you know where this could lead."]


    Pyris smirked. ["That''s exactly what I''m counting on."]


    As he turned a corner, he spotted her¡ªArabelle, standing near the entrance to the staff wing, reviewing some papers in her hand.


    Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light of the afternoon sun, and her amethyst eyes shimmered with the weight of hidden knowledge.


    She was more than a teacher¡ªshe was a mystery, one Pyris intended to unravel.


    Pyris approached her with his usual confidence, his presencemanding attention. "Teacher Arabelle," he called out softly, his voice smooth but with a hint of challenge.


    She looked up, her expression neutral, though her eyes flickered with recognition. "Pyris Obsidian," she replied, her tone calm but measured. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"


    Pyris stopped just a few steps from her, his gaze steady. "I''ve been thinking," he began, "about power, and about those who wield it. You''re one of the strongest figures at the academy, aren''t you?"


    Arabelle''s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn''t deny it. "I am," she said cautiously. "And what of it?"


    Pyris smiled faintly, leaning in just a little closer. "I want to train with you. Not the usual sparring the academy offers, but something more... private."


    Arabelle blinked, taken aback by his boldness. "Private? And why, exactly, would I agree to that?"


    Pyris met her gaze without hesitation. "Because you''re curious about me, teacher Arabelle. You''ve been watching me, haven''t you? Wondering what I''m capable of. I can feel it." He leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.


    "Let''s satisfy that curiosity. A private session¡ªjust the two of us."


    A brief pause hung between them, tension crackling in the air. Arabelle''s eyes searched his face, her mind racing. The offer was tempting, far more tempting than she''d expected.


    Pyris had a point¡ªshe was curious about him, more than she should have been, ''He''s cocky, I like that!'' Arabelle thought.


    ["Well done,"] Lia chimed in yfully in his head. ["You''ve got her hooked."]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Finally, Arabelle''s lips curled into a small, amused smile. "Very well, Pyris. But be careful what you ask for. I won''t go easy on you."


    Pyris''s heart raced, though he kept his cool exterior. "That''s what I''m counting on."


    ____


    Arabelle led Pyris through a series of winding hallways, deeper into the academy''s restricted areas until they reached a secluded training ground reserved only for teachers.


    The room was vast, with high ceilings and a smooth stone floor, enchanted to withstand even the most destructive magic.


    The air crackled withtent energy.


    As they entered, the doors shut with a soft thud behind them, sealing them away from the rest of the academy.


    "This is where we train," Arabelle said, her tone matter-of-fact as she turned to face him. "No students allowed here."


    Pyris surveyed the room, nodding appreciatively. "Perfect."


    They stepped into the center of the room, the atmosphere already charged with anticipation. Arabelle was calm and collected, but beneath that cool exterior, Pyris could sense the faintest flicker of something¡ªsomething dangerous, and perhaps even exciting.


    It was subtle, but it was there.


    "Before we begin," Arabelle said, eyeing him carefully, "I should warn you. I don''t hold back." Although she restrained her rank to match his, she won''t be holding back her abilities.


    Pyris smiled faintly. "Neither do I."


    The tension between them grew as they prepared to spar. Arabelle''s eyes glowed faintly as she tapped into her powers¡ªdarkness, space, and illusion, the three elements that made her one of the most dangerous figures in the academy.


    Pyris, meanwhile, suppressed most of his Golden Dragon powers, opting to rely on his other elements for now¡ªspace, time, and darkness.


    He wanted to keep his true strength hidden, at least for the moment.


    Without warning, Arabelle struck first, sending a wave of dark energy surging toward Pyris. He reacted swiftly, warping space around him to avoid the attack, the shadows dissipating harmlessly behind him. But Arabelle didn''t stop there.


    She followed up with a series of quick, precise movements, using her mastery over space to teleport across the room in bursts, keeping Pyris on his toes.


    Each time she struck, Pyris countered with his own space maniption, warping the battlefield to his advantage. They moved in a deadly dance, neither one gaining the upper hand but both pushing each other to their limits. Pyris was impressed by Arabelle''s skill¡ªshe was fast, precise, and relentless.


    But what intrigued him more was how close they kept getting, their bodies brushing against each other in fleeting moments as they dodged and attacked.


    Every time they touched, Pyris could feel the faintest flicker of heat from Arabelle¡ªher breath quickening, her pulse racing just a little faster than it should have.


    And each time, her control slipped, just for a second.


    It was subtle, but Pyris could sense it. His charm was working on her, despite her best efforts to resist.


    ["She''s fighting it, but you can see it in her eyes,"] Lia whispered in his head. ["She''s drawn to you."]


    As the battle continued, Arabelle summoned an illusionary version of herself, creating two mirror images that darted toward Pyris from opposite sides.


    Pyris smirked, using his time maniption to slow down both illusions, stepping between them with ease.


    But then, in a sudden twist, Arabelle materialized directly behind him. Pyris turned, barely dodging her strike, but the movement caused him to stumble¡ªright into her. Before either of them realized what was happening, Pyris''s body collided with hers, sending them both tumbling to the ground.


    They fell in a heap, Pyrisnding atop her, his arms braced on either side of her head. Arabelle''s breath hitched as their faces hovered inches apart, their eyes locking in a moment of raw tension. Pyris could feel her warmth beneath him, her body trembling ever so slightly as their breaths mingled in the charged air.

 Chapter 120 Madeline*

    For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. Arabelle''s amethyst eyes were wide, her usually calm expression betraying the rush of emotions swirling within her. Desire, confusion, and something deeper flickered behind her gaze as she stared up at him, her lips parted slightly.


    Pyris leaned in just a fraction closer, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the pull between them, the maic force that was impossible to ignore.


    But just before their lips could touch, Pyris stopped himself.


    He wanted her toe to him.


    Slowly, he pushed himself up, his body brushing against hers onest time before he stood, leaving Arabelle lying on the ground, breathless and dazed.


    "I think that''s enough for today," Pyris said, his voice low and smooth.


    Arabelle blinked, still trying to process what had just happened. Her heart was racing, and her mind was a whirl of confusion and frustration. She had almost let him kiss her. She had almost given in.


    But why?


    Pyris offered her a hand, helping her to her feet. Arabelle''s breath was still uneven as she took it, her gaze flickering away from him, trying to regain herposure.


    "That was... unexpected," she murmured, her voice shaky.


    Pyris smirked, his eyes gleaming with a quiet satisfaction. "I''ll see you around, teacher Arabelle."


    Without another word, he turned and left, leaving Arabelle standing in the middle of the training ground, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched him go, her thoughts a chaotic mess.


    She had made a mistake. A dangerous mistake. She had let herself get too close to him, allowed her emotions to cloud her judgment. Pyris was dangerous¡ªnot just because of his power, but because of the way he made her feel. The way he made her lose control. Discover hidden content at empire


    ____


    Pyris could feel the heat rising within him, the burning desire that had been ignited during his encounter with Arabelle now threatening to consume him entirely.


    The academy''s quiet halls, usually a sanctuary of calm and focus, felt constricting, like the very air was pressing against his skin, urging him to seek release.


    As he walked down the quiet, dimly lit corridor, Pyris was struck by a faint humming sound. It was soft, melodic, and carried a warmth that seemed to call to him, pulling him closer, a voice he knew very well.


    He followed the sound, his feet moving instinctively toward it as if guided by an invisible force.


    He soon found himself standing outside the open door of the academy''s staff library. Candlelight flickered softly within, casting a warm glow over the shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls.


    And there, bathed in that golden light, stood Madeline Rieva, the academy''s senior librarian.


    Madeline was a sight to behold, her auburn hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders, her emerald eyes sparkling with intelligence and allure. Her robes, though simple, clung to her curves in a way that entuated her natural beauty.


    She moved gracefully as she sorted through a stack of books, her slender fingers brushing lightly over the leather-bound covers.


    Pyris paused at the door, watching her for a moment, captivated by the effortless elegance of her movements. There was something about Madeline¡ªsomething beyond her appearance, something maic¡ªthat drew him in, the reason he had been visiting the library every time he had a chance.


    Madeline turned then, her eyes catching sight of Pyris standing in the doorway. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she greeted him, her voice smooth and warm. "Pyris Obsidian. To what do I owe the pleasure?"


    Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, and Pyris could sense something behind her words¡ªsomething more than mere curiosity. Her emerald eyes sparkled with a knowing gleam, as though she could see right through him, sensing the storm that raged within.


    She always did and she always teased him about it.


    Pyris stepped into the library, his heart pounding as he closed the door behind him. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere that only heightened the tension between them.


    "I... needed some air," Pyris replied, though his tone betrayed the truth. The weight of his need hung heavy in the air between them, palpable and impossible to ignore.


    Madeline tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening as she took a step closer to him. "Air, is it?" she mused, her voice a soft, teasing murmur. "You seem more... heated than in need of air."


    Pyris clenched his jaw, struggling to maintain control as she closed the distance between them. Every step she took sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine, his body reacting instinctively to her presence.


    Her aura was intoxicating,ced with a subtle power that called to him in a way that was impossible to resist.


    Madeline set down the book she had been holding, her emerald eyes never leaving his as she moved even closer, until there was barely any space between them. "Perhaps," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin, "you need... release."


    Pyris''s heart raced, his pulse thudding loudly in his ears as the meaning behind her words became clear. There was no mistaking the desire in her eyes, nor the subtle way her body leaned toward his, inviting him to close the gap between them.


    Without thinking, Pyris reached out, his hand brushing against her arm. Madeline''s breath hitched at the contact, her skin warm beneath his fingers. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes darkening with something primal, something that mirrored the hunger burning within him.


    The tension between them snapped like a taut string, and before Pyris could stop himself, he leaned in, pressing his lips to the soft curve of her neck.


    Madeline let out a soft gasp, her hands instinctively reaching for him, her fingers curling around his cor as she pulled him closer.


    Their bodies pressed together, the heat between them palpable. Pyris''s hands roamed over her figure, feeling the soft curves of her waist and hips beneath the thin fabric of her robe.


    Madeline arched into him, her lips parting as a soft moan escaped her.


    For a moment, everything else faded away¡ªthe academy, his responsibilities, the weight of his family''s legacy. All that mattered was the heat between them, the primal need that drove them closer together.


    Madeline''s hands slid up his chest, her fingers tracing the lines of his muscles before tangling in his hair. She pulled him down for a kiss, her lips soft and warm against his.


    Pyris responded instantly, deepening the kiss as his hands slid to her back, pulling her even closer.


    The kiss was intense, filled with a hunger that neither of them could deny. Pyris could feel the desire rolling off of Madeline in waves, matching his own in intensity. Her body pressed against his, soft and warm, and he could feel the rapid beat of her heart beneath his fingers.


    As their lips parted, Madeline let out a shaky breath, her eyes half-lidded with desire. "Pyris," she whispered, her voice breathless, "I shouldn''t be doing this, but... I can''t stop."


    Pyris smirked, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. "Then don''t."


    Her resolve crumbled in that moment, and with a soft sigh, she gave in to the desire that had been building between them. Her hands moved to the sp of his coat, undoing it with practiced ease as she pushed the heavy fabric off his shoulders.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Pyris shrugged it off, his focus entirely on her, on the feel of her body against his, on the intoxicating scent of her skin.


    Madeline''s lips found his again, and Pyris lost himself in the kiss, in the warmth of her embrace, in the way her body moved so perfectly with his.


    Every touch, every breath, every movement was a blur of heat and desire, and Pyris knew that there was no turning back.


    *****


    A quick reminder, remember Madeline, her plot is huge and it''s a life-changing plot that will take the mortal realm by storm.


    Watch her closely!!

 Chapter 121 The Flame of Desire*

    The world outside the academy''s library seemed to disappear, the only sounds in the room now the soft hum of candlelight and the mingling breaths of Pyris and Madeline.


    The heat between them was palpable, a fiery tension that burned with every touch, every nce. Pyris''s hands gripped her waist as he pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together as though they had been waiting for this moment all along.


    Madeline''s eyes, those deep, emerald pools that had once seemed calm and collected, now shimmered with raw desire.


    Her hands slid over his chest, fingers tracing the lines of his muscles as she pressed herself against him, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips.


    She couldn''t help herself¡ªshe was drawn to him, her mind clouded by the irresistible pull of his aura, of his presence.


    Pyris''s lips hovered just above hers, his breath hot and tantalizing against her skin. The need to take her was overwhelming, but a part of him relished the tension, the waiting.


    The anticipation made every second more intense, and he wanted to savor it.


    ["You''re losing control, Pyris,"] Lia''s voice whispered in his mind, though there was an amused lilt to her tone. ["But who can me you? She''s practically melting into you."]


    Pyris smirked inwardly, knowing Lia was right.


    He could feel the energy pulsing between them, the raw maism that pulled Madeline toward him, and yet, he enjoyed ying with the edge of control. His Lust Dragon instincts were roaring to take over, to im her, but there was something satisfying about watching her surrender inch by inch.


    Madeline, for her part, was struggling with the whirlwind of emotions and desire crashing through her.


    She had always been in control, always theposed and mysterious librarian, but now... now she was helpless in Pyris''s presence.


    The fire in his eyes, the heat of his body, the subtlemand in his touch¡ªit all made her head spin.


    "I shouldn''t be doing this," Madeline whispered, though her hands betrayed her words as they continued to explore the lines of his chest, her fingers tracing the cor of his shirt. "I shouldn''t want this... but..."


    Her voice trailed off as her eyes met his, and Pyris could see the conflict within her¡ªthe battle between her mind and her body.


    But as their gazes locked, something in her broke, and the battle was lost.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Then don''t fight it," Pyris whispered, his voice low and filled with quiet intensity. His lips brushed her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "Let it happen."


    Madeline let out a shaky breath, her resolve crumbling beneath his words. She leaned into him, her body molding to his as her lips found his once again, this time with a hunger that matched his own.


    The kiss was deep, passionate, their breaths mingling as their hands roamed freely, exploring every inch of each other.


    Pyris''s hands slid up her back, fingers tangling in her hair as he tilted her head back slightly, deepening the kiss.


    He could feel the softness of her body pressing against him, the way she melted into his touch, and it only fueled the fire burning inside him.


    The temptation was too much to resist.


    Pyris''s lips moved from hers to her neck, kissing a trail down to her corbone, eliciting soft moans from Madeline as she clung to him, her hands tightening around his shoulders.


    Her skin was warm, flushed with desire, and Pyris relished the feel of it beneath his lips.


    Madeline''s breath quickened, her heart racing as Pyris''s hands explored her body with a careful yet undeniable hunger.


    She had never felt anything like this¡ªthis uncontroble pull, this desperate need to be closer to him, to feel his skin against hers. Her mind was spinning, her thoughts a blur, but she couldn''t stop herself.


    She didn''t want to.


    Pyris pressed her back gently against one of therge, ancient bookshelves, his hands sliding down to her waist as he lifted her slightly, positioning her so that their bodies were aligned perfectly.


    Madeline gasped softly, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer, their lips meeting again in a heated kiss that left them both breathless.


    Her body trembled beneath his touch, every nerve alight with desire as Pyris''s hands explored her, teasing and caressing in ways that sent waves of pleasure coursing through her.


    Madeline''s mind screamed at her to stop, to regain control, but her body had already surrenderedpletely.


    For Pyris, this was more than just a moment of passion.


    This was a reminder of his own power¡ªthe power to seduce, tomand, to make even the mostposed and guarded individuals fall apart beneath his touch.


    His Lust Dragon heritage surged within him, feeding off the energy between them, pushing him to take more, to im more.


    Madeline, breathless and trembling, could feel the shift in the air. Pyris''s aura was overwhelming, suffocating in the most intoxicating way. She had never felt so powerless, sopletely consumed by another person.


    It terrified her... but it also thrilled her.


    "You''re dangerous~," she whispered between breaths, her voice shaky but filled with something akin to admiration.


    "So dangerous and bad, Pyris~~"


    Pyris chuckled softly, his lips brushing against her ear. "And you love it."


    Madeline''s breath hitched, her eyes closing as she leaned her head back against the shelf, giving him full ess to her neck. "I do~"


    The admission hung in the air, heavy and filled with desire. Pyris''s lips moved lower, kissing along the curve of her throat, and Madeline moaned softly, her fingers tightening in his hair.


    But just as the heat between them was about to boil over, Pyris pulled back, leaving Madeline gasping for breath, her body aching for more. She stared at him, her eyes wide with confusion and frustration.


    "What... why did you stop?" she asked breathlessly, her voice tinged with desperation.


    Pyris smirked, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and desire. "Because I want you toe to me, Madeline. I want you to make the next move."


    Madeline blinked, her mind racing as she processed his words. She had never been in this position before¡ªnever been the one left wanting, the one who had to chase.


    But Pyris... Pyris was different. He was in control, even when he made her feel like she had the power.


    Her heart raced, her body still burning with the need for him. She wanted to resist, wanted to regain some semnce of control, but as she looked into his eyes, she knew she was already lost.


    With a soft sigh, Madeline stepped forward, closing the distance between them once again. Her hands slid up his chest, fingers tracing the lines of his muscles as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that was both tender and filled with a quiet intensity.


    Pyris smiled against her lips, satisfied with her surrender. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close once more as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment, the world outside the library forgotten.

 Chapter 122 Eating Madeline**

    "I think it''s time we stop pretending." On the wooden desk, he dered


    The heat between them red to life again, and Madeline''s breath caught in her throat as Pyris''s hand lingered on her cheek.


    The tension from theirst encounter was still there, simmering just beneath the surface, but this time, it was different. This time, there was no hesitation, no game.


    Madeline''s eyes fluttered shut for a moment, her body betraying her as she leaned into his touch.


    The logical part of her mind screamed at her to stop, to regain control, but the fire in her veins drowned out those thoughts. She had tried to resist him before, tried to keep her distance¡ªbut now?


    Now, there was no point.


    She wanted him.


    Pyris could see the shift in her, could feel the desire radiating from her as she stepped closer, her body pressing against his. The need that had been building between them finally broke free, and Pyris wasted no time.


    In one smooth motion, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against him as his lips found hers. The kiss was deep and consuming, and Madeline melted into him instantly.


    Her arms wrapped around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as she kissed him back with equal fervor.


    This time, there was no holding back. Pyris''s hands slid down her back, feeling the soft curves of her body as he pressed her against therge wooden desk at the center of the library.


    Madeline gasped into the kiss as her back hit the desk, her body arching toward him as Pyris deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing hers.


    The tension between them, once a slow burn, had erupted into a wildfire. Pyris''s hands moved with purpose, sliding up her sides and pulling her closer as their lips never parted.


    Madeline''s body responded to his every touch, her heart racing as she lost herself in him, in the heat of the moment.


    "Pyris..." she whispered breathlessly, her voice trembling with need as his lips moved to her neck, kissing a trail down to her corbone. Her fingers tightened in his hair, her body shuddering beneath him as the sensations overwhelmed her.


    Pyris smirked against her skin, his hands sliding up to the sp of her robe while teasing herrge mounds causing her body to shack uncontrobly. "You''ve wanted this, haven''t you?" he whispered, his voice low and filled with quiet dominance.


    Madeline''s breath hitched, her heart pounding as she nodded, her body trembling with anticipation. "Yes..."


    Pyris''s smirk deepened, and with one swift motion, he unsped her robe, letting it fall open. His hands roamed over her exposed skin, feeling the warmth of her body beneath his fingertips.


    Madeline''s breath came in short, ragged gasps as Pyris continued to kiss and tease her, his touch sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.


    Sliding his hand into her green panty, Pyris'' hand was one with wet pussy immediately; he couldn''t help teasing her erect clit with his fingers, and her body shook...


    "Anhhh~" she came onto his hands.


    Madeline slowly unhooked his pants, undressing himpletely just like he did to her. She didn''t care about anything right now, she only had one thought, his big cock.


    Pushing him onto the top of the desk, his naked form fully in her view, Madeline boldly climbed on the top, pinning her tight pussy onto the big dragon causing a long moan from her.


    Pyris groaned in pleasure, and so did she; the milf had be one with him now!


    Her body started moving crazily at a fast speed, speaking the unsaid of how much she wanted him inside... In her pussy.


    For Pyris, this was more than just a moment of passion¡ªit was a reminder of his power, of his control. Madeline had tried to resist him, but in the end, she had fallen just like the others.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    And now, she was his.


    Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, the heat between them growing with every passing second. Pyris''s hands explored every inch of her, his lips never leaving her skin as he imed herpletely.


    Madeline, overwhelmed by the intensity of the connection of their love organs, could do nothing but give in to the pleasure, her mind clouded by the sheer force of their desire.


    The night wore on, and the library, once a ce of quiet study and reflection, had be a sanctuary for their passion.


    "Annhan.... Mhmm~ darling. Oohhh, it''s so deep~" she couldn''t bring herself to wish to end this pleasure. It was the best feeling she had ever experienced in her life.


    Long moans of the librarian echoing, the books bore witness to the half-elf forming a connection with her loving dragon.


    The world outside no longer existed¡ªthere was only Pyris and Madeline, lost in each other, their bodies entwined in a dance of pure, unrelenting lust.


    As the final moments of their encounter approached, Pyris pulled back slightly, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "I want you to be mine, Madeline."


    With one final push, he too came into her; the essence of the lust and golden dragon blessed her insides, and she became a part of him and his family, his powers.


    Madeline''s body trembled beneath him as she came onto his thighs her eyes rolling, her mind spinning from the intensity of their connection.


    She had never felt anything like this¡ªnever been consumed by someone in this way. And as shey there, breathless and spent, she knew that Pyris had imed more than just her body.


    He had imed herpletely.


    "I''m yours Pyris!" Her eyes closed.


    [Ding! Illusion trait has been acquired from individual Madeline!] The system announced Lust, Copy at y!


    _____


    The night was quiet, with the faint whispers of the wind stirring the leaves of the ancient trees surrounding the Obsidian Estate. The stars above twinkled like distant mes, but below, the true fire was within Pyris as he prepared for his secret training session.


    Tonight was not a night for rest¡ªtonight, he would unlock more of his powers, tapping into the forbidden art of the Void Element under the watchful guidance of Song.

 Chapter 123 The Void Beckon| Grove Meet!

    Song, as always, moved in the shadows.


    A master of the Void, he had trained Pyris in this art for months now, teaching him how to harness the element that most feared, an element capable of tearing the fabric of reality itself.


    The void is one of the dangerous elements he didn''t tell his mother and sisters back then when he had just awakened.


    Thanks oy Lia, she had addressed him how dangerous this element was and he kept it hidden but at thant time, he didn''t know about Phantoms his mother kept in her shadows back at the Obsidian ancestral home.


    _____


    Song stood in silence, waiting for Pyris at the secluded training ground hidden deep within the estate''s boundaries.


    Pyris arrived, his expression sharp and focused. "You''re ready, young master?" Song asked in his calm, low voice, a hand disappearing into the darkness, as though it had melded with the void itself.


    "More than ready," Pyris responded, a flicker of excitement shing in his eyes. Tonight, he intended to push the limits of the Void Element, seeking mastery over one of the most dangerous forces known to Argos.


    The training started slowly.


    Song conjured thin slices of void energy, small rifts that shifted and folded the space around them. Pyris stood in the center, his aura calm yet fierce, as he began to mimic the gestures Song had shown him over the months.


    "The void isn''t just emptiness. It''s not the absence of power, but the umtion of all forces, locked beyond the fabric of space," Song exined as he unleashed a small void orb, a concentrated sphere of nothingness that swallowed the air around it.


    Pyris mirrored the action, focusing his energy, and a ck orb appeared in his palm. Unlike the smooth control Song demonstrated, Pyris''s orb flickered wildly, unstable, threatening to copse in on itself.


    "Steady," Song urged. "Control it. Feel its pull but do not let it consume you."


    Sweat beaded on Pyris''s forehead as he wrestled with the raw power, feeling the weight of the void in his hand. The force tugged at him, demanding more, trying to escape his control.


    It was then that Pyris tapped into his golden dragon essence, grounding himself with the strength of his heritage. Slowly, the flickering orb steadied, and Pyris''s control tightened.


    Song gave a rare nod of approval. "Good. Now¡ªthrow it."


    Without hesitation, Pyris hurled the void orb toward a distant boulder. The orb connected, and the boulder vanished, devoured in an instant by the void''s insatiable hunger.


    "Perfect your control, and the void will be your most powerful weapon. But lose control¡­" Song let the words hang in the air, his warning clear.


    Pyris nodded, understanding that the void could easily turn on him if he wasn''t careful. His eyes gleamed with ambition as he prepared for the next challenge Song would throw at him.


    ____


    The next day, Pyris made his way to the Grove, his body still humming with the residual power fromst night''s void training.


    He met Selene, who awaited him near the Grove''s entrance, her imposing presence undeniable. As a Rank 12 Nepharion, her power was unmistakable. Even without the radiant wings of her fallen angel bloodline visible, Pyris could sense the celestial-like energy within her.


    Selene gave him a respectful nod. "You''rete," she said, her voice calm, but Pyris could see the hint of amusement in her eyes.


    "Had a long night," Pyris responded with a small smirk. "Let''s get started."


    Their training began with individual exercises, testing their strength against the forces of the Grove. Rank 5 beasts were the first to appear, creatures with scales tougher than iron and ws that could rend flesh in seconds.


    Pyris moved with precision, his golden dragon essence flowing through him as he dispatched the creatures with ease, using abination of space maniption and superspeed to confuse and overwhelm them.


    But it wasn''t long before the beasts grew in power. Rank 10 wolves emerged from the thick undergrowth, their eyes glowing with hunger.


    These weren''t ordinary beasts¡ªthey were infused with the very essence of the forest, their bodies rippling with raw mana.


    Selene stepped forward. "Let me handle this."


    Pyris watched as Selene unleashed her power. Her eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and the air around her shimmered with celestial energy.


    With a flick of her hand, she conjured spears of golden energy, hurling them with deadly uracy at the wolves. Each spear found its mark, striking with precision and force, cutting through the beasts as though they were made of paper.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Pyris couldn''t help but be impressed. Lia''s voice echoed in his mind.


    ["She''s strong, Pyris. Very strong. She''s not just your usual fallen angel. You need to get closer to her."]


    Pyris smirked. ''I already nned on it.''


    But the true test came when a Rank 13 beast emerged¡ªa towering creature with obsidian skin and burning red eyes. It stood over 12 feet tall, its massive arms lined with spikes, and its roar shook the very earth beneath their feet.


    "Together?" Pyris asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.


    Selene nodded. "Let''s."


    They moved in sync, Pyris using his space maniption to teleport around the beast, striking from different angles while Seleneunched a barrage of celestial spears.


    The beast fought back with devastating force, sending shockwaves through the ground that nearly knocked Pyris off his feet.


    For a moment, Pyris was caught in the beast''s gaze, its massive hand swinging toward him with the force to crush him. But Selene was there, moving with lightning speed, her wings unfurling as she mmed into the beast, knocking it off bnce.


    "You owe me," she said with a grin.


    "Let''s settle that after we kill this thing," Pyris shot back, his own grin widening.


    As the beast staggered back, Pyris and Selene knew it was time to finish it. Pyris summoned his golden dragon wings, feeling the surge of power course through him.


    His golden armor formed around his body, a radiant disy of his true strength.


    Selene, not to be outdone, unleashed her Nepharion energy in full force, her wings now fully visible, glowing with a divine light.


    Together, theyunched their final attack¡ªPyris striking with his golden sword, and Selene with a massive spear of celestial energy.


    The beast roared in defiance, but it was no match for thebined might of a dragon and a fallen angel. Their attacks pierced its core, and with onest roar, the beast copsed, its body falling to ground.


    As the remnants of the battle settled, Pyris and Selene stood side by side, their chests heaving from the exertion. There was a moment of silence as they looked at the remains of the beast, then at each other.


    "You''re strong," Pyris said, admiration clear in his voice.


    "You''re not bad yourself," Selene replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.


    There was no immediate romance or overwhelming attraction, but something had shifted between them. A mutual respect, a shared understanding of each other''s power.


    Pyris had made an impression, and while Selene wasn''t ready to fall for him, she couldn''t deny that he had begun to carve out a ce in her mind.


    As they parted ways, Pyris couldn''t help but smile to himself. He was slowly embedding himself into her life, and that was enough for now!

 Chapter 124 Duel With Selene, Status Update!

    The aftermath of the battle with the Rank 13 beast left the forest floor scarred and littered with remnants of the beast''s once formidable form. Pyris stood over the body, breathing heavily, but a victorious smirk pulled at his lips. His body felt energized, humming with the essence of all the beasts he had consumed along the way.


    Thisst one¡ªthis powerful Rank 13 creature¡ªwas a true prize.


    Selene, standing nearby, nced at him with admiration in her eyes, though she hid it well. Pyris was not just any dragon, and she could sense it.


    His growth was rapid, his power undeniable.


    Pyris ced a hand over the crumbling remains of the beast, and with a controlled breath, began to devour its essence. The golden energy of the beast flowed into him like a river, surging through his veins, flooding his mind, his body, and his soul with newfound strength.


    As thest of the essence was absorbed, Pyris closed his eyes, feeling the power inside him settle, pushing him to the very edge of Rank 12. His aura red briefly, but he contained it, controlling the energy coursing through him. He was close¡ªcloser than ever to advancing.


    ["You''re getting stronger, Pyris. You''re not far from reaching Rank 12,"] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, a hint of pride in her tone. ["Check your status¡ªyou''ll want to see how far you''vee."]


    With a sharp exhale, Pyris opened his eyes and summoned his status.


    _____


    Name: Pyris Obsidian


    Race: Dragon


    Bloodline: Obsidian Lust Bloodline


    Race Trait: Lust, All-Elemental Control, Illusion Master (new) Living Shadows (new) One who???(Unknown/unable to be used)


    Rank: 11


    Elements: All Elements


    Mana: 8200/10,000


    Age Limit: 18 / 1000


    Strength: 448n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Agility: 441


    Vitality: 450


    Stamina: 451


    INT: 670/700


    Charm: 98/100


    LPs: 900pts


    Abilities: Lust Breath, Charm Aura, Lust and Golden Dragon Transformation Golden Dragon Wings, Golden Dragon Armor, Essence Devouring, Eternal''s Seal, Death Eye (reimed) Shadow Nexus, Illusions, D???


    Skills: Lust very, Pregnancy Control, Lust Illusions, Dual Cultivation


    [Cost of stats: 100LPs per 10 stats | 300LPs per 100 Mana points]


    ___


    Pyris''s eyes scanned the details, and a sense of satisfaction filled him. His progress had been rapid, but that was to be expected. He was a dragon, after all¡ªone destined for greatness.


    The essence of the Rank 13 beast had pushed him closer to his next breakthrough, and he could feel it. Rank 12 was within his grasp.


    But the ability he got from Alexa wasn''t disyed fully and the system had not yet announced it yet for some reasons he didn''t know.


    He couldn''t help but let a grin stretch across his face. He turned to Selene, who was standing a few feet away, her arms crossed, watching him with interest.


    "You seem pleased with yourself," Selenemented, her voice calm butced with curiosity.


    Pyris chuckled, rolling his shoulders as the energy inside him settled. "I have every reason to be. I''m almost at Rank 12."


    Selene raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Impressive. You''re progressing faster than I expected."


    "Why don''t you help me test how far I''vee?" Pyris asked, his grin turning more yful. "A duel¡ªjust you and me. Let''s see how strong I really am now."


    Selene''s eyes gleamed, a mixture of excitement and challenge shing across her face. "You want a duel with me?"


    "Why not? I need to see how my power holds up against a strong opponent," Pyris said, his tone teasing. "Unless you''re worried."


    Selene scoffed, though there was a smirk tugging at her lips. "Worried? Hardly. But don''t expect me to go easy on you."


    Pyris''s eyes glinted with anticipation. This was what he wanted. Not just a test of strength, but a way to get closer to Selene¡ªto understand her power and her mind. The duel would be a perfect opportunity for that.


    "Good," Pyris said, taking a few steps back, his golden dragon aura ring to life around him. "Then let''s make this interesting."


    ___


    The tension between them was electric as they squared off, the Grove providing the perfect battleground for their duel. Selene''s Nepharion energy crackled around her like a shield of celestial light, while Pyris let his golden dragon essence seep into the air, radiating power.


    They circled each other for a moment, assessing, nning their first moves. Pyris could feel the thrill of battle rushing through him¡ªthis was more than just a fight.


    It was a chance to further prove himself, and to push Selene to see him in a new light.


    Then, without warning, Selene made the first move. She summoned her celestial spears, hurling them toward Pyris with deadly precision.


    Pyris smirked and vanished, using space maniption to teleport behind her in an instant.


    "Too slow," Pyris taunted, but Selene was already prepared.


    With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a barrier of dark silver light that deflected his iing strike. Pyris countered with a burst of superspeed, moving faster than Selene could react. His fist connected with her barrier, shattering it, but she retaliated with a wave of Nepharion energy that sent him skidding backward.


    "Not bad," Pyris said, wiping a smudge of dirt from his cheek.


    "You haven''t seen anything yet," Selene responded, her wings ring as she shot forward, her spear of light aiming directly at him.


    The sh of their powers sent shockwaves through the Grove, the air thick with energy. Pyris unleashed his Death Eye, a dark aura radiating from his gaze, causing Selene to falter for just a moment.


    It was all he needed, he can''t use the Death Eye fully, not on Selene, not in a real battle!


    With a surge of golden dragon energy, Pyris lunged forward, his wings carrying him into the air. He summoned his golden sword, its de gleaming with power as he swung it toward Selene.


    She countered with her own celestial de, the two weapons colliding in a sh of light.


    For a moment, they were locked in ce, their strength evenly matched. Pyris could feel the heat of battle, the adrenaline coursing through his veins, and something else¡ªrespect.


    Selene was strong, stronger than he had anticipated, and it only made him more determined to push harder.


    The duel raged on, each of them pushing their limits, testing each other''s resolve. Pyris could feel himself growing stronger with each strike, each move, as if the very act of fighting was sharpening his powers.


    Selene, too, was impressed. Pyris was not just powerful¡ªhe was strategic, adaptable. It was clear that he had earned his rank through more than just brute force.


    ____


    As the duel reached its peak, both fighters were forced to pull back, their energies spent. They stood a few feet apart, breathing heavily but grinning at each other, a newfound respect hanging in the air between them.


    "You''re stronger than I thought," Selene admitted, wiping the sweat from her brow.


    "You''re not so bad yourself," Pyris replied, his golden aura flickering as it faded.


    They stood there for a moment, the tension between them shifting frompetitive to something more. Pyris had proven himself, not just as a fighter but as someone worthy of her attention.


    And while Selene wasn''t ready to fall for him just yet, Pyris could tell that he had begun to carve out a ce in her mind.


    "Same time tomorrow?" Pyris asked, a teasing grin ying on his lips.


    Selene raised an eyebrow, but she smirked. "You''re on."


    As they parted ways, Pyris couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was only the beginning.

 Chapter 125 Uncertainty & Selenes Status.

    ''Status'' Pyris called out looking at Selene Serenoa.


    _____


    Name: Selene Serenova


    Race: Nepharion (Fallen Angel)


    Bloodline: Celestial Fallen Bloodline


    Race Trait: Nepharion Wings, Divine Command of Elements


    Rank: 12


    Elements: Space, light, Ice, Darkness


    Age Limit: 22/1500


    Strength: 400


    Agility: 420


    Vitality: 410


    Stamina: 405


    INT: 700/1000


    Charm: 90n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Abilities: Celestial Pulse, Elemental Domination, Wings of the Fallen, Shadow Movement


    _____


    Pyris nced over at Selene as they made their way out of the Grove. Her presence was a silentmand of authority and power, the energy of a Rank 12 Nepharion coursing through the air around her.


    He could feel the distance between them in terms of sheer magical power, but it only served as motivation to push himself harder.


    Although his stats were a bit higher than her''s, she was strong, strong enough to be a rival if he didn''t use everything he has, although he wouldn''t limit himself, what if he encounters four Selenes.


    Her space and darkness elements had been mesmerizing during their fight, and Pyris couldn''t help but admire her control and fluidity in battle. Despite that, he knew that soon, he''d be beyond her.


    As they reached the edge of the forest, Pyris couldn''t help but think about the journey ahead. The more powerful he became, the closer he came to understanding the world and the forces aligning against him.


    But right now, his focus shifted back to Alera, who he felt had been waiting for him. His heart stirred at the thought.


    Upon reaching the Obsidian Manor, it waste in the night, yet the house wasn''t entirely quiet.


    Alera was still awake, her silhouette visible through the window of the manor as Pyris walked toward the entrance.


    A smile crept across his face.


    ''She''s waiting for me.''


    Entering the house, Pyris immediately went to find Alera. When he did, she was sitting quietly near the hearth, but her eyes lit up the moment he entered.


    "Alera," he greeted her softly.


    Without hesitation, he hugged her tightly, lifting her slightly off the ground. The warmth of the embrace lingered between them longer than usual. The connection was unmistakable, and Alera''s emotions seemed to surge unexpectedly.


    Excited to share his recent victory with her, Pyris led her toward the training grounds. The night was silent as they walked side by side, and Pyris could feel the anticipation in the air.


    Once there, Pyris stepped away from Alera and, with a flick of his hand, opened a portal to the void. The dark swirl of energy slowly stabilized, and from it, two powerful beasts emerged, one from his earlier fight with Selene and another from a previous battle.


    "These," Pyris said, "are for you."


    Alera''s eyes widened as she realized what he was offering her.


    These beasts, now part of Pyris''s victories, would join her growing Necromancer Army. The raw power of the creatures nearly overwhelmed her senses. Tears welled up in her eyes, emotions swelling within her heart as Pyris stood before her, gifting her such incredible strength.


    Before Pyris could react to the sudden disy of emotion, Alera jumped into his arms, kissing him fiercely. Momentarily stunned, Pyris quickly regained hisposure and kissed her back, his hands gently finding their way to her back.


    However, just as the moment heated up, the door to the training grounds opened, revealing Aurelia. She paused, surprised to find the two of them together, but said nothing.


    Alera quickly pulled away, blushing furiously before running out of the room taking her new prizes with her, leaving Pyris standing there with his sister.


    Aurelia approached her brother, her eyes soft and understanding. She had always known that Alera and Pyris shared something deeper, but both had been hesitant to explore those feelings fully.


    "You don''t have to exin," Aurelia said with a slight smile. "I''ve always known the two of you liked each other. But it''s not just her, is it?"


    Pyris looked down, feeling the weight of hisplicated emotions. Alera, Aurelia, Alexa¡ªthey were all dear to him, and in some way, he felt drawn to each of them. But the polygamous nature of the world he lived in made these dynamics both simple andplex at the same time.


    Aurelia, however, wasn''t jealous. She hade to terms with Pyris''s destiny as a Lust Dragon long ago, and she understood that his rtionships would extend beyond just her.


    "I''m not angry," she said, cing a hand on his shoulder. "But you should speak to Alera. She''s been waiting for you to make the first move."


    Pyris nodded, feeling the gravity of the moment. He needed to speak to Alera, to finally acknowledge the feelings that had lingered between them for so long.


    Later that night, Pyris sought out Alera, finding her outside under the moonlit sky.


    Her back was to him as she stared out into the night, but he could feel the emotions rolling off her¡ªuncertainty, longing, and something more.


    "Alera," he called softly.


    She turned to face him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I''m sorry for running earlier," she whispered. "I didn''t know how to handle it."


    Pyris moved closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "There''s nothing to be sorry about. I''ve been just as confused."


    Alera closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. "I''ve liked you for so long, but I didn''t think you felt the same."


    Pyris''s heart clenched at her words. He pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing his lips against her forehead. "I do. And I''ve been holding back for too long."


    As the night deepened, Pyris and Alera finally allowed themselves to explore what had always been there between them.


    It wasn''t just about desire or power, but the deep bond they shared. The emotional weight that had been holding them back was finally lifted.


    ____


    The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft, silver glow over the courtyard as Pyris and Alera stood together, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.


    There was a sense of inevitability between them¡ªsomething that had been simmering for years but had never been fully acknowledged until tonight.


    Pyris could feel Alera''s hesitation. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty as she stood in front of him, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if trying to shield her heart.


    But there was no more hiding¡ªnot after everything they had shared.


    *******


    Motivation.

 Chapter 126 On the Edge!**

    "Alera," Pyris whispered, his voice deep and soothing, "I''ve always known how you felt."


    Her eyes shot up to meet his, wide with surprise. "You did?"


    Pyris nodded, stepping closer until their bodies were only inches apart. "You''ve been by my side since. Naturally, I always knew... but I didn''t want to force anything."


    Alera''s cheeks flushed, her hands trembling slightly as she reached up to touch his chest, her fingers tracing the hard muscles beneath his shirt. "I was afraid, Pyris. Afraid that if I told you how I felt, it would change everything between us."


    "And now?" Pyris asked, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering on her soft skin. "What do you feel now?"


    Alera''s breath hitched, and for a moment, she seemed to struggle with her words. But then, something in her broke, and the floodgates opened.


    "I love you, Pyris," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I''ve loved you for so long, but I didn''t think... I didn''t think you''d ever see me the same way."


    Pyris''s heart swelled at her confession, the weight of her emotions pressing against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as he pressed his forehead against hers.


    "I see you, Alera. I''ve always seen you," he murmured, his lips brushing against hers in the softest of kisses. "And I''m done holding back."


    Desires took hold.


    The kiss deepened, slow andnguid at first, but soon the heat between them began to rise. Pyris could feel the pulse of his Lust Dragon bloodline stirring within him, his body responding to the closeness of Alera, to the taste of her lips against his.


    Alera gasped softly as Pyris''s hands moved to her waist, pulling her body flush against his. She could feel the heat radiating from him, the overwhelming need simmering just beneath the surface.


    Her own desire mirrored his, and it was all she could do to keep from fallingpletely into him.


    "Pyris~..." she whispered breathlessly as he kissed a trail down her neck, his hands roaming over her body with a newfound possessiveness.


    "Alera~," Pyris growled softly against her skin, his voice thick with desire. "I''ve wanted you for so long..."


    Alera moaned softly, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as she arched into his touch. The tension between them was electric, and she could feel her resolve crumbling under the weight of her emotions.


    With a swift movement, Pyris lifted Alera into his arms, cradling her close as he carried her across the room. Her heart raced in her chest, anticipation swirling in her belly as she clung to him.


    There was no more hesitation¡ªno more doubt.


    He took her inside the bed,ying her gently on the soft bed as he hovered above her, his eyes dark with desire. Alera gazed up at him, her breathing in shallow gasps as she felt the heat of his body pressing against hers.


    "You''re sure?" Pyris asked, his voice low and husky as he searched her eyes for any hint of uncertainty.


    Alera smiled up at him, her hand reaching up to caress his cheek. "I''ve never been more sure of anything in my life."


    That was all the confirmation Pyris needed. His lips crashed against hers once more, this time with an urgency that left them both breathless. Alera''s hands roamed over his back, pulling him closer, feeling the strength of his body as he lowered himself onto her.


    As their bodies entwined, the weight of everything they had been holding back finally began to melt away. Pyris''s hands slid down Alera''s sides, his touch firm but gentle as he explored every inch of her. He could feel her shudder beneath him, her soft moans driving him closer to the edge.


    "Pyris~" she moaned, the cool night air caressing her skin as Pyris undressed her; there sheypletely naked under him.


    Alera''s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him down for another heated kiss as her hips instinctively arched up to meet his. Pyris groaned softly, the sound of his voice sending shivers down her spine as he pressed himself against her.


    Alera would moan as trails of kisses marked the path of his lips as they traveled on her body,nding on her breasts that knew no man or anyone''s hands but hers...


    Pyris would im them... Possessively kissing around them, making her tremble.


    "Mmmm~~" her back arched back as he sucked her breast long and his tongue ying with her erect nipples; she pushed his head further in the softened freshes of her mounds, losing any sense of reasoning.


    The pleasure she had never felt before was slowly owning her entire being, letting it reign; her hands were able to master strength, destroying the very part of his clothing.


    He was naked.


    "Ha...hhaahhhh~~" her voice broke apart.


    She shuddered as his bulging cock touched the nakedness of her pussy; she wanted him; her hands loomed over his body, feeling the warmth of every part of his body; she was going crazy.


    The development couldn''t be more perfect for Pyris. He swept her into his arms again; he sat himself on the set, positioning her on his thighs.


    "You feel so good Alera..." The sensation of his dick in her butt bridge grazing just a bit of her pussy was out of the world.


    Her pussy had a strange cold sensation as it pulsated on his dick; Alera''s whole body was shuddering from the test her virgin self was left to bear.


    Her pussy wetting their his thighs none stop but his dick was happy with the holy water. It, too, shuddered in anticipation, a perfect synchronization of his dick and her pussy.


    "Pyris~ I love you so much!" She buried her face in his neck, far from being impassive though.


    "Mmm~~ Alera, my dear~" Pyris couldn''t help groaning from slow but long kisses on his neck; she slowly traveled down his cheek.


    He held her by the waist, moving her body slowly; the friction between his cock and the wet cunt of Alera brought them to new heights of pleasure.


    "Pyris~ you''re...Mmmm, y-- anh~ you''re torturing me~" she admitted.


    Pyris smirked, her body was moving on its own without her knowledge. He imed her nipples again, but they ran from his hands.


    Alera voluntarilyy herself on the bed spreading her legs wide invitingly.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Take me~" she begged; she had been waiting for so long for her to handle any more roley; she wanted him now.


    Pyris looked at the inviting wet pussy wishing to eat it to satisfaction but he knew better to not to keep ady waiting.


    The moment hade. Pyris positioned himself, his breathing in ragged gasps as he stared down at Alera. She gazed up at him with half-lidded eyes, her body trembling with anticipation as she waited for him to take her.


    Just as he was about to enter her, Pyris paused, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "I''ve wanted this for so long, Alera..."

 Chapter 127 Two Connected Souls**

    The room was enveloped in a quiet, heated tension, the only sound being the soft whisper of their breathing as it mingled in the dimly lit space. The gentle flicker ofnterns cast long, dancing shadows across their entwined forms, illuminating the desire and longing that had brought them together.


    Pyris hovered above Alera, his body trembling slightly as he positioned himself between her legs. His gaze remained fixed on her, the weight of the moment pressing down upon them both.


    He could feel the warmth radiating from her skin, their breaths syncing as one. His hands, firm yet tender, cradled her hips, his thumb brushing circles against her soft flesh, grounding them both in this shared intimacy.


    Alera''s chest rose and fell with each shallow breath, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. The look in her eyes was unmistakable¡ªfilled with a longing that mirrored his own. There was no hesitation, no doubt, only an unspoken surrender.


    They had waited long enough.


    "Pyris..." her voice was barely above a whisper, filled with a mixture of anticipation and need.


    Pyris dipped his head, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered back, "I''ve wanted this for so long." His breath was hot against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine as his fingers pressed into her hips, pulling her closer.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "So have I," Alera breathed, her hands finding their way to his back, her fingertips trailing down the length of his spine. Her voice was soft, yet the hunger within it was palpable.


    In that moment, nothing else mattered. The world outside could crumble, but here, in the stillness of the room, only they existed.


    Pyris searched her eyes onest time, silently asking if she was ready, but Alera''s answer was clear in the way her body moved beneath him, arching upward, inviting him in.


    With a low, guttural growl, Pyris slowly pushed forward, sinking into Alera with a deliberate motion, the sensation igniting every nerve in his body. A sharp gasp escaped her lips, her back arching as her fingers gripped his shoulders, grounding herself in the overwhelming feeling of beingpletely filled.


    "Anhhh.... Pyris~" she winced in pain blooding from the small slips of their connection, yet didn''t question her decision faced with this pain and she didn''t regret as pleasure too over as Pyris moved backwards before sliding in smoothly in her tight foldings.


    He imed her virginity, she became his in both body and soul now.


    "You''re so tight, you feel so good Alera my dear~" Pyris grunted in pleasure pushing rhythmically in her,


    The connection between them was electric, a current of pleasure that flowed through their bodies, binding them in a way that went beyond the physical. Alera''s breaths came in short, soft moans, her body rising to meet his in a rhythm that quickly became instinctual.


    "Pyris~" her embarrassed voice at his words came carrying the pleasure she was feeling.


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    Their connection resonated in the room through the sounds of their bodies pping, every passing moment carrying them to new heights.


    "Alera, I like eating you, you''re so tight and sweet..... This pleasure..." She was indeed that good, the way he felt in her pussy, his dick conquering the small pussy.


    Despite it''s small size, therge cock was still amodated, so very taken care of.


    "Mhmm~ p-pplease don''t s-stoop, I still want more...." Something woke up in him as she begged.


    "I wouldn''t dare darling!" He increased his movement.


    She hugged his back tighter, Pyris above her slim ce could feel himself being addicted to her...


    He feltpletelyplete, the cold pussy of her gave him a different sensation.


    Pyris''s lips sought hers, capturing them in a deep, hungry kiss that mirrored the passion building between them. His movements became more sure, more urgent, as the intensity of the moment wrapped around them both like a cocoon, shutting out the rest of the world.


    "Y-you''re... moving, ahhhnm~ faster~" her legs sprayed wider.


    "And you want it, you want it when my dick fucks you faster, don''t you Alera?"


    "Mmhmmm, Pyris.... More, I want more..." She could deny his words.


    Alera''s hips moved with his, her body responding to every touch, every thrust, as though they had been made for each other.


    Her moans filled the room, soft and breathless, driving Pyris forward, deeper, as their bodies sought a rhythm that seemed to blur the line between desire and something far more profound.


    Every kiss, every touch, was a promise fulfilled¡ªa need finally answered after so much time spent waiting. Pyris''s hands roamed her body, his dick memorizing every inch of her wet tight pussy as though this moment couldst forever.


    His thumb grazed the curve of her breast, his lips finding her neck, biting gently as he continued to move within her, driving them both toward the edge of something neither could hold back.


    "Come here!" He interlocked her legs behind her neck in a very unnatural manner, her pussy and asshole were visible to him.


    He hovered above her body puncturing in her virgina.


    Alera''s nails scraped across his back, her body trembling beneath him as the pleasure coursed through her, building higher and higher.


    Her breaths came in ragged, desperate gasps as Pyris quickened his pace, his muscles taut with the effort to maintain control, even as he felt himself being pulled toward the inevitable.


    "Pyris..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their bodies moving together. Her eyes fluttered open, locking onto his, filled with raw emotion, her fingers trailing up to his face to pull him into another kiss.


    "I''m cummingggg~~" she dered.


    "Let''s do it together!"


    Pyris pressed his forehead against hers, his movements bing more erratic, more desperate as the heat built between them to an almost unbearable intensity. He could feel Alera''s body tightening around him, her gasps turning into quiet cries of pleasure as they reached the brink together.


    In that instant, nothing else existed but the two of them¡ªtwo souls, bound by desire and something deeper, something far more ancient and powerful.


    And just as they reached the peak, Pyris buried himself within herpletely, his body trembling as a rush of pleasure surged through him, their mutual release echoing in the quiet of the room.


    "But we''re far from done!"


    "Mhmm~ I still want you too Pyris, fuck me even harder this side!"


    [Ding! You have acquired a new ability...] The irony.

 Chapter 128 Live Shadows!| Miras Arrival!

    The warm glow of satisfaction still lingered in the air as Pyris tucked Alera into bed, her body softly resting against the sheets after hours of intense passion.


    Her breathing was slow, steady, and rhythmic with exhaustion. Pyris stood at the edge of the bed, his eyes gleaming in the dim light as he scanned through the notifications that shed before his eyes.


    He smirked, a sense of power building inside him.


    [Ding! Received new ability from Alera... Live Shadows!] The system''s voice echoed in his mind.


    "Live Shadows," Pyris repeated, feeling the new ability surging under his skin. He raised his hand slightly, and the shadows in the room began to shift, writhing and stretching across the floor like living entities.


    They responded to his every thought, pulsing with dark energy.


    ["Quite the versatile power. Spying, fighting, even stealth. You can have these shadows doing your bidding with ease,"] Lia teased, clearly impressed. ["It suits you perfectly."]


    Pyris chuckled softly. "Another tool in my arsenal."


    The surge of excitement within Pyris was undeniable. He nced back at Alera, whoy peacefully unaware of the dangerous new abilities he now possessed. His fingers twitched with anticipation, the urge to test his powers growing stronger.


    But there was still more to be done tonight.


    "Time to own the night," Pyris muttered, his smirk widening into a predatory smile.


    As he turned to leave the room, the shadows around him followed, almost as though they had a will of their own. Pyris could feel the raw potential swirling within him, ready to be unleashed on the world.


    ____


    Pyris stood in his room, looking over his status board. His abilities were growing rapidly, each oneplementing the others. He had acquired another Illusion ability from Madeline, which, much to his surprise, matched one of the abilities he had gained from the Goddess Lilith''s blessings, strengthening it even more.


    It seemed fate had woven a deeper connection between him and his women than he realized.


    But tonight, it was the Live Shadows he was most curious about.


    ___


    Live Shadows (Ability Description):


    Type: Shadow Maniption


    Effect: The user can control shadows as living entities, capable of performingplex tasks independently. These shadows can act as spies, scouts, or even assassins. The shadows are tied to the user''s will but can operate autonomously if needed. They can blend seamlessly into the environment, bing undetectable by all but the most powerful magic.


    [Shadows can also be used to restrain or attack foes, merging with them to create confusion or fear.]


    Pyris focused on the room around him. His gaze settled on the shadows cast by the dim lighting. He reached out with his mind, tapping into the new ability that Alera had gifted him.


    The shadows on the walls rippled, like ink in water, moving as though they had a life of their own. Slowly, the darkness in the corners of the room thickened, swirling like a vortex. Pyris felt a connection to the shadows, an extension of his very being. With a mere thought, he summoned them to his side.


    Three tendrils of living shadow rose from the floor, each one slithering and coiling around his feet. Pyris smirked.


    ["Impressive..."] Lia remarked in his mind, her voice soft yet intrigued. ["These shadows... They feel alive, don''t they?"]


    "They are alive," Pyris whispered to himself. He watched as the tendrils shifted, taking on different forms. With a mentalmand, they transformed into three humanoid figures, dark and featureless, yet distinctly lethal in their presence. "They act as an extension of my will, but they can move autonomously... watch, guard, or even kill. So this is how Alera has always felt like!"


    ["An army at yourmand, one that moves through the night unseen. But tell me, how far can you push them?"] Lia questioned, always eager to explore the limits of his powers.


    "I intend to find out."


    _____


    Pyris knew this ability would be invaluable to him, especially in his role as Petne Chaos, the shadow counterpart of Pyris Obsidian. As Petne, he moved through the darkest corners of the empire, manipting and controlling events behind the scenes.


    With Live Shadows under hismand, he could gather information, strike at his enemies, and protect his secrets without ever revealing his true identity.


    Suddenly, a ripple of power alerted Pyris to a presence nearby.


    A familiar figure was waiting for him in the main hall of the mansion. Mira, the leader of the Phantoms, had arrived.


    ____


    Pyris descended the grand staircase, his ck robe flowing behind him. As he approached the main hall, he saw Mira standing by the window, her back to him. The moonlight bathed her figure, casting her silhouette in sharp relief.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Her posture was asmanding as ever, exuding both power and danger. The Leader of Shadows had always been an enigma, but her loyalty to his mother, Emberly, was undeniable.


    "Mira," Pyris greeted, his voice low and calm. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"


    Mira turned slowly, her golden eyes locking onto his. A slight smile yed on her lips, though it didn''t reach her eyes. "You''ve grown stronger, Pyris. I can feel it in the air around you."


    "And yet you came here unannounced. Careful, Mira. People may start to think you''re plotting something," Pyris replied, his words teasing.


    Mira chuckled, her gaze not wavering. "Plotting? Perhaps. But not against you. Not yet, at least."


    Her words hung in the air for a moment before she stepped forward, her cloak billowing behind her like a shadow itself. "I came here tonight because we have unfinished business. The council wants to ensure the Obsidian Empire maintains its dominance, but there are those in the shadows who think otherwise."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow. "And you''re one of them?"


    "No," Mira said softly, though her tone carried weight. "But I''m not here to talk politics. I came here because of the Live Shadows. I felt them the moment you awakened the power. The ability is... unique."


    Pyris narrowed his eyes. "You''re familiar with it?"


    "Familiar enough to know what it can do¡ªand what it can make you," Mira replied. She stopped just a few feet away from him, her presence overwhelming but not unpleasant. "Your mother may have trained you well, but the power you''re unlocking now... it could make you something far more dangerous than anyone anticipated."


    "And what do you propose?" Pyris asked, intrigued by her words.


    Mira''s smile deepened. "I propose that we work together. You and I, in the shadows. I can help you control this power, harness it. But in return, I want something from you."


    Pyris tilted his head, curious. "And what is that?"


    Her golden eyes gleamed in the dim light. "I want to see just how far you''re willing to go to im your destiny. The Phantoms¡ªmy people¡ªare watching you. Prove to me that you''re worthy of leading the shadows."


    Pyris smiled darkly. "Then you better be prepared, Mira. Because I don''t intend to stop at just the shadows.".

 Chapter 129 Shadows and Desires

    Pyris stood still for a moment, watching Mira as she left, her figure disappearing into the thick shadows of the night, melding seamlessly into the darkness.


    Inwardly, Pyris had no true intention of proving anything to the Phantoms or their top leader. His powers, already surpassing most, would demonstrate his superiority without any real effort.


    No, his real interesty in Mira herself. She intrigued him. He had agreed to her proposal only to keep her closer.


    As he watched her vanish, a thought suddenly struck him like a sharp dagger.


    ''Wait! Alera also has the same ability as me¡ªLive Shadows¡ªbut Mira didn''t so much as nce in her direction or acknowledge it. Why?'' Pyris pondered, his brows furrowing slightly.


    ["I guess the two abilities are different,"] Lia''s voice chimed softly in his head, offering a possible exnation. ["You had the shadow element before, and the Live Shadows ability seems to have only enhanced that power. But maybe, in your case, it awakened something far more dangerous, making your shadow element stronger and more mysterious. That might be what caught Mira''s attention."]


    ''That could be it,'' Pyris mused. ''Alera''s shadows granted her ess to the Void and enhanced her Necromancer powers. Our abilities may be connected by the same name, but they''re clearly manifesting differently.''


    ["Exactly. I think the Live Shadows ability takes on different forms depending on the wielder and their deepest desires,"] Lia suggested.


    Pyris smirked at the thought. Desires.


    His own were deeply tied to power, ambition, and control¡ªover people, over empires, and ultimately, over the world itself.


    It was no surprise that his Live Shadows would reflect that. They were designed to serve him as both tools and weapons, to act autonomously when needed but always with his control at the forefront.


    His shadows were like an extension of his ambition.


    ''And Alera''s desires...'' Pyris''s thoughts turned toward her. ''She craves power too, but her desire leans toward something darker. She is drawn to the Necromancer arts and the Void. Perhaps she seeks mastery over life and death itself. It would exin why her shadows connect so deeply to the Void and the undead.''


    ["It''s fascinating to see how the same ability manifests so differently,"] Lia continued. ["Your shadows are designed to control and dominate, while hers lean toward something more... ethereal, something darker. She wields the dead, while youmand the living essence of shadows."]


    Pyris smiled to himself. Live Shadows, after all, seemed to reflect the true nature of its wielder.


    His shadows were crafted for dominance¡ªcrafted to conquer, to be ever-present in the shadows of empires and kingdoms, always watching, always waiting for the moment to strike.


    He had no doubt that the true potential of his shadows was still hidden from him, waiting to be fully uncovered in time.


    His desires... they were insatiable. His ambition was without bounds. Pyris was not content with ruling from the shadows; he intended to control everything¡ªpeople, realms, and even the fates of those around him.


    It seemed Live Shadows had chosen the right master.


    _____


    Mira had left, content with the arrangement. Pyris, however, had no intention of keeping his promises the way she thought.


    He knew the Phantoms could be useful, but ultimately, his shadows would outgrow theirs. His ambitions would outgrow hers. For now, though, it was time to rest.


    Pyris made his way to his room, but not before ncing at Alera, who was peacefully sleeping after their intense night together. He smirked as he recalled the powers she had shared with him.


    Gently, he tucked her in, brushing a hand across her soft skin.


    His notifications were waiting for him, and with a flick of his wrist, he summoned his Status, his mind already eager to see what new abilities had been granted to him from his women.


    [New Abilities


    Live Shadows (Alera''s Gift):


    Type: Shadow Maniption


    Effect: Enhanced control over shadows. Shadows now have the ability to act as living entities, independent of host''s direct will. They can infiltrate, assassinate, and serve as a perfectwork of spies. The shadows are more lethal, capable of binding and absorbing magical attacks.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They grow stronger in the dark and are capable of manipting environments in subtle ways.


    Illusions (Madeline''s Gift):


    Type: Illusionary Magic


    Effect: An advanced form of illusion magic, directly tied to host''s Lust Dragon bloodline. Host can create deeply immersive illusions that can affect all senses, manipting reality as his target perceives it.


    This ability creates illusions that are hard to differentiate from reality, especially when fueled by desire or lust. It can be used for maniption,bat, or seduction.


    ____


    Pyris smirked as he read through the descriptions.


    Live Shadows was turning out to be far more dangerous than he had initially thought. It wasn''t just about controlling shadows¡ªit was about harnessing an unstoppable force that could move in the dark, unseen, and untouchable.


    His Lust Illusions were no less impressive; they were another tool, a more subtle one, but no less powerful. In time, he would master both.


    ["Happy with what you see?"] Lia teased.


    "Very," Pyris whispered back. His gaze turned back to the night sky, his mind already plotting for the day ahead. There was still so much to do. So much to conquer.


    The next day promised to be full of new opportunities.


    ____


    The morning light had barely begun to stretch over the mansion when Pyris heard a familiar presence in the halls. Mira had returned.


    This time, she waited for him in the living room, her arms crossed, her face calm but filled with the same intensity she always carried.


    "I trust you''ve had time to think over our arrangement," she said as Pyris entered, her golden eyes watching him carefully.


    Pyris smiled, keeping his thoughts to himself. "Of course, Mira. I''ve had plenty of time to reflect."


    Mira nodded, though there was a gleam in her eyes. "Good. Because from today, I''ll be watching you more closely than ever."


    With that, Mira vanished into the shadows, her presence lingering even as Pyris moved toward his next goal. The day was just beginning, and Pyris knew that whatever awaited him, he was more than ready to face it head-on.


    Mira, unlike what she showed has her own agendas too!

 Chapter 130 Shadow Nexus.

    The soft glow of dawn crept through the window, casting a gentle light across Pyris''s room. The new day had just begun, and the quiet of the morning brought with it a sense of calm.


    Pyrisy in bed, his mind still clouded by the lingering haze of sleep.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He had spent thest night contemting the recent shift in his powers, the Live Shadows ability he had acquired from Alera still fresh in his mind.


    A knock at the door startled him from his thoughts.


    "Alera?" Pyris asked, sensing the familiar presence outside his door.


    Without waiting for a reply, the door opened, and Alera stepped inside. She was wrapped in a loose robe, her dark hair flowing over her shoulders. Her eyes met Pyris''s with a soft, inviting gaze, and she gave him a teasing smile.


    "Morning, Pyris," she said, her voice carrying a yful warmth. "Couldn''t sleep muchst night, so I thought I''de visit."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Is that so? Well, you''re always wee."


    Alera walked over to the bed, her steps slow and deliberate. She climbed onto the bed, her movements graceful as she positioned herself beside him. Her hand traced along his chest, fingers grazing his skin in a way that sent shivers down his spine.


    "You seem... distracted," she said softly, leaning closer until her lips were just inches from his.


    "Maybe I''m just distracted by you," Pyris replied, his voice low, his hand reaching up to cup her cheek. He pulled her into a kiss, soft at first, but quickly deepening as their bodies pressed together.


    Alera responded eagerly, her hands sliding over his bare chest as she straddled him. The kiss grew hungrier, more passionate, as Pyris''s hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer.


    The heat between them intensified, and soon their robes were discarded, leaving nothing between them but the heat of their skin.


    Their bodies moved in sync, every touch igniting a fire between them that neither could resist. The morning light bathed them in warmth, but it was the energy they shared that truly consumed them. Pyris felt the familiar surge of power welling up inside him, but this time, it felt different¡ªstronger, deeper.


    As their bodies intertwined, the shadows in the room began to stir, shifting and dancing around them as if they had a life of their own. Alera noticed it too, her breath quickening as she felt the strange energy wrap around them, growing stronger with every moment.


    "Pyris," she whispered against his lips, her voice trembling slightly. "Something''s happening..."


    Pyris could feel it too. The shadows seemed to respond to their movements, pulsating with an energy that neither of them could fully understand. They weren''t just manipting the shadows¡ªthey were bing one with them.


    As they reached the height of their passion, the shadows surged forward, enveloping thempletely. The room was plunged into darkness, but neither of them felt fear. Instead, they were filled with a sense of power, as though they were tapping into something ancient and profound.


    Suddenly, a notification shed in Pyris''s mind, the system''s voice echoing softly in his head before Lia informed him.


    ["Pyris... you''ve awakened something new. The Shadow Nexus... it''s a shared power between you and Alera, one that connects you both to the very essence of shadows."]


    Pyris''s mind raced as the system provided more information.


    ["The Shadow Nexus allows both of you tomand shadows with greater precision. You can create living shadows, manipte the space between dimensions, and even conceal yourselves within them.]


    But that''s not all. They were now connected in a way that transcends normal magic¡ªa bond that will only grow stronger the more they use this power together.


    Pyris''s eyes widened as the realization hit him. This was more than just a new ability¡ªit was a deeper connection, one that linked him and Alera on a level far beyond their physical bond.


    He could feel the shadows swirling within him, alive and ready to answer his everymand.


    "Did you feel that, Alera?" Pyris whispered, his voice filled with awe. "We''ve unlocked something... powerful. The Shadow Nexus... it connects us to the shadows themselves."


    Alera''s eyes glowed with excitement as she leaned in closer, her breath still ragged from their encounter. "I can feel it, Pyris. The shadows... they''re alive."


    Pyris nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "It''s not just an ability. It''s a bond. We can control shadows in ways no one else can."


    He sat up, pulling Alera with him, their bodies still entwined as the shadows around them danced in response to their movements. Pyris reached out, and with a flick of his wrist, the shadows twisted and shifted, forming into a tangible shape that hovered in the air before them.


    "We''re more than just magicians now," Pyris said, his voice filled with determination. "We''re shadow masters."


    Alera smiled, her eyes gleaming with the same ambition. "I''ve felt power like this before. It''s... intoxicating."


    Pyris grinned, his hand still wrapped around her waist. "Then let''s explore it together."


    They spent the next few moments experimenting with their newfound power, weaving the shadows into different shapes, creating barriers, and even concealing themselves within the darkness.


    The possibilities were endless, and with every movement, their connection grew stronger.


    Lia''s voice interrupted their thoughts once again.


    ["The Shadow Nexus will only grow stronger as you do. But be careful, Pyris. With power like this, there are always those who will seek to control it."]


    Pyris nodded, already aware of the dangers that came with such immense power. But right now, all he could think about was the potential¡ªthe strength they had unlocked together.


    "We''ll be ready," Pyris said confidently. "We''ll be ready for anything."


    As the morning light began to creep back into the room, Pyris and Alera finally pulled apart, their bodies still humming with the energy of their shared power. They dressed in silence, the weight of what they had discovered settling in.


    "Ready?" Pyris asked, a smirk on his face.


    Alera smiled back, her eyes filled with excitement. "Ready."


    ******


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 Chapter 131 Shadow Nexus Abilities

    As the morning light began to flood the room, Pyris and Alera stirred from their intense night together, the residual energy of the Shadow Nexus still humming within them. The weight of their newfound power hung in the air, and neither could ignore the shift in their connection.


    As they prepared to leave for the academy, explored the abilities they got from Shadow Nexus;


    "About the Shadow Nexus, I think we''ve only scratched the surface of what it can do," Pyris began, pulling his shirt over his head. There are three abilities they''d awakened so far.


    Alera, adjusting her robes, looked at Pyris excitement.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pyris smirked. "The Shared Vision. Through it, we can now see through each other''s eyes, regardless of distance. We''ll always be connected. If one of us is in danger, the other will know."


    Alera''s eyes sparkled. "That could be very useful."


    "But I like the Shadow Meld. We can merge our shadows, allowing us to be one with the darkness. This will let us move through the shadows together, unseen by anyone who might try to stop us."


    Alera nodded, excitedly her mind already racing with the possibilities. "It sounds powerful... and sneaky." This...was so different from just moving in shadows.


    Pyris chuckled. "And the third ability, the Shadow Maniption. We can turn any shadow we touch into something solid. We could create weapons, barriers, even entire structures." but they''re control and current rank wouldn''t give them so much ess to Shadow Maniption, they were still weak!


    Alera''s excitement was evident as she processed the enormity of what they had just awakened. "That''s amazing. And there are still more abilities to unlock, I wonder?"


    Pyris nodded, his gaze serious now. "Maybe, but probably we won''t be able to ess them until the right momentes. For now, these three are more than enough." he hoped there were other abilities to explore for them.


    Alera stepped closer to Pyris, cing her hand on his chest. "We''ll figure the rest out together."


    Pyris smiled, pulling her into a brief embrace. "Always."


    They finished preparing in silence, the anticipation of the day ahead hanging in the air.


    ____


    As Pyris and Alera made their way downstairs, they were greeted by a familiar presence¡ªMira, the leader of the phantoms. She stood by the entrance, her dark, enigmatic aura making her presence known.


    "Mira," Pyris greeted, inclining his head slightly. "I didn''t expect to see you here so early."


    Mira smiled faintly, her dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "I wanted to make sure you were prepared for the day ahead. There''s much to discuss, and I''ll be following you closely from now on. Your mother made the arrangements."


    Pyris nodded, remembering Emberly''s recent concerns about the shifting politicalndscape. "I see. Song?"


    "Song has been reassigned to guard your mother. He''ll be by her side whenever necessary," Mira exined, her tone calm but authoritative. "As for me, I will ensure you are always protected."


    Alera stepped closer, ncing between Pyris and Mira. "I trust there''s more to this than just protection?"


    Mira''s smile widened ever so slightly. "You could say that. There are more...plex matters at hand. But we''ll get to those in time. For now, let''s focus on keeping you both safe."


    Pyris could sense the deeper meaning behind Mira''s words, but he didn''t press her. There would be time for thatter. He nced toward the door as Aurelia and Alexa joined them, both ready for the academy.


    "Let''s get going," Pyris said, his voice steady. "It''s going to be an eventful day."


    With his women at his side and Mira following in the shadows, Pyris led the way outside. The day was just beginning, and the academy awaited them. But Pyris knew this was just the start of something far greater.


    His ns were in motion, both in the shadows and out in the open.


    The world of Argos was about to witness the rise of a new power..


    ____


    The day at the academy was in full swing, the vibrant energy of the students buzzing through the halls. Pyris walked through the corridors, his aura asmanding as ever. It had been a productive morning so far, lessons were moving quickly, and his mind was already working through the strategic ns he''d set in motion.


    At his side walked Aurelia, Alexa and Alera, their presencemanding as much attention as his own. The trio made for an impressive sight, whispers spreading among the students as they passed.


    "They''re all part of his harem now, right?" someone muttered.


    "I heard although Aurelia''s the Death Dragon... and Alera''s powers are still a mystery."


    "Pyris Obsidian... He''s beyond the rest of us. Even the royals seem wary of him now."


    But Pyris wasn''t focused on the gossip. His attention was drawn to a familiar presence just ahead of them.


    Liez, his childhood friend, the seductive subus who always had a knack for teasing him, stood at the entrance to one of the practice halls. Her smile was as alluring as ever, her red eyes sparkling with mischievous intent.


    "Well, well... Look who''s back," Liez purred as they approached. She stepped forward, her hips swaying with that seductive grace unique to her kind. "It''s been a while since we''ve seen each other, Pyris."


    Pyris couldn''t help but smirk. "I did expect to find you here, Liez."


    Liez grinned, leaning in closer than necessary. "I might be here for my own reasons, but running into you is always a pleasure."


    Her eyes shifted to Alera and Aurelia, who stood quietly beside Pyris, their gazes cold and appraising. But Liez wasn''t deterred. "So, you''ve got quite the entourage now, huh?" she teased, her fingers brushing against Pyris''s arm, sending a light shiver up his spine. "Lucky you."


    Before Pyris could respond, Aurelia stepped forward, her eyes sharp as daggers. "We don''t have time for your games, Liez. If you''re here for a reason, speak."


    Liez raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Aurelia''s possessiveness. "Oh, don''t worry, I''m not here to steal him away. I know my ce." She winked at Pyris before turning more serious. "Actually, I came to tell you about something."


    Pyris''s expression shifted. "Go on."


    "There''s a group you need to know about, Pyris. A group for people like us¡ªthe elite of Argos. It''s called ''The Legacy.'' Only the highest-ranking nobles, filthy rich elites, and royalty are invited. It''s been around for centuries, hidden from most students. And now¡­ they''ve invited you."


    A silence settled over the group as Liez''s words sank in. The Legacy. Pyris had heard rumors of such a group, but never anything concrete. This was more than just a social club¡ªthis was awork of the most powerful, most connected young elites in the world.


    "And you''re part of this group, I assume?" Pyris asked, his voice cool.

 Chapter 132 Elite Shadows.

    Liez''s grin widened. "It''s where all the major yers gather. Influence, power, wealth¡ªit''s all there. You''ve impressed the right people, Pyris, and now they want you."


    Alera and Aurelia exchanged nces, both of them sensing the weight of this new development. Pyris was already a rising star in Argos, but The Legacy would ce him even closer to the heart of power.


    "When''s the first meeting?" Pyris asked, his mind already calcting the opportunities this would open.


    "Tonight," Liez said, leaning in closer once again, her breath warm against his ear. "I''ll be there too. It''ll be¡­ interesting."


    Pyris nodded, keeping his expression unreadable. "I''ll consider it."


    Liez chuckled softly, pulling back and giving him onest teasing nce before she turned to leave. "Don''t bete, Pyris. You wouldn''t want to miss what''s in store."


    As Liez disappeared into the crowd, Aurelia sighed. It''s dangerous, Pyris. Be careful."


    "I know," Pyris replied, his eyes narrowing, were they dangerous though, he didn''t think so but he would humour the "threat" "But The Legacy could be valuable. I''ll have to y it smart."


    ____


    After the conversation with Liez, Pyris''s day continued as usual, though his mind kept drifting back to the invitation. He didn''t doubt that The Legacy would be filled with people who would either be potential allies or rivals. He needed to approach it carefully.


    But for now, he had other matters to attend to. He and his women had separated to attend their respective lessons, and as Pyris made his way to one of the secluded training halls, something caught his attention.


    It was a subtle shift in the air¡ªone that only someone as attuned to space and time as Pyris could feel. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the presence of powerful magic nearby.


    Time and space¡­ Pyris thought to himself, his curiosity piqued.


    Quietly, he made his way toward the source of the disturbance, his steps light and calcted. As he approached the training room, he saw them.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The Time-Space Twins, the prince and princess of the elven empire, stood in the center of the room, their magic intertwining in a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Their golden hair shimmered as they moved in perfect harmony, manipting the very fabric of time and space with an ease that few could match.


    Pyris watched them for a moment, his eyes studying their technique. The precision with which they wielded their powers was impressive, even to someone like him.


    But more than that, he could see how their abilitiesplemented each other¡ªone controlling the flow of time, while the other bent space to their will.


    "They''re talented," Pyris muttered to himself. "Very talented."


    He stepped forward, his presence immediately noticed by the twins. They stopped their training, their golden eyes locking onto him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.


    The boy, whose name Pyris now recalled as Fan, spoke first. "You''ve been watching us."


    Pyris didn''t deny it. "I couldn''t help but be impressed. Time and space¡­ not many can handle those elements as gracefully as you two."


    The girl, Seraphine, smiled slightly, though her expression remained guarded. "We''ve trained together for years until they became a second nature of us."


    Pyris stepped into the training room, his eyes still locked on the twins. "I''ve seen you in ss. You''re both incredibly powerful. But tell me, why train here, in secret?"


    Fan and Seraphine exchanged a nce before Fan answered. "Because not everyone needs to see the full extent of our abilities."


    A slow smile spread across Pyris''s lips. "Smart. Very smart." Though it didn''t matter to him.


    There was a moment of silence as the three of them stood there, sizing each other up. Pyris could feel the power radiating from the twins, and he knew they were aware of his own strength.


    But more than that, he could sense something else¡ªan unspoken connection, as if the twin''s fates were intertwined.


    "Perhaps," Pyris said slowly, "we could train together sometime. I''d like to see just how far your abilities go."


    Seraphine''s eyes glinted with interest, while Fan remained more cautious. "We''ll consider it," Fan said, his voice steady. "But for now, we have our own training to focus on."


    Pyris nodded, respecting their decision. "Very well. But I have a feeling we''ll be seeing a lot more of each other in the future."


    With that, he turned and left the room, his mind already racing with possibilities. The twins were powerful, no doubt about it, but they were also potential allies¡ªor rivals, depending on how things yed out.


    ____


    After the ss had ended, Pyris made his way through the winding halls of the academy. His mind still lingered on the brief but encounter moment he had shared with the Time-Space Twins earlier in the day.


    Their golden eyes and synchronized abilities had left an impression on him. Their power, their grace¡ªthere was something about them that piqued his interest.


    ["I can tell you''re still thinking about them,"] Lia''s voice whispered teasingly in his mind.


    ''Of course I am,'' Pyris thought, smirking to himself as he walked. ''They''re powerful, and more importantly, they understand how to work together. They could be useful allies¡ªor at least worthy opponents, I like that girl the most!'' his way into the Elven Royal family.


    [" Of course you would! Maybe they''ll cross your path again. Or perhaps it''s you who needs to make the first move,"] Lia mused.


    Pyris didn''t respond, but Lia''s words hung in his thoughts. Making a move would be easy, but what would be the endgame?


    For now, he''d let the twins remain an enigma. There were more pressing matters ahead¡ªlike theunch of his new ventures and strengthening his influence at the academy.


    Pyris continued down the hall, his sharp eyes surveying the quiet corridors. The academy at this hour was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. But he wasn''t heading back to home just yet. His thoughts drifted to Arabe, his mentor, and the private session he had nned with her.


    As he turned a corner, he spotted a figure stretching inside one of the rooms. It was the sight of her¡ªthe moon elf¡ªthat halted his steps and redirected his focus entirely.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 133 Enchantment Under the Moon!

    The academy grounds were bathed in the soft glow of the evening, thest light of day fading into a gentle twilight. sses had ended hours ago, and most students had either returned to their homes or ventured out to enjoy the night.


    Pyris walked the quiet halls, his mind drifting between the events of the day and the prospect of meeting Arabeter again. His steps were steady but casual as he made his way through the academy''s staff office¡ªa shortcut he often took.


    As he rounded a corner, something caught his eye. Standing near the open window of arge staff room was a woman, her back turned to him. She was stretching, her arms extended above her head, her body arching gracefully.


    The motion caused her loose, flowing top to rise just enough to reveal a sliver of pale skin around her waist. Her white hair cascaded over one shoulder, partially exposing the long, delicate curve of her neck.


    Pyris stopped in his tracks, his breath catching for a moment. He hadn''t seen her before¡ªthis teacher, this woman. She was unlike anyone he had encountered at the academy.


    The way she moved, the way the light from the setting sun caressed her skin¡ªit was mesmerizing.


    ''Lia¡­'' Pyris''s thoughts immediately raced, unable to contain his growing intrigue.


    ["I know,"] Lia''s voice chimed in with amusement, not bothering to let him finish. ["Such a beauty wouldn''t escape your ws, would she?"]


    Pyris couldn''t help but smile at Lia''s words. She was right, of course. His eyes never left the woman as she turned slightly, her profile now visible.@@novelbin@@


    Her features were sharp but feminine, her face framed by her silken hair. Her moonlit eyes¡ªsilver-blue¡ªglistened, almost like stars against the night sky.


    There was an ethereal beauty to her, one that seemed to transcend the usual elegance of the moon elves.


    He felt a sudden urge to know more about her. Instinctively, he activated his Appraisal skill, a soft glow emanating in his mind as her details began to appear before his eyes:


    ____


    Name: Sra Moonveil


    Race: Moon Elf


    Rank: 18/20


    Elements: Life, Ice, Light, Time


    Traits: Lunar Blessing, Lunar Eclipse, Moondance, Astral Threads.


    Titles: Daughter of The Moon!


    Strength: 800


    Agility: 810


    Vitality: 850


    Stamina: 860


    INT: 800/1000


    Charm: 98/100


    ____


    Pyris''s eyes widened slightly at the sheer power she possessed. Rank 18?


    This was no ordinary teacher¡ªshe was a force to be reckoned with. The moon elves were known for their affinity with magic, but Sra Moonveil seemed to be on an entirely different level. And those traits¡­ Lunar Blessing, Moondance, Astral Threads¡­ abilities that likely allowed her to manipte light and shadows in ways that very few could.


    As Pyris stood there, taking in the information, Sra seemed to sense his presence. She lowered her arms,pleting her stretch, and turned to face him fully.


    Her eyes locked onto his, her expression unreadable but not unkind. The way she moved¡ªcalm and deliberate¡ªsuggested she was fully aware of the effect she had on those around her.


    But instead of shying away from Pyris''s gaze, she met it head-on, her silver eyes gleaming in the soft moonlight filtering through the window.


    "You''ve been standing there for a while," she said, her voice smooth and melodic, like the gentle flow of a river under the moon. There was no usation in her tone¡ªjust quiet amusement.


    Pyris felt his lips twitch into a small smirk. "Can you me me? A scene like this is hard to ignore."


    Sra raised a delicate eyebrow, the faintest of smiles curving her lips. "Is that so? Or are you just trying to tter your way into trouble?"


    Pyris chuckled softly, stepping closer. He couldn''t help but admire the way her body moved as she shifted slightly, her posture rxed yetmanding. Every inch of her exuded a quiet confidence, and her power was tangible¡ªlike a cool breeze on a warm night.


    "I rarely tter without good reason," Pyris replied, his tone smooth as silk. "But you, Teacher Sra¡­ you''ve caught my attention. I haven''t seen you before, just heard rumours of you."


    Sra''s eyes flickered with recognition, as if she had expected him to know her. "I don''t usually mingle with the students, Mr. Obsidian. My duties lie elsewhere. But I''ve heard about you. It seems your reputation precedes you."


    Pyris''s smirk widened. "Only good things, I hope."


    Sra''s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Let''s just say¡­ intriguing things."


    The way she said it made Pyris''s pulse quicken. There was something about this woman¡ªbeyond her beauty, her power. She had a presence that was bothmanding and alluring, and Pyris couldn''t help but be drawn to her.


    ''Indeed a daughter of the moon!''


    ["Careful, Pyris,"] Lia whispered in his mind, though her voice held a yful tone. ["She''s not someone you can easily charm. But then again, I''ve never seen you back down from a challenge."]


    ''Challenge?'' Pyris thought, a flicker of amusement passing through his mind. ''This is no challenge, Lia. This is a beauty.''


    Sra''s gaze didn''t waver, though Pyris could sense the subtle shift in her demeanor. She wasn''t immune to his charm, even if she didn''t show it outright. There was something about him that piqued her interest, and Pyris could feel it. It was a game¡ªone he was more than willing to y.


    "I must admit," Pyris said, his voice low and smooth as he stepped closer, "I find myself intrigued by you, Sra. A moon elf of your stature, here at the academy¡­ It seems there''s much more to you than meets the eye."


    Sra''s eyes gleamed, her expression still calm and controlled. "And I find myself wondering what it is you truly want, Pyris Obsidian."


    Pyris chuckled softly. "Perhaps I want to know more about you. Perhaps I want to see what a woman of your power is capable of."


    Sra''s smile deepened ever so slightly, but her eyes remained guarded. "Careful what you wish for, Mr. Obsidian. Sometimes the power you seekes with more than you''re prepared to handle."


    Pyris''s heart raced with anticipation, the thrill of the unknown pushing him forward. This was no ordinary conversation¡ªthis was a dance, one filled with hidden desires, power, and intrigue.


    And Pyris had never been one to back away from such a dance.


    "Then perhaps you''ll show me sometime," Pyris said, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he closed the remaining distance between them, his eyes locked onto hers.


    Sra''s gaze softened, her lips curving into a mysterious smile. "Perhaps."


    The air between them thickened with tension, and Pyris could feel the energy radiating off her¡ªraw, powerful, and intoxicating. He knew then that this encounter was far from over. Sra Moonveil was a puzzle, one he was more than eager to solve.


    As the evening shadows lengthened, Pyris took a step back, his eyes never leaving hers. "Until next time, Sra."


    She nodded, her expression still calm but with an edge of something unspoken. "Until next time, Mr. Obsidian."


    With that, Pyris turned and left the room, his mind racing with thoughts of Sra. He knew this was just the beginning of something far deeper, something that would not only test his charm but his power as well.


    As he made his way toward Arabe, his pulse still quickened from the encounter, he couldn''t help but think to himself:


    ''This will be interesting.''

 Chapter 134 Teasing Arabella...

    Pyris''s thoughts were consumed by Sra, the moon elf whose beauty was still fresh in his mind.


    Her elegance, the way her skin shimmered under the light, her graceful movements¡ªeverything about her pulled him in, and it was hard to focus on anything else.


    He could still feel the stir of desire creeping through his veins as he made his way to meet Arabe.


    "Sra Moonveil¡­" Pyris muttered under his breath, savoring her name. His mind was swirling with ns on how to cross paths with her again.


    ["I know that look,"] Lia teased. ["You''re thinking about her, aren''t you? You''ll find a way to bring her into your fold, but you''ve got to focus."]


    "Yes, Arabe is waiting," Pyris said, half-smiling. "But... that elf will be mine eventually."


    Lia chuckled in his mind, knowing how Pyris worked. ["Just make sure Arabe doesn''t catch you daydreaming about someone else."]@@novelbin@@


    With Lia''s words keeping him grounded, Pyris chuckled and continued through the academy halls, weaving through the bustling students.


    They would follow him with their eyes, his presencemanding attention.


    He made his way to the secluded training ground where Arabe would be waiting for him.


    "Teacher Arabe," Pyris greeted her with a sly smile. "I trust you''re ready for another session?"


    "Of course," Arabe replied, her tone calm, though her body was betraying her in small ways¡ªher breath quickened just slightly, and her hands trembled ever so faintly.


    As they began sparring, Pyris couldn''t resist pushing a bit closer, leaning into her space, their bodies brushing just enough to make her pulse race. He enjoyed watching the way her focus would break whenever his touch was too close, too lingering.


    "Focus, Arabe," Pyris teased, his voice low, barely above a whisper. "You seem...distracted."


    She gritted her teeth, trying to regain control, but Pyris''s teasing nature was relentless. Every move he made felt like a calcted step to get under her skin. His charm was intoxicating, and she could feel her resolve slipping with every moment.


    "Distracted? Hardly," Arabe shot back, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her.


    Pyris chuckled, letting her believe she was still in control, but he could see the subtle shifts in her bodynguage¡ªhow she leaned ever so slightly toward him, how her breathing was uneven.


    He had her exactly where he wanted her, but tonight wasn''t about conquest. It was about watching her unravel slowly.


    As they finished their sparring session, Pyris stepped back, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Good work today," he said, his voice smooth. "I''m getting better."


    Arabe met his gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly. She knew he was toying with her, but part of her couldn''t deny the thrill it brought. She simply nodded, knowing that there was more to this game they were ying than just training.


    ____


    Later that evening, back at home, the air was filled with a sense of anticipation. Pyris had returned from his session with Arabe, his mind still full of ns and ambitions for the future.


    But there was something he had to address first: the growing connection he shared with Alera through the Shadow Nexus.


    As he stepped into the living room, he found his family already gathered. His big sister Anastasia, the ever-dutiful Emilia, and Rose, his personal maid, were sitting at the table.


    Anastasia was as regal as ever, her long dark hair cascading down her back, while Emilia''s sharp eyes gleamed with intellect.


    Rose seemed a bit out of ce, her meek demeanor contrasting with the powerful women around her, but Pyris had insisted she join them.


    "Ah, you''re back," Anastasia greeted, her eyes warming as she saw Pyris.


    "Yes," Pyris responded with a smile, before turning to Rose. "I''m d you''re here with us. You should be a part of this family too, Rose. Don''t feel like you have to stay on the sidelines."


    Rose blushed slightly, her hands fidgeting in herp. "Thank you, Lord Pyris. I... appreciate it."


    "Now, now," Emilia chimed in with a soft smile, "We''re all one family here. No need for formalities."


    Pyris shared a knowing look with Emilia. Despite her tough exterior, she had a soft spot for those close to her, and Rose had slowly started to grow on her.


    After a brief dinner filled with pleasant conversation, Pyris excused himself to the training grounds, followed by Alera. There was something they needed to test, and he couldn''t shake the excitement that bubbled within him at the thought of the Shadow Nexus abilities they had awakened together that morning.


    As they stood in the quiet, moonlit clearing of the training grounds, Pyris turned to Alera. "It''s time to test what we''ve unlocked," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. "We share a bond now¡ªsomething that goes beyond just shadows."


    Alera nodded, her dark eyes shimmering with intrigue. "I even feel it now. The power between us... it''s different. Stronger."


    Pyris raised his hand, summoning the shadows around them. "Let''s start with the Living Shadows."


    Alera stepped forward, mirroring his actions. Together, theymanded the shadows beneath their feet to rise, molding the darkness into shape.


    As the shadows lifted from the ground, they began to form into humanoid figures¡ªsentient beings made of pure shadow.


    With bothmanding the shadows at once, the shadows were stronger than when just one wouldmand them!


    "Look at that," Pyris marveled. "They''re alive."


    The Living Shadows shifted and morphed, their forms fluid and adaptable.


    Pyrismanded one of the shadow creatures to charge forward, watching as it sprinted with incredible speed across the field, leaping over obstacles and slipping through the smallest cracks in the terrain.


    Alera followed suit, sending her shadow to wrap around a nearby training dummy, constricting it like a snake before pulling back.


    "They''re perfect for stealth andbat," Alera said, her voice filled with awe. "We can use them to infiltrate ces without ever being seen."


    Pyris nodded. "And they can fight for us. Watch this."


    With a wave of his hand, Pyris''s shadow creature solidified, turning its dark form into something as hard as steel. It lunged at a second dummy, cutting through it with ease before dissipating into the night air.


    "Let''s try Shadow Maniption next," Pyris said, his eyes gleaming with excitement, the prospect of what other powers the other abilities could grant them.


    Alera extended her hand, the shadows around them obeying hermand as she willed them to stretch and bend. The shadows took on the form of a solid wall, protecting them from an imagined enemy attack.


    Pyris, on the other hand, molded the shadows into long, dark chains that snaked across the ground, wrapping around targets and pulling them toward him with incredible force.


    "They''re extensions of ourselves," Alera remarked. "We can manipte them into anything."


    Pyris grinned, feeling the power flow through him. "And we can use them to conceal ourselves as well."


    With that, they both activated Shadowstep, their bodies disappearing into the nearest shadow. In the blink of an eye, they reappeared several meters away, stepping out from the darkness as though they had never left.


    "Now that''s useful," Pyris said, impressed by the ease with which they could travel using the shadows. "Moving through shadows like they''re doorways."


    Alera smiled, her eyes glowing with excitement. "We''re going to be unstoppable, Pyris."


    They spent the next hour practicing, pushing the limits of their newfound abilities. The Living Shadows moved with a mind of their own, the Shadow Maniption allowed them to reshape the battlefield at will, and Shadowstep made them nearly impossible to track.


    By the end of their session, both Pyris and Alera were breathing heavily, but the sense of aplishment hung in the air like a tangible force.


    "We''ve only scratched the surface of what we can do," Pyris said, his voice low but filled with determination. "The Shadow Nexus is just the beginning."


    Alera nodded in agreement. "We''ll only get stronger from here."


    As they stood there, basking in the power they had awakened together, Pyris couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. The shadows were now a part of them¡ªan extension of their very souls. And with this new bond, nothing could stand in their way.


    Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed across the grounds, drawing their attention. Pyris turned, spotting a familiar figure approaching from the shadows.


    "Mira," Pyris said, his tone calm but weing. "I see you''ve decided to follow me after all."


    The leader of the Phantoms stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with purpose. "I told you, Pyris. Wherever you go, I''ll be there."


    Pyris exchanged a look with Alera, a knowing smile spreading across his lips. The day was far from over, and the adventures thaty ahead were only just beginning.

 Chapter 135 Secrets Between Pages*

    A new day had begun, and the academy was brimming with its usual bustle of students. Yet, Pyris''s mind wasn''t on the ordinary flow of the day. After his intense training and newfound connection with Alera, he felt more attuned to the shadows lurking in every corner.@@novelbin@@


    This new power was a constant presence, reminding him that he had only scratched the surface of what he and Alera could aplish together.


    However, his day would take a different turn. First, there was a stop he needed to make Madeline''s library office.


    The soft morning light spilled through the windows as Pyris made his way through the quiet corridors toward the library. It was early enough that most students were still getting ready for their lessons, and the stillness of the academy grounds was peaceful.


    The first light of dawn filtered through the academy''s towering windows, casting long, soft shadows across the stone corridors. Pyris moved silently, his destination clear¡ªMadeline''s library office.


    The air was crisp with the scent of old books, parchment, and ink. The quiet peace of the library would have calmed the soul of most, but Pyris''s mind was on fire with desire.


    He had spent the previous night wrapped in intrigue¡ªAlera, Mira, and the secretive world of shadows now firmly within his grasp. But today, the only thing driving him forward was a primal need visiting his new woman, the half-elf, the connection between them, although formed instantly from their sex night, it was real.


    His thoughts focused sharply on Madeline, the alluring head librarian with whom he''d shared intense moments with, he smiled at her sight, she had her own charm.


    As he stepped through the library doors, the sight of her filled the room with an electric charge.


    Madeline sat behind herrge oak desk, surrounded by stacks of books and ancient scrolls. Her hair was pinned up messily, and the faint smile ying on her lips spoke of a hidden knowledge she knew Pyris craved. Her eyes flicked up, locking onto his. The connection between them was a spark starting to ignite.


    "Pyris," she said in a low, sultry tone, standing up slowly. "I thought you mighte."


    There was no need for small talk or words. He crossed the room in a few quick strides, reaching her side, his hands already at her waist. Her body responded to him with the same hunger that stirred inside him.


    Without hesitation, he kissed her deeply, fiercely, his lips iming hers as her fingers slid up his chest, pulling him even closer.


    Pyris wasted no time. His hands roamed over her body, finding the soft curves that had taunted him from across the room. Madeline''s breath hitched as he lifted her, cing her on the desk with ease.


    Papers scattered to the floor as the desk groaned under their weight, but neither cared.


    Their lips met again, more urgent this time, as Pyris trailed kisses down her neck, tasting the softness of her skin. Madeline gasped softly, her hands threading through his hair, tugging him back to meet her mouth once more.


    Her legs wrapped around him instinctively, drawing him closer, the heat between them building with each moment.


    Clothes were hastily discarded, forgotten in the rush of passion. Madeline leaned back on the desk, her eyes locked on Pyris as he hovered over her, his gaze dark with intent. She arched into him, her body responding to his every touch with eager anticipation.


    The library, usually a ce of quiet study, now pulsed with a different kind of energy¡ªa raw, undeniable connection that only they shared.


    They moved together, the heat of their passion filling the room as their bodies entwined in perfect sync. Pyris''s hands explored every inch of her,mitting every curve, every reaction to memory. The desk beneath them groaned as they lost themselves in the moment, the world outside fading away.


    _____


    Momentster, as theyy tangled together, catching their breath, Madeline''s lips brushed against Pyris''s ear. "You always leave me satisfied yet wanting more," she whispered, her voice still breathy from their encounter.


    Pyris smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then we''ll have to do this again soon."


    He spent an hour with her, then with a final kiss, Pyris rose from the desk, straightening his clothes. He nced back at her, satisfied with how the morning had turned out. Madeline was already lost in the afterglow, her body rxed and content.


    But there was more to be done today.


    "See youter, Madeline," Pyris said with a grin, knowing she''d be thinking about him long after he left.


    He walked out of the library, his mind shifting gears from lust to strategy. His next stop would be a far more delicate matter¡ªVrie.


    The ssroom was filled with chatter as students went over their lesson ns, but Pyris''s eyes were locked on Vrie from the moment he walked in. She was sitting quietly, her gaze focused on her notes, but Pyris could feel the tension between them.


    It had been building for some time now¡ªher cold demeanor, her distance from him. It was frustrating, and Pyris wasn''t one to let frustration linger.


    As the lesson ended, he made his move, casually walking over to her desk. "Vrie," he said softly, his voice cutting through the ssroom noise.


    She looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was a flicker of something there¡ªsomething he knew he could work with. "Pyris," she replied, her tone measured but polite.


    "Can we talk? In private."


    Vrie hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, gathering her things. Together, they walked through the academy''s winding halls until they found a quiet corner away from prying eyes.


    Pyris leaned against the wall, watching her carefully. "We need to stop this distance between us," he said bluntly. "I know there''s something keeping you away, but I''m not going to pretend I''m okay with it."


    Vrie sighed, her eyes flicking away for a moment. "It''s not that simple, Pyris. You know our families¡ª"


    "I don''t care about that right now," Pyris cut her off, stepping closer. "This is between you and me. Forget our families, forget the past, just... look at me."


    She did, her red eyes meeting his. For a moment, the tension between them broke, reced by something softer, something real.


    Without another word, Pyris closed the distance between them, his hand cupping her cheek as he leaned in. Their lips met in a kiss that was both fierce and tender, a sh of emotions finally released. Vrie responded, her hands gripping his jacket as she kissed him back with equal fervor.


    They pulled apart just enough for Pyris to whisper against her lips. "Whatever''s between us, Vrie, we''ll figure it out. But this... this is real."


    Vrie looked at him, her eyes softening as she nodded. "I know," she whispered back, her fingers lingering on his chest.


    They stood there for a moment longer, their hearts beating in sync, before reluctantly pulling away.


    "Later," Pyris said, his voice filled with promise.


    "Later," Vrie echoed, a small smile tugging at her lips.


    As they parted ways, Pyris couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The barriers between them were starting to crumble, and it was only a matter of time before Vrie was hispletely.

 Chapter 137 Legacy Leaders & Challenges.

    The day at the academy had stretched longer than expected, but the evening promised something different, something more personal.


    Pyris made his way toward the training grounds, where Arabe would be waiting, his thoughts still flickering between his uing ns for the Legacies and the alluring images of Sra Moonveil that lingered in his mind.


    But for now, his focus was on Arabe, the woman who had be his sparring partner in more ways than one.


    When Pyris entered the training grounds, Arabe was already engrossed in her routine, her form elegant yet powerful as she struck the training dummy with precision. Her skin glistened with sweat, muscles taut, and her movements sharp.


    She had helped him improve since theirst session, and Pyris couldn''t help but feel a flicker of pride watching her practice.


    Arabe paused, sensing his presence. She wiped her brow and turned to face him, her breath still heavy from exertion.


    "Pyris," she greeted him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You''rete."


    Pyris leaned against the wall casually, a smirk ying on his lips. "Am I? I thought I''d give you some time to show off your progress. Seems like you don''t need me anymore."


    Arabe chuckled softly, though she kept her stance, focused. "Don''t get cocky. You''re still the best sparring partner I have."


    He shrugged, stepping onto the mat. "ttery won''t save you."


    They sparred, as they always did, their movements fluid and intense. But Pyris was less focused on winning the spar and more on something else. Each time their bodies brushed, he let his touches linger a second longer than necessary.


    His gaze was focused, not just on her strikes, but on her lips, her skin, the rise and fall of her breath. Arabe, for her part, tried to remain focused, but she was struggling to ignore the electric tension between them.


    Then, in one swift movement, Pyris caught her wrist, pulling her closer. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm on her skin. For a moment, everything paused.


    Arabe''s heart raced as his gaze lingered on her lips, the heat between them palpable.


    Without warning, Pyris leaned in and pressed his lips lightly against hers¡ªa kiss so brief it left her breathless and wanting more. But just as quickly as it happened, Pyris pulled away, letting her wrist go.


    "That''s enough for today," he said casually, a teasing grin tugging at his lips as he turned to leave.


    Arabe stood, stunned, her heart still pounding in her chest. "Wait... what was that?"


    Pyris nced over his shoulder, smirking. "Just a reward for all your hard work. I''ll see you tomorrow."


    And with that, Pyris left Arabe standing there, flushed and confused. The brief kiss lingered in the air, leaving her both frustrated and intrigued.


    After leaving the training grounds, Pyris felt a sense of calm and control wash over him. Arabe''s reaction had been just what he expected. Now, he had more pressing matters to attend to¡ªthe Legacy Meeting. Enjoy more content from empire


    As he walked through the academy grounds, Liez, his beautiful childhood subus friend, appeared by his side. She matched his pace effortlessly, her presence bothforting and exhrating. If anyone could navigate the intricacies of the elite students, it was Liez.


    ["Ready for this?"] Lia''s voice chimed in his mind, reminding him of the high stakes. ["The Legacies are more than just powerful heirs. These people wield influence."]


    Pyris grinned internally. ["That''s what makes it exciting, Lia."]


    As they approached the grand hall where the Legacies held their meetings, Liez nced at him with a knowing look. "You know who you''ll be dealing with in there, right?" Her tone was light, but Pyris could hear the underlying seriousness.


    "I know most of them by reputation. But if you have more insights, I''m all ears," Pyris replied, his expression calm but expectant.


    Liez''s eyes narrowed yfully. "Thorne Vallen. Does that name ring a bell?"


    Pyris nodded. "I''ve heard the name, but nothing too specific."


    Liez smiled slightly, as though savoring the moment before divulging the information. "Thorne Vallen is no ordinary prince. He hails from the Aether Dominion, a faction even more secluded and mysterious than most empires care to admit. They''ve mastered a uniquebination of Light and Life Elements, creating something entirely new¡ªthe Celestial Element.


    "He''s... interesting. Not your usual royalty. The Aether Dominion is something of a mystery, even to those of us who''ve been around as long as I have."


    Pyris listened carefully, his interest piqued. The Aether Dominion wasn''t a name often spoken, and when it was, it carried weight.


    The Aether Dominion, is part of the Human Empire, but it operates independently¡ªalmost as if it''s a separate force altogether. Their strength isn''t in numbers ornd; it''s in their mastery of the Celestial Element.


    Pyris raised an eyebrow. "Celestial Element? That''s not something you hear every day."


    Liez nodded. "It''s what makes them dangerous. The Aether Dominion is said to use the Celestial Element to control both healing and destruction, bncing life and death with precision. Their strength isn''t just inbat¡ªthey''re master tacticians, able to manipte energy flows in ways most people can''t evenprehend."


    ["So, they''re more than just noble bloodlines and power. They control life itself,"] Lia added in Pyris''s mind.


    Liez confirmed. "Thorne Vallen is the embodiment of that power. His family has connections that stretch back to ancient bloodlines, some rumored to have ascended to godhood. He ys the long game, Pyris, and he''s a master of influence."


    Pyris absorbed the information carefully. "And what about Arliss Caeloria''s?"


    Liez''s smile faded, reced by a more serious tone. "She''s the daughter of the top general of the Dragon Empire. Her family''s reputation for brutality is well-earned. Arliss is a warrior through and through, with a fierce loyalty to her family. She''s not one to cross lightly, but she respects power. If you want her on your side, you''ll need to prove you''re just as strong¡ªif not stronger."


    As they entered the hall, the air hummed with energy. It was filled with students from the academy''s most powerful families¡ªsome of them familiar faces, others less so.


    The Student Council President, stood among them, exuding authority and grace. Nearby, Pyris spotted the enigmatic Seraphina, with her calm yetmanding presence, and of course, the Time-Space Twins, their power palpable even from a distance.


    Among these powerful students were Ragna, Alexander, and Serene, individuals with their own impressive status. But it was Arliss Caeloria and Thorne Vallen who truly held Pyris''s attention.


    Arliss stood tall, her imposing figure adorned in the traditional ck and gold armor of the Dragon Empire. Her reputation as a brutal yet tactical leader preceded her, and her eyes gleamed with the intensity of a warrior born to lead.


    On the other side of the room, Thorne Vallen exuded an air of calm confidence. His golden hair shimmered faintly in the light, and his piercing eyes scanned the room with a calcting gaze. His connection to the Celestial Element was almost tangible, a quiet power that radiated from him without the need for showmanship.@@novelbin@@


    ["These two are your biggest threats in this room,"] Lia reminded him. ["Arliss''s power is raw and obvious, but Thorne¡­ he''s nning ten steps ahead, I think."]

 Chapter 138 Legacies.

    Pyris grinned to himself. ["I love a challenge."]


    As Pyris entered the hall for the first time as a Legacy, his presence immediatelymanded attention. The air seemed to shift, and a murmur rippled through the crowd of elite students gathered.


    Legacy members alike turned their heads, their conversations pausing as they registered who had just arrived.


    Pyris''s aura was undeniable¡ªhe exuded confidence, power, and an unspoken authority that overshadowed even the most prominent figures in the room. He wasn''t like the other legacies who had relied on their family''s status alone to earn their ces; Pyris carried something deeper, something dangerous and maic.


    Whispers began to spread among the students, some in awe and others in silent jealousy.


    "He''s already here ... of course, he would!"


    "That''s Pyris Obsidian? I''ve heard stories, but seeing him in person..." A student trailed off, the words unsaid but implied.


    "His reputation precedes him... but does he really belong here?" One noble muttered, his voice tinged with envy.


    But there was no denying the unspoken acknowledgment in their eyes. Even those who harbored doubts couldn''t help but feel the weight of his presence.


    From across the room, some of the established Legacy members, like Ragna and the Time-Space Twins, exchanged nces.


    Even Thorne Vallen and Arliss Caeloria''s¡ªeach powerful in their own right¡ªwatched Pyris with thinly veiled curiosity and wariness. Pyris wasn''t someone they could easily ignore, and they sensed that his rise would be swift and unrelenting.


    In that moment, Pyris had already asserted himself as a dominant force within the Legacy group, and everyone in the room felt it.


    As the Legacies discussed their ns for the academy, after he was introduced as the new member, Pyris observed carefully, taking note of each subtle move and conversation.


    This wasn''t just a meeting¡ªit was a battlefield of influence and power, and Pyris knew that soon, he would be at the center of it all.


    At the end of the meeting, Pyris exchanged a brief but intense nce with Arliss. Her lips curled into a faint smile, one that promised a challenge.


    Thorne, on the other hand, kept his distance, though Pyris could feel the weight of the prince''s gaze.@@novelbin@@


    ["This is it, Pyris,"] Lia whispered. Find more to read at empire


    Pyris couldn''t hold back the grin that spread across his face. This was exactly where he wanted to be.


    _____


    The grand hall had returned to its natural stillness after the intense gathering of the Legacies. The weight of what had just transpired still hung thick in the air, as if the very atmosphere had absorbed the tension and ambitions of those present.


    Each member of the elite group had yed their part, though one individual stood out more than the others¡ªthe neer, Pyris Obsidian.


    As Pyris and Liez walked out of the hall, the murmurings of the other Legacies started to build behind them.


    "Can you believe it?" whispered one student, their voiceced with disbelief. "Pyris Obsidian... joining the Legacies? I didn''t see thating."


    "He''s not just some noble though," came another response, this time from a more knowledgeable tone. "His family runs Obsidian Tech. That''s no small thing. His presence could change everything. Not to mention his mother is the Duchess, I wonder why none of the Obsidians have never been in the Legacies?"


    Ragna, Vrie''s brother, leaned against the marble pir in the far corner, watching Pyris with narrowed eyes. His vampire blood coursed with suspicion and curiosity. "He''ll have to prove more than his family''s name to earn our respect," he muttered to Alexander Eloise, who stood beside him.


    Alexander, ever calm andposed, folded his arms across his chest, his expression thoughtful. "He may not need to. The Obsidian name alone is enough to rattle most people here, and you saw how he carried himself tonight. Confident, almost as if he was already one of us." He paused, his eyes following Pyris and Liez as they exited. "The real question is how much of this is part of his strategy.


    You and I both know he''s not just here for camaraderie."


    Ragna''s gaze darkened as he considered the words. "You don''t need to remind me. He''s ambitious, and ambition is a dangerous thing in this circle." His thoughts flickered briefly to his sister Vrie, who had clearly caught Pyris''s attention earlier. That alone was enough to set him on edge.


    Across the room, Serene, one of the leaders, sat gracefully in her chair, her eyes glowing with a calm but unyielding power.


    As the heir of one of the most influential families, her status rivaled Pyris''s. Yet, there was something about his demeanor that intrigued her.


    While many of the others were still caught up in gossip, she silently evaluated Pyris''s entrance into their world.


    "The Obsidian boy¡­" she mused quietly to herself, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of her chair. "He''ll either strengthen our ranks, or tear them apart from within."


    Arliss Caeloria the formidable daughter of the Dragon Empire''s top general, was one of the few who hadn''t voiced any opinion yet. Her gaze was as sharp as ever, but she held her cards close.


    Unlike the others, she knew when to observe rather than speak. Yet even she couldn''t deny the impact Pyris had made just by stepping into the room.


    "Let them talk," she finally said, her voice soft but resolute. "Words mean little. Actions, on the other hand... those we should be wary of. And he looks like the type who prefers to act."


    Herment made Thorne Vallen, the prince of the Aether Dominion, nce her way. He shared her cautious nature. "For someone like Pyris," he said, his tone neutral, "every step is calcted. We''ll need to watch him closely." His Celestial Element, derived from a fusion of Light and Life, buzzed faintly beneath his skin, a subtle reminder of the power hemanded.


    The Student Council President, stood near the exit, her eyes following Pyris''s figure as he disappeared from view. Unlike others she maintained a neutral expression, though inside her mind, gears were turning.


    His entrance into the Legacies was both a blessing and a potential threat. If he had trulye for more than just influence, he could either bolster their power or unravel it.


    "It''s rare to see someone like him join us," she finally said aloud to her friends, her voice carrying a sense of authority. "We''ll need to see where his loyalties lie before making any assumptions."


    ''Why the hell hasn''t he "cashed it" in?'' she wondered, was he ignoring her on purpose?


    As thest whispers of the meeting faded, one thing was clear: Pyris''s presence had shifted the dynamic. His confidence, charm, and strategic nature had left a mark on every individual present.


    Whether they admitted it or not, the Legacies were no longer the tight-knit, untouchable group they once were.


    For Pyris, however, this was just the beginning. He had only begun to nt the seeds of his ns, and soon, the Legacies would find out exactly what kind of leader he intended to be.

 Chapter 139 Allure*

    The evening sky hung low, casting hues of deep purple and amber over the bustling city as Pyris slid into the backseat of his car. The engine purred to life, aforting hum that filled the quiet space around him.


    Mira, his ever-dutiful shadow, was already behind the wheel, her dark eyes focused ahead.


    As promised, she had insisted on following him wherever he went, and tonight was no exception.


    "Everything ready?" Pyris asked casually, adjusting his cufflinks as he settled into his seat.


    Mira nced at him through the rearview mirror, her expression as calm and unreadable as always. "Of course, Young Lord Pyris. Obsidian Hotel is waiting for your arrival."


    Pyris smirked, amused by her yful formality. Obsidian Hotel wasn''t just a luxury destination; it was one of the crown jewels of his family''s empire, a ce where the elite gathered to indulge in the finest things life had to offer.


    As they navigated through the city, Pyris''s thoughts shifted to Alexa, the fiery princess who had been upying his mindtely. She had requested to meet him at the hotel tonight, a meeting that would no doubt be as intense as theirst encounter.


    The allure of their connection, mixed with the tension that had been building between them, was something Pyris wasn''t about to ignore.


    The city lights flickered past as the car weaved through the streets. Obsidian Hotel stood tall and proud against the skyline, its shimmering ck ss exterior reflecting the world around it like a mirror.


    They arrived at the entrance, where a valet immediately rushed to open the door for Pyris.


    "Wee back, Lord Obsidian," the valet greeted him with a respectful bow.


    Pyris stepped out, his gaze sweeping over the grand entrance before he turned to Mira. "Stay close, but give me space. I''ll call for you when I need you."


    Mira nodded silently, her eyes sharp and vignt as ever. She understood the delicate bnce between being present and invisible, a skill that made her invaluable.


    As Pyris made his way through the hotel lobby, the familiar scent of luxury and wealth surrounded him. Guests and staff alike turned their heads as he passed, whispers following in his wake. He was used to it by now¡ªthe attention, the stares, the curiosity that always trailed behind him wherever he went.


    Reaching the elevator, Pyris pressed the button for the penthouse suite. Alexa had epted when he offered her the penthouse with her friend. Only the best for a princess of her standing and his lover.


    When the elevator doors opened at the top floor, Pyris stepped out into a private corridor. At the end of the hallway, the door to the penthouse suite stood slightly ajar, a soft light spilling out. He approached with steady, confident strides, pushing the door open fully to reveal the luxurious interior.


    Her eyes met his, a slow, deliberate smile curving her lips.


    "Pyris," she greeted, her voice smooth like silk. "I was starting to think you wouldn''t show."


    Pyris closed the door behind him, a smirk ying on his lips. "I wouldn''t miss this for the world."


    Soft candlelight flickered across the room, casting shadows that danced on the walls. Alexa stood near therge ss window, the city''s lights twinkling beyond her.


    She wore a delicate, sheer nightgown, the silky material clinging to her body in all the right ces, teasing whaty beneath. The gown left little to the imagination, her golden hair falling loosely around her shoulders.


    Alexa chuckled softly, walking toward him with slow, deliberate steps. Each movement made the fabric of her gown shift, revealing tantalizing glimpses of her skin. "I''ve been waiting for you," she whispered, her fingers trailing along his arm, sending sparks of heat through him.


    Without another word, Pyris closed the distance between them, his hand sliding around her waist, pulling her against him. His lips hovered near hers, teasing but not yet giving in.


    "Waiting for this?" he whispered against her lips before finally capturing them in a deep, passionate kiss.


    Alexa responded instantly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pressed her body closer to his. The heat between them red, a hunger they both knew was inevitable.


    "Mhmm~" she moaned softly as the pleasure rose.


    Pyris''s hands explored her back, feeling the softness of her skin under the thin fabric. His touch was deliberate, teasing her, making her breath catch in her throat.@@novelbin@@


    Enjoy new adventures from empire


    But even as he kissed her, another thought crossed his mind¡ªJulienne. She was here, somewhere in the penthouse, and Pyris could feel her presence like a quiet fire in the background. He could sense her curiosity, her quiet desire, and it only fueled his own.


    Pyris broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against Alexa''s. She was breathless, her eyes half-lidded, her lips swollen from their kiss.


    "Let me..." She broke the kiss and dropped to her knees, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she tugged at the belt of his trousers. A yful smile crossed her lips, revealing her clear intention.


    "Someone''s been doing their research, huh?" Pyris chuckled, amused by her determination. She undid the belt with the precision of someone who had rehearsed for this very moment.


    Her soft hands brushed over the bulge through the thin fabricyers of his pants, and he couldn''t help but marvel at the warmth of her touch.


    "Alexa~" he murmured, pleased she had his full attention, as she undid his trouserspletely, pulling them down to his knees.


    "Big as usual, naughty boy~" she teased, giving a light stroke while maintaining eye contact, her touch both yful and deliberate, clearly enjoying her effect on him.


    "Alexa, who taught you to tease daddy~" he said, stroking her hair with a mix of affection and amusement.


    "Does daddy like it~" she asked, pulling her tongue out and kissing the shaft through his boxers, a cheeky grin on her face as she left a damp trail on the fabric.


    "Very~" he replied, a hint ofughter in his voice.


    "Hehe~ now let this bad girl please daddy~" she said, her grip tightening around his waist as she pressed even closer, her lips exploring every inch of the bulge as a wet patch spread across the thin material.


    "Alexa~ you''re really good at this!" he remarked, a low chuckle escaping him. Her smile widened as her hands found their way behind him, giving a yful squeeze as Pyris gently guided her head closer, his touch a clear sign of approval.

 Chapter 140 Divine Mouth**

    Pyris could already feel most of his pent-up frustration melting away, reced by a burning desire to explore Alexa''s eager mouth.


    A divine entity¡ªor rather, soon-to-be divine entity¡ªshe was right on cue. Alexa stroked his bulge a bit faster, asionally giving it teasing licks that left it dripping with her warm saliva.


    "Mhmm~ you''re already this good, Alexa... I love it," Pyris praised, his voice low with pleasure, and Alexa''s smile widened. She didn''t say a word, just shot him a mischievous grin, clearly proud of her work.


    With a yful twinkle in her eyes, she paused, looking up at him with an innocent smile that almost made Pyrisugh.


    "Now, Alexa, I want you to hold it," he ordered, his tone taking on a note of authority.


    "Yes!" Alexa eagerly obeyed, hands moving to pull down thest barrier between her and her prize. She froze halfway, though, as Pyris suddenly caught her wrists.


    "Yes who...?" he asked, arching an eyebrow. The mischievous gleam in his eyes made Alexa''s breath hitch. She blinked, confusion flickering in her wide eyes, but the hesitation only spurred him on.


    "Yes who, Alexa? Who am I?" Pyris''s fingers tangled in her golden locks, holding her steady as he leaned closer, his tone almost teasing.


    "D-daddy~ Yes, Daddy~" she stammered, her cheeks flushed with excitement, her yful innocence giving way to a more submissive side.


    "Good girl. Here''s your prize!" He released her hands, and his freed length sprang forward, the tip brushing her cheek. She barely resisted the urge to giggle as it bounced, licking her lips in anticipation.


    "Daddy~" she pleaded, squirming a little, and Pyris''s grin only widened.


    "What a good girl you are, Alexa. Go ahead¡ªtake it." He loosened his grip, and she instantly wrapped her fingers around the warm shaft, her touch both tentative and eager.


    "It''s so warm, Daddy~" she said in wonder, holding his impressive length as if it were some precious artifact.


    "Of course, you''d love it, Alexa," Pyris murmured. "After all, it''s conquered that dripping wet pussy of yours before. Now, it''s time to explore your mouth." Memories of their previous encounters shed in Alexa''s mind, making her breath hitch as excitement surged through her.


    "Yes, Daddy~ Take my virgin mouth too," she breathed, her body trembling with anticipation.


    "Mhmm~ So good, Daddy. It smells... so good~" she whispered, taking in the intoxicating scent, unable to hide her fascination. Pyris''s arousal was undeniable¡ªno woman could resist the Lust Champion''s allure, and he knew it.


    Pyris''s gaze was fixed on her, eyes glowing with a mix of power and desire. Alexa''s tongue darted out, tracing the tip of his length, sending a visible shudder through him. His fingers tightened in her hair.


    "Mhmm~ Daddy..." she whimpered, utterly captivated by his reaction. Her fingers caressed his shaft as she licked up and down its length, the touch bing bolder as her confidence grew. She nuzzled against him, her breath hitching as she tasted the salty hint of precum.


    This only fueled her more, her movements growing quicker, her tonguevishly sliding over every inch, making his length glisten with her saliva.


    Experience tales at empire


    "You like my taste, don''t you, Alexa?" Pyris asked, the tease clear in his voice.


    "Yes, Daddy~ I love it so much~" she responded breathlessly, barely pausing before diving back in.


    Slurpp~~ Sssluurppp~~


    Alexa''s need only increased, her hunger apparent as Pyris guided her movements, his firm grip leading her up and down, her lips forming a perfect seal around him. His hips rocked forward, and she instinctively parted her mouth wider, enveloping him in her warmth.


    Her eyes widened momentarily at the sheer size she was trying to amodate, but her determination never wavered. This was a challenge she was eager to conquer.


    "Dadadddy~~" she whimpered around him, her tongue curling around his girth. Pyris''s eyes closed, a deep sigh escaping him as he buried his fingers deeper into her golden locks.


    "That''s it, Alexa, you''re doing so well," he encouraged, his voice rough with pleasure. Her movements were a little clumsy at first, but she quickly found a rhythm, her confidence growing with every inch she took.


    Slurrpppp~ Slurrppp~


    The room filled with the wet sounds of her eager sucking, and Pyris''s hips moved involuntarily, urging her on. His hands tightened around her hair, guiding her up and down at a faster pace. Alexa''s eyes gleamed with pride, her gaze never leaving his face, even as her lips moved around him with increasing fervor.


    Seeing his obvious pleasure only made her bolder. She was doing it¡ªpleasing him, and the thrill was undeniable.


    Slurrpppp~ Slurrpp~


    She barely paused to breathe, only pulling back long enough to catch her breath before diving back down. Pyris''s length twitched, sliding effortlessly through the wet, inviting warmth of her mouth.


    "You look so sexy like that, Alexa," he murmured, his voice husky with appreciation. She shivered under thepliment, her own excitement evident as her white teeth brushed ever-so-lightly against him, drawing a low groan from Pyris.


    Her eyes glinted with mischievous delight, savoring the power she had over him even as she submitted.


    Unable to resist, he slid a hand to her exposed breast, squeezing gently and rolling the nipple between his fingers. She gasped, momentarily distracted, but never lost her rhythm.


    "You''re so beautiful, my woman," he whispered, each word filled with an awe that made her cheeks flush with pride.


    "Pyris~" she breathed, her voice filled with a longing that left little room for hesitation. Pyris scooped her up, carrying her effortlessly to the nearby couch,ying her down and hovering over her.


    Her lips parted, expecting his return to her mouth, but Pyris instead pressed his shaft between her bare breasts, grinning as her cheeks med with surprise.


    "You''re crazier than I thought, Alexa," he chuckled, a yful smirk dancing on his lips as she squeezed her breasts together, creating a soft, warm tunnel for him to thrust into.


    Her tongue flicked out, meeting him halfway as he continued the teasing, back-and-forth dance.


    His free hand found its way to her dripping core, and the room was filled with the sounds of her gasps, moans, and the p of skin on skin.


    The yfulness turned to something more intense as she pulled him into a searing kiss, tongues mingling with an urgency that spoke of the need neither could hide any longer. Pyris knew exactly what she craved¡ªhe felt it in every desperate pull of her lips, every frantic brush of her fingers against his skin.@@novelbin@@


    With a shift, he sat back, pulling her onto hisp, and Alexa moaned as his tip pressed against her soaked entrance. Slowly, he pushed inside, both of them hissing in pleasure at the familiar, blissful tightness that enveloped him.


    It was the feeling she never wanted to be numb to¡ªthe sensation of his thick cock stretching her, filling herpletely.


    "Alexa, you''ve been craving me this much?" he asked, his voice teasing yet tender. She only clung tighter, burying her face in his chest as his mouth found her nipple, teasing and tugging as he began to move.


    "Haaaa~" she cried out, arching into him, and he felt her body tremble as he thrust deeper.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make you feel so good," he promised, starting slow before the rhythm turned rough and demanding, rocking her entire body with every stroke.


    Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah!


    He fucked her hard and raw her moans echoing in the room without at care in the world that her friend was in the penthouse today.


    Lost in the ecstasy, neither noticed the quiet figure lurking in the shadows¡ªthe unexpected observer who had already decided to join the show.

 Chapter 142 The "Duchess Emberly Effect"!

    The grand council chamber of the Dragon Empire was an imposing sight. High ceilings adorned with ancient dragon murals stretched above the heads of the gathered nobles, casting long shadows on the floor below.


    Massive stone columns supported the room, and the intricate detailing of dragon carvings traced the history of the empire.


    Seated at the head of the table, in a high-backed throne made of shimmering obsidian, was Empress Astrid Valyrian.


    To her right, the empty seat of the Emperor remained conspicuously vacant¡ªa sign of his increasing detachment from the council meetings.


    Below the throne, the ranking nobles sat ording to their titles: Dukes and Duchesses upied the foremost seats, followed by Marquesses, Earls, and Viscounts. The further back the nobles sat, the lower their rank, with Barons at the farthest edges of the council table.


    Your next journey awaits at empire


    As the morning sun filtered through the grand windows, casting a warm glow across the room, the court was abuzz with conversation.


    The topic on everyone''s lips? The rising power of the Obsidian family.


    "Your Majesty," began Lord Calder, a Marquess whose family had long held influence over trade routes in the southern reaches of the empire.


    "We must address the growing influence of the Obsidian family. Their technological advancements are undeniable, and their reach has extended into every corner of the mortal realm. I''ve heard whispers that even powerful organizations beyond our borders are taking notice. If we don''t act quickly, they may be too powerful to control."


    Astrid''s golden eyes flickered, betraying a moment of difort as the name "Obsidian" was mentioned. Though she had remainedposed, her mind was already turning.


    The Obsidian family''s influence was vast, and Emberly Obsidian, the Duchess of their house, was someone Astrid was personally acquainted with. Despite not being close friends, they shared a mutual respect, especially since their paths crossed often in matters of state.


    But what unsettled Astrid the most was how Seraphina, her own daughter, had been part of a n to trap Pyris, the heir of House Obsidian, into a political union. It wasn''t something Astrid had wholeheartedly supported, yet it presented an undeniable opportunity.


    She had chosen to let it pass, trusting it could benefit both Seraphina and her own ambitions for their family. But now, with the Obsidian name being so openly discussed, she felt a pang of unease.


    "Your Majesty," another voice rose, this time from Lord Aelric, a Duke whose family had historically supported the Empress. "While I understand the Obsidian family''s contributions, I believe it''s dangerous to openly discuss the family of a Duchess like this. Duchess Emberly is a well-respected figure. Shouldn''t we show more discretion in matters involving such high-ranking nobility?"


    A ripple of agreement spread through part of the court. The tension in the room grew thick as some of the nobles exchanged wary nces.


    The Obsidian family had long been one of the empire''s strongest houses, second only to the Dragon Imperial family itself.


    It wasn''t just their wealth that made them influential¡ªit wasn''t theirmand of technology, business either, or their control over the empire''s most valuable resources, it was the power hidden behind that name, power that once rivaled a god, and not just any god, but the Elemental Deity himself!


    For many, that kind of power was both a blessing and a threat.


    Astrid shifted slightly in her seat, her difort growing more apparent. She couldn''t ignore how delicate the situation had be. Emberly''s influence was undeniable, and the strategic importance of the Obsidians made them invaluable allies.


    Still, with the current discussion, she could sense that some in the court were more inclined toward envy and caution.


    A rustle of robes brought the Empress back to attention as another figure, Lord Varro, an ambitious Earl, stood and addressed the court. "Your Majesty, it is true that the Obsidians are valuable. But we must also acknowledge that their influence has grown too rapidly.@@novelbin@@


    They are bing a force in their own right¡ªone that might soon rival the very power of the Imperial family, I''m afraid!" Duke Aelric gritted his teeth.


    At this, Astrid''s hand gripped the arm of her throne ever so slightly. She could feel the eyes of the court on her, waiting for her response.


    Before she could speak, however, the grand doors of the council chamber swung open with a resounding boomz a powerful aura of presence hit the court room


    A figure stepped into the room,manding immediate attention¡ªDuchess Emberly Obsidian. The room fell silent as her presence dominated the chamber. Tall and regal, with white hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see through every soul in the room.


    Emberly strode forward with the confidence of a woman who knew her power.


    "Pardon the interruption," Emberly said, her voice calm yet dripping with authority. She stepped further into the room, her sharp gaze scanning the faces of the gathered nobles, most of whom couldn''t meet her eyes.


    When she reached the head of the table, her lips curled into a knowing smirk.


    Astrid felt her heart tighten as she met Emberly''s gaze. There was an understanding between the two women¡ªone forged in the fires of politics and necessity. While they had never been close, they had both yed the game long enough to know the stakes.


    The tension in the room was palpable. Emberly stood tall, radiating both elegance and power, her eyes challenging anyone to speak ill of her family in her presence.


    For a moment, it seemed as though the entire council held its breath, waiting for what would happen next.


    After a beat of silence, Emberly smiled wider, though it didn''t reach her eyes. "I hear my family''s name has been on everyone''s lips. Surely, if there are concerns about House Obsidian, you can voice them directly to me."


    Her words were a challenge, and it was clear she expected no one to rise to it. The court, which had been so bold moments earlier, now sat in ufortable silence.


    Astrid, sensing the shift in the room, finally spoke. "Duchess Emberly, it''s true that House Obsidian''s influence has be a matter of discussion, but it is also a testament to the contributions you and your family have made to the empire. We are merely discussing how best to ensure that influence continues to serve the Dragon Empire''s interests."


    Emberly''s eyes narrowed, though her smile remained in ce. "As always, my family''s loyalty lies with the empire. But rest assured, everything we do is to the benefit of all."


    With that, the room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension still hanging thick. Astrid sat back, her mind still swirling with the implications of this conversation.


    The Obsidian family was indeed growing stronger, and as much as it benefitted the empire, Astrid couldn''t help but wonder how long it would be before their ambitions shed with her own.

 Chapter 144 Fate Dreamers Manifestations!

    The Awakening of Desperace


    Alexa sat by the window of her room, staring at the star-lit sky. Ever since her awakening, a sense of longing and desperation had taken root in her heart. She had believed that this newfound power would elevate her standing in life, granting her the confidence to finally stand beside Pyris as his equal.


    She had dreamed of bing someone who could match the powerful women around him¡ªAlera, Aurelia, and even the other talented women who seemed to grow stronger every day. But after the initial surge of power, there had been nothing.


    No great feats, no awe-inspiring manifestations of her abilities¡ªjust an increase in her strength and a brighter, more golden hue to her light element. Nothing else.


    "Why haven''t I changed?" she murmured, her voice trembling with frustration. The same question haunted her every day since her awakening.


    Her other element, the mysterious Divinity Element, had yet to show itself. She had no clue what it was capable of, or even how to summon it. Her traits, like the Fate Dreamer, seemed like empty titles.


    Her once-prized Divine Eyes, the golden irises that drew so many admirers, felt like mere decoration¡ªenhancing her beauty but serving no higher purpose.


    She had nothing to show for her supposed greatness, and it stung her deeply.


    Pyris had been endlessly supportive. He always encouraged her to be patient, reminding her that everyone''s growth took its own time. He had even provided her with countless rare and expensive practice resources, spending hours training with her, but nothing seemed to change.


    Every training session ended with the same disappointment¡ªno progress, no new abilities.


    "You need to trust in yourself, Alexa," Pyris had said, his voice calm but firm. They had been training on the grounds, her golden light flickering faintly in her palm. "These things take time. Everyone''s growth happens differently."


    Alexa had nodded then, trying to believe him. But doubt gnawed at her. The gap between her and the others was widening, and she couldn''t help but feel like she was being left behind. Pyris continued to support her, always offering his words of encouragement, but the frustration never went away.


    "What if this is all I am?" she whispered in the solitude of her room, her voice tinged with a deep sadness.


    She looked over at the glowing crystals Pyris had gifted her to aid in her practice, but even their brilliance seemed to mock her. Desperace, that deep-seated desperation for power, curled around her heart like an iron chain, tightening with every passing day.


    As the night deepened, Alexa finally slipped under her covers, her body weary but her mind restless. The frustration and longing boiled within her, making sleep elusive.


    But as her mind slowly drifted into the fog of unconsciousness, something began to stir within her.


    _____@@novelbin@@


    Alexay in her bed, her body suddenly gripped by a strange tension. Her breaths grew shallow, her face scrunched with worry as the scene unfolded in her dream.


    Dark figures moved swiftly through a hallway¡ªshadows, cloaked and silent, their presence cold and menacing. They moved with precision, like predators stalking prey. Alexa''s heart pounded as she recognized where they were.


    It was the Obsidian Entertainment offices. A ce she had visited at times with Pyris.


    Then she saw her¡ªEmilia, Pyris''s trusted advisor and strategist. Emilia was walking through the hallways, unaware of the looming danger.


    "No, Emilia!" Alexa tried to shout, but her voice was muted, trapped within the confines of her dream.


    The dark-clothed entities moved quickly, surrounding Emilia in moments. One of them struck her down swiftly, cruelly, without hesitation. The strike was vicious, precise. Emilia fell to the floor, blood pooling around her as the assassins melted back into the shadows.


    Alexa watched in horror, powerless to stop it. Her body tensed as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She didn''t know what led to this brutal murder, but she could sense with chilling certainty that it would happen soon.


    She screamed in her dream, but no sound came out. Her body convulsed in agony as her mind was forced to witness the grisly scene y out before her. Then, just as quickly as it began, the vision faded.


    But the horror wasn''t over.


    ____


    The Second Dream


    Another scene began to manifest, darker and more terrifying than the first. Alexa found herself standing in a room she recognized¡ªPyris''s office. But what she saw was a nightmare.


    Pyrisy on the floor, his body bruised and battered, his face twisted in pain. Above him, a powerful woman stood, her beauty otherworldly yet cruel.


    Her long, silver hair flowed down her back, glowing faintly in the dim light, her being radianting with power. Her eyes, sharp and calcting, gleamed with amusement as she crouched down next to Pyris, her hand trailing along his skin before cutting into it, flesh by flesh.


    "You refuse to yield, I see," the woman''s voice was a cold, mocking whisper. "Hehehe~ as expected of you, an Obsidian!" she giggled, her cruel amusement growing as Pyris remained silent.


    Alexa''s body trembled. Pyris''s face was contorted in agony, but no sound escaped his lips. He was holding onto something¡ªhis will, his resolve, despite the torment.


    "I''ll never give in," Pyris spat, his voice weak but filled with determination. "But... if you spare them, if you leave them alone... I''ll give you what you want." Stay updated through empire


    The woman''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Bargaining, are we? How quaint," she said, a wicked smile ying on her lips. "But who told you I make bargains?"


    She punched Pyris hard in the chest, her strength causing him to gasp in pain. But his resolve didn''t falter.


    "I can give you what you want," he groaned, forcing the words out between gritted teeth. His eyes burned with defiance, even as hey broken on the floor.


    The woman''sughter echoed in the room. "I like that about you," she said, her voice dripping with cruel admiration. "Even when you''re facing death, you hold yourself with such pride."


    She stood over him, her presence looming. "Very well. I give you my word," she said, her smile widening. "Now, give me what I want."


    Pyris closed his eyes, his body shuddering. Slowly, he reached out into the space around him, pulling at something unseen. The woman''s eyes sparkled with victory as she watched him.


    "PYRIS!!!"


    _____


    Alexa woke up with a violent gasp, her body drenched in sweat, her chest heaving. She shot up in her bed, her golden hair clinging to her damp skin, her breathing ragged. Her hands trembled as she gripped the sheets tightly, her mind reeling from the vividness of the dreams.


    Her face was pale, her usually bright golden eyes now wide with terror. The images of Emilia''s death, the torment of Pyris¡ªeverything reyed in her mind like a haunting echo.


    Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and dialed Pyris''s number.


    "Pyris!" she almost shouted when he picked up. "I''ming over. Now."


    She hung up before he could ask any questions, her body moving on instinct. She threw on her clothes hastily, her heart racing as she bolted out of her room and into the night.


    ____


    In the dark corners of her mind, the visions of Emilia''s murder yed on repeat. The dark-clothed entities, their faces hidden beneath thick hoods, had moved with terrifying precision. Their presence was cold, merciless.


    As they surrounded Emilia, their des glistened under the dim light, cutting through the silence before they tore into her flesh. The way they moved, how they struck¡ªall too quick, all too efficient.


    They were trained killers, sent with one purpose.


    The final image of Emilia''s lifeless body, drenched in her own blood, was seared into Alexa''s mind. She couldn''t let it happen. She wouldn''t let it happen.


    As she ran through the night, her thoughts still raced. The woman¡ªthe one who tormented Pyris in her dream¡ªhad been beautiful, almost otherworldly, but there was something deadly beneath that beauty.


    Her skin was wless, her eyes sharp as daggers, and her lips curved into a cruel smile. Her presence was overpowering, like an immortal standing above all others, and yet, Alexa couldn''t ce who or what she was.


    But one thing was clear¡ªsomething terrible wasing. And Alexa''s powers, the ones she had long thought dormant, were finally beginning to awaken.


    *****


    Will soon fate stop smiling at him?

 Chapter 145 The Dark Twists Of Fate!

    Alexa could hardly contain herself as the taxi pulled up outside Pyris'' home. Her heart was still racing from the nightmares she had just experienced, and the ominous feeling that lingered from those dreams weighed heavily on her chest.


    Without waiting to pay the driver, she flung open the door and ran towards the house.


    "Miss, the fare!" the driver called after her, but Alexa didn''t care. She had only one focus right now¡ªPyris.


    As she neared the entrance, Pyris was already there, waiting. His tall,manding figure stood by the door, his eyes filled with concern. The second she reached him, Alexa threw herself into his arms, diving into his chest.


    Her whole body trembled as her tears soaked into his shirt.


    "It''s okay, Alexa. I''m here," Pyris whispered softly, his hands gently stroking her head as heforted her. He didn''t need to ask what was wrong. He could feel her anguish, her desperation.


    Her sobs echoed in the stillness of the night, and all Pyris could do was hold her close, rubbing her back and letting her know she wasn''t alone.


    For what felt like an eternity, she stayed buried in his chest, letting out everything she had bottled inside. Her mind was still reeling from the vividness of the dreams¡ªthe horror of seeing Emilia being murdered, the torment of seeing Pyris in such a vulnerable, defeated state.


    She didn''t know the abilities sh asked so much to surface were this overwhelming!


    After a few minutes, Pyris gently lifted her head. "Come inside, Alexa. Let''s talk about it."


    They walked inside the dimly lit house, Alexa still clinging to Pyris as if she might fall apart at any moment. He ordered a gardener to pay the now confused taxi driver who nodded in satisfaction for what he had got.


    ''More than what I worked for, the Obsidians sure live up to their names!'' he thought. What he had got wouldst him three months straight!


    _____


    Mira, the ever-watchful phantom leader, had already sensed something was wrong the moment Alexa called, and she stood waiting just inside the doorway she watched everything with some kind of intensity a look of understanding etched on her face.


    "You''re safe here, Alexa," Pyris reassured her, his voice soft as they settled in the living room. He gestured for her to sit, and both he and Mira took their ces nearby, ready to listen.


    Alexa''s voice was shaky as she began recounting her dreams. "It started with... Emilia," she whispered, her eyes wide as she relived the memory, she could only grint her teeth forcing herself to remember the dreams


    "She... she was walking in the Obsidian Ent offices, and then... then these dark figures appeared." Her hands shook as she continued. "They killed her, Pyris... they killed her in cold blood. It was so fast, and...


    and I couldn''t stop them."


    Pyris''s face darkened as she spoke, his face tightening a dark aura oozing out of him.


    Mira sat in silence, her arms crossed, listening carefully.


    "And then," Alexa''s voice wavered even more as she got to the second dream, "I saw you, Pyris. You were on the floor... bleeding." Her body shoke , shuddering with the terror she had witnessed.


    Unlike usual dreams, Alexa lived her dreams and everything felt real as if she was experiencing these visions in her real life! Discover stories with empire


    "There was this woman, she was... hurting you, tormenting you. She kept cutting you, and you¡ª" Her voice broke as tears welled up again. "You were in so much pain, but you wouldn''t give up. She was asking for something, something important. I don''t know what, but you were trying to protect us."


    Pyris leaned forward and hugged Alexa tightly, his embrace warm and reassuring. "It''s just a dream, Alexa. We''ll make sure none of it happens." Although he took knew these weren''t mere dreams, these were visions, Alexa''s powers were surfacing!


    Alexa shook her head, her voice growing urgent. "No, Pyris, this wasn''t just a dream. It felt... it felt like it was real. I think¡ªno, I know¡ªthat this is the first manifestation of my Fate Dreamer ability. I saw the future, Pyris, and something terrible ising."


    Pyris frowned, but he didn''t let go of her. "Even if that''s true, we''ll stop it. None of us is alone in this, Alexa. We will weave our way through it!"


    Mira, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I won''t let anyone harm Emilia. You have my word." Mira''s voice was firm, a promise to Alexa that no harm woulde to their ally.


    Although her eyes held a very different understanding, she wasn''t alien to powers simr to Alexa''s and to her this was nothing but she had to reassure the youngdy.


    "I''ll never leave his side, don''t worry, Alexa," Mira added, her tone far morepassionate than usual. The phantom leader was not known for warmth, but in this moment, she could see how fragile Alexa felt.


    Offering a warm gesture was the only thing in the realm of understanding.


    Alexa nodded, grateful for Mira''s presence. She knew how powerful Mira was, and it reassured her to know someone like her or at least one of her surbodianates would be watching over Emilia.


    "I want someone... someone I can trust and count on to protect Emilia," Pyris said after a pause, his expression now serious. "We''ll prepare for the worst. Your dream was a vision of what''s toe, we need to be ready."


    Alexa''s hands were still trembling, but she managed a small nod. "It wasn''t happening tonight, but I don''t know exactly when. There''s still time, but we can''t let our guard down."


    Mira nodded, stepping closer. "I''ll have our best shadow guards watching Emilia from now on. Nothing will get to her without us knowing."


    "But surely that dream of me isn''t happening anytime soon," Pyris added, his gaze softening as he looked at Alexa. "I''m certain of that."


    Alexa sighed in relief.


    For the first time since waking up from those terrible visions, she felt a glimmer of hope.


    Pyris had always been her rock, and now, with Mira and the rest of his allies by her side, she knew they could face whatever wasing.


    Still, the haunting images of her dreams clung to the corners of her mind¡ªthe dark-clothed assassins, Emilia''s bloodied body, the cruel woman who had tormented Pyris. And as Alexa closed her eyes for a moment, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.


    The Fate Dreamer had finally awakened within her, but the power it brought was far more terrifying than she had ever imagined.


    Here''s how the chapter could end with your provided line incorporated:


    ____


    Alexa wiped thest of her tears as Pyris held her close, offeringfort through his silent but strong presence. Mira, standing beside them, nodded, already formting ns in her mind.


    The night''s terror was slowly dissipating, reced by a sense of purpose and preparation. They would be ready for whatever came next.


    "I''ll make sure Emilia is safe," Pyris reassured her onest time. "And as for the rest... we''ll handle it."


    Alexa nodded, her heart still heavy but slightly reassured. She had been through so much already, but this felt different.


    This was the first time she truly felt the weight of her powers. The responsibility that came with them.


    But in the back of Pyris'' mind, a subtle thought lingered. His instincts screamed that things weren''t going to unfold as easily as they hoped, as Alexa had seen. He knew better than to trust the surface of visions. Fate was never this simple. Alexa had seen the danger, yes¡ªbut the nature of the future was unpredictable.@@novelbin@@


    Alexa hadn''t even known how to interprete her own dreams so he could only keep his eyes peeled open.


    A small, knowing smile crept onto his lips. ''who said the secret of the heavens would be this direct?'' Pyris mused to himself silently, already sensing that they were in for a surprise.


    He knew better than anyone that fate was far more twisted than it ever appeared, and so did Alexa and Mira!

 Chapter 146 The Grove – Training with Purpose

    The sun barely pierced through the dense canopy of The Grove as Pyris Obsidian awoke, the faint beams casting golden rays on the dew-covered ground.


    Before Alexa drifted to her sleep, Pyris had gone to the grove to train himself alone.


    Last night''s training had left him invigorated but his mind was still on Alexa''s recent manifestation of power. Her dreams, unsettling as they were, had felt like a warning of something much darkering their way.


    He knew he had to be prepared, not only for himself but for everyone in his circle.


    Rising from his makeshift bedding, Pyris stretched, feeling the lingering power in his body, both his dragon bloodlines surging beneath his skin. Every day was another opportunity to sharpen his skills, to grow stronger, not just for the inevitable battles but for the responsibility he bore as an Obsidian.


    Yet he knew his existence went far beyond just being an Obsidian, it went far because he was an Obsidian, the name that will be on the lips of Immortals and gods alike very soon like back then.


    He held his breathe in anticipation.


    Just as he finished his stretches, a familiar figure approached.


    Selene Serenova, dressed in herbat gear, looked as sharp andposed as ever, if anyone understood his life here in the Grove now was Serene, it was right to say he took knew her life here in tge Grove than anyone else, the two had be inseparable parterns in their life here in the Grove.


    Her violet eyes met his with a knowing look, but no words were needed. The two of them had been training together in The Grove for days, honing their abilities in preparation for whatever came next.


    Your journey continues on empire


    There was a mutual respect between them, even though they came from different worlds.


    "Ready?" she asked, breaking the silence as she drew her twin magical des.


    Pyris nodded, adjusting his gear. "Let''s hunt." A grin yed on their lips, they both understood they were bing battle maniacs slowly as their time in the Grove increased.


    _____


    The dense underbrush of The Grove had be a second home for them.


    The wild, untamed magic in this ce attracted powerful beasts, creatures whose very essence tested the limits of Pyris and Selene''s abilities. It was the perfect ce for training, pushing them both to their limits.


    Normal awakeneds of their age would have second thoughts about visiting this ce just for merely training if not forced of feeling obliged but these two were different.


    They moved swiftly through the trees, their senses heightened, alert for any signs of danger. It wasn''t long before they encountered their first opponent¡ªa massive Direwolf, its fur matted with dark energy, eyes glowing with malice. Pyris didn''t hesitate, his hand snapping up as shadows twisted around the wolf''s legs, binding it in ce.


    On times like these Pyris wouldn''t careless about the ranks as he had honed his skills to nearly perfection, he could determine the rank with just the aura the beasts exuded.


    Selene too was no different.


    Quick as ever, lunged forward, her des glowing with her signature energy as she struck the beast down with a single, precise blow.


    As the Direwolf copsed into the ground, Selene wiped the sweat from her brow. "You''re distracted."


    Pyris looked at her, narrowing his eyes. "I''m not distracted."


    She smirked, sheathing her des. "Your magic was slower today. You don''t have to tell me what''s going on, but I can tell something''s on your mind."


    Pyris remained silent for a moment, contemting her words.


    It was true¡ªAlexa''s awakening, her visions, and the looming threats they faced were weighing heavily on him. But this wasn''t the time to discuss those matters. Not with Selene.


    Their rtionship, while respectful, was built on shared goals and ambitions. He didn''t need to burden her with personal and family matters.


    Instead, he offered a small smile. "We''ve got more beasts to hunt."


    Selene seemed to understand, giving him a curt nod. "Alright then. Let''s keep moving." She respected his boundaries but deep down she hoped to not just be his training partner but someone she could confide in.


    _____@@novelbin@@


    The two of them pressed deeper into The Grove, encountering a myriad of beasts and creatures, each one testing their coordination and skills.


    As they fought, Pyris couldn''t help but feel the growing synergy between them. Selene was sharp, calcted, and precise¡ªtraits that mirrored his own. She was someone he respected, not only for her power but for her understanding of theplexities of the world they inhabited, the world they shared as heirs of powerful families.


    Luckily for her, she wasn''t holding the mantles of her family like he was, what he didn''t know, Serene admired him for that.


    Despite his pressing responsibilities, he didn''t waver in his pursuit for power. Azy awakeneds in Pyris'' position might choose to stay in theirforty relying on beast cores and other resources to advance their rank.


    But Pyris was different.


    Hours passed, and by the time the sun began to set, the two of them found themselves at a small clearing. They set up camp, preparing to rest before nightfall.


    As Pyris sat near the fire, he couldn''t help but think about the future¡ªAlexa''s powers, the Legacies, and the growing influence of Obsidian Tech.


    The future was uncertain, but he had to ensure he was ready for whatever came next.


    Selene broke the silence as she sat across from him. "I''ve heard about some of Obsidian Tech''s uing projects. Word is that several powerful families are taking an interest, including mine."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, knowing this wasing. "You always have an ear to the ground, don''t you?" He smiled at her relentless pursuit to make him less tense.


    She smirked, poking at the fire with a stick. "I wouldn''t be a Serenova if I didn''t."


    He gave her a nod but didn''t pursue the topic further. This was training, after all, and Pyris didn''t want to mix business with it.


    But it didn''t escape him that the Serenova family¡ªand many others¡ªwere watching the moves his family made. The tech projects they were working on had far-reaching implications, and the involvement of powerful organizations only made it more apparent that Obsidian Tech''s influence was growing.


    As they finished their meal and the fire began to die down, Selene spoke again, her voice softer this time. "We''re both chasing something, aren''t we?"


    Pyris looked at her, his expression unreadable. "And what do you think that is?"


    She chuckled, leaning back against a nearby tree. "Power. Influence. Control. It doesn''t matter what form it takes¡ªwe both know that''s what drives us."


    Pyris said nothing, but deep down, he knew she was right. They were both forces in their own right, pushing against the boundaries of what they could achieve. Whether their paths would continue to align or diverge was yet to be seen.


    But for now, they had one goal: get stronger, face what''sing, and be prepared for the future. But Pyris'' pursuit for power and ways were abit different from Serene''s but he knew at one point they will align.


    ____


    After the intense training session at the Grove with Selene, Pyris headed back to the heart of the city where Obsidian Tech''s main headquarters was located. His body was still buzzing with energy from the battles against the beasts, and his thoughts kept drifting to the manifestation of Alexa''s powers.


    Something about it had shifted his perspective on the uing challenges.


    With the emergence of Alexa''s Divinity Element and the implications it carried, Pyris realized that things were moving faster than anticipated.


    Upon arriving at the office, Pyris was greeted by the sleek, modern aesthetic of the Obsidian Tech building¡ªa towering structure of ss and metal that represented the vast influence his family held over the empire.


    The air inside was crisp, and a sense of controlled efficiency seemed to linger in every corner.

 Chapter 147 Twisted Emberly...?

    The grand office of Obsidian Tower was awash in the golden hues of thete afternoon sun. The air inside was thick with the smell of aged wood and leather, the faint hum of activity outside the windows almost inaudible within the soundproofed walls.


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as he mulled over the recent developments, Alexandra, Serene whose presence was stealthily registering in his heart, then there was the dragon empire, to that, he had to talk to his mother and tye results...


    His conversation with his mother, Emberly, had been sessful¡ªsurprisingly so. Discover hidden tales at empire


    The Empress, Astrid Valyrian, might soon reach out to him after their brief exchange at the court.


    The intricacies of political powerys were second nature to him now, but even he could appreciate the delicate bnce this situation demanded.


    The Empress''s continued interest in merging their families through a marriage alliance was a testament to the Obsidian family''s growing power and influence, but it wasn''t something Pyris was keen on.


    But he was interested something else not not so much part, conquering her!


    Realizing the dangerous zone his mind was drifting into, he drifted back to the memory of his recent training sessions¡ªboth physical and mental exercises that prepared him not just for battle, but for the inevitable political maneuvers that awaited him.


    Alexa''s newfound powers had been another reminder that those close to him were evolving as well, their strengths bing pivotal to his long-term goals.


    [I think it''s just fate holding onto you in it''s loving...] Lia voice and  his thoughts were interrupted as the door opened, revealing Emberly Obsidian.


    She walked in with her usual grace and power, her emerald eyes glinting with a mix of maternal pride and business savvy.


    "I''ve spoken to Astrid," she began without preamble, her voice measured but carrying the weight of years of political navigation, but her calm demeanor belied the excitement she held deep inside, her son has asked her a favour but to her it was like an assignment to ess her capabilities.


    Was she twisted? Very much so...


    "She will likely contact you soon. It seems the Empress is keen to move forward with a marriage proposal¡ªthough not as quickly as before."


    Pyris nodded, already anticipating this. "The Empress is ying a long game. But she knows I won''t be forced into any union unless it benefits us on our terms." He felt happy that his mother had delivered good news, he was closer to his goal.


    ''Should I reward her perhaps?'' to that Lia said it better wait.@@novelbin@@


    [You know how she feels about you but she''s not ripe yet...]


    Emberly''s lips quirked into a small smile. "Good. I''ve raised you well." She took a seat across from him, folding her hands together under her bossoms, they bounced ever so slightly feasting Pyris'' eyes.


    "But there''s something more pressing on the horizon."


    Pyris leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued, his eyes left her chest to her face.


    "Sly Mines," Emberly continued, her tone darkening. "You''ve made progress, but Ss is still in the way. You could eliminate him, but that would be a deration of war against the Vampire Royal family. We can''t risk dragging the Empire into that. Not yet."


    "Exactly," Pyris agreed, his voiceced with thoughtfulness. "We need to iste Drac from Ss. If we can cut Ss off from his biggest supporter, then we can move in without causing too much trouble."


    "That''s easier said than done," Emberly remarked. "Drac is a shrewd man, and Ss is his brother. Family ties are difficult to sever, especially in a world as ruthless as ours."


    Pyris tapped his fingers against his chin, deep in thought. "There''s always something, though¡ªsomething that Drac would value more than blood ties. We just have to figure out what that is."


    They both fell into silence for a moment, each considering the potential paths ahead.


    Emberly finally spoke. "If we offer Drac something irresistible¡ªsomething that would benefit not just him, but the entire Vampire Empire¡ªhe might just reconsider his loyalty to Ss."


    "Like what?" Pyris asked, his gaze sharp.


    "Immortality," Emberly answered, her voice low but powerful. "Or at least a way to ensure that Drac''s rule extends for centuries longer. Vampires may be long-lived, but even their kind fears the inevitable end. If we could offer him a way to secure his future¡ªand the future of the Vampire Empire¡ªhe might be willing to sell Ss out."


    Pyris''s eyes gleamed with understanding. "The key to eternity¡­ It''s dangerous but effective."


    Emberly nodded, her expression serious. "It would mean ess to resources beyond even what we have now. Magical artifacts, perhaps something from the ancient vaults of the Obsidian family. The trick is offering Drac a taste of true power, something so valuable he can''t refuse."


    "But it must be carefully done," Pyris mused. "If we go too far, it''ll raise suspicion. Drac will question why we''re offering such a grand prize for something as simple as taking down his brother."


    Emberly smirked. "That''s where youe in, my son. You need to present the offer as if you''re helping Drac secure his legacy. y to his vanity, his ambition. Make him believe this is about more than just Ss."


    Pyris leaned back in his chair once more, his mind whirling with possibilities. "And once we have Drac on our side, Ss is isted. The only reason I''m approaching this diplomatically is that it gives us a path straight into Dragon Mines."


    "Exactly," Emberly confirmed. "Once Ss is dealt with, Sly Mines falls under our control, and we can leverage that to get a foothold in Dragon Mines. The Empress and Seraphina are just part of therger picture."


    They shared a knowing nce. It was a delicate bnce, one that required both finesse and brute force in equal measure.


    Pyris broke the silence first. "It''s a good n, but we still need to make sure Ss doesn''t see using."


    Emberly''s eyes gleamed with a fierce, protective light. "I have no doubt you''ll handle that. Just make sure that once Drac is on your side, you move quickly. Ss is dangerous, but he''s predictable. And that''s what we''ll exploit."


    Pyris nodded. "I''ll take care of it. Once Drac pulls away from Ss, the game changes. But until then, we proceed carefully."


    Emberly stood, brushing invisible dust from her elegant gown. "Just be careful, Pyris. We''re walking a fine line here. One wrong move, and it could alle crashing down."


    Pyris smiled, his expression confident. "Don''t worry, Mother. I''ve got this."


    Emberly gave him a nod, then turned to leave the room. But before she reached the door, she nced back over her shoulder. "The Empress will be contacting you soon. Be ready."


    Pyris watched her leave, his mind already racing ahead. The stakes were higher than ever, but he was no stranger to high-risk moves. This was just another part of the game¡ªone that he intended to win.


    As the door clicked shut, Pyris sat back, his eyes narrowing as he considered his next steps. The Vampire Empire, the Dragon Empire, the legacies he was building¡ªall of it wasing together.


    And now, with Drac potentially on his side, the future was starting to look a lot more interesting.


    *****


    Guys.... Not even a review or golden tickets? Power stones at least but I will appreciate more if you tell me what you think inments.

 Chapter 148 Loli Goddess?

    The convoy of sleek, obsidian-ck cars glided silently along the narrow road leading to the ancestral home of House Obsidian. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and magic that seemed to seep through the ancient trees lining the path.


    The ancestral mansion, hidden deep within the Obsidian estate, was a fortress of stone and time, surrounded by walls that had withstood centuries of history. Its dragon-emzoned gates marked the boundary of the power that House Obsidian wielded, not just in the empire but across realms.


    This was the ancestral home for House Obsidian, a ce they rarely visited but it has never been empty!


    ____


    Inside the lead car, Duchess Emberly Obsidian sat in quiet contemtion. Her mind, as sharp as ever, danced through the many threads of her current dilemmas, but one thought in particr dominated her attention apart from her constant attraction to Pyris¡ªthe viral.


    That small, unassuming object tucked deep within the vault of the Obsidian ancestral mansion had been acquired by Lucy Obsidian herself.


    During a fateful battle with one of the Elemental Deity''s generals, a vampire who had attained godhood, Lucy had managed to take the something from him, though no one truly understood its significance at the time, it was actually his blood she had theft away.


    Lucy''s theft hade just before her final confrontation with the deity, a legendary moment in the Obsidian family''s long history of triumph and loss.


    Now, countless yearster, Emberly couldn''t shake the feeling that this viral, the blood of a godly being, could be her key to neutralizing Drac, the ever-present thorn in the side of the empire''s leaders and high nobles alike.


    And if her n worked, Drac will be even stronger, will he be untouchable thenz that depended on...


    "But will it work?" she mused. Drac was no ordinary vampire. His power and influence stretched far beyond just his empire.


    He had outwitted many before him, and getting the upper hand on someone as wily as Drac would take more than a mere relic.


    Still, Emberly knew that the viral could serve as a potent catalyst, the missing piece in the puzzle she and her son, Pyris, were trying to solve.


    Emberly couldn''t help but smirk at the irony. The viral had remained untouched for generations, an artifact which everyone knew it''s importance yet for generations none of their ancestors had used it as they thought it could serve a great importance in the future.


    Yet now, as her ns to iste Drac from Ss were beginning to take shape, she knew this viral might just be the key. The blood of a god¡ªvampire blood at that¡ªheld limitless potential.


    "It might not work as is," Emberly mused to herself, fingers absently drumming on herp, "but it could serve as a catalyst, we can create something out of it."


    Her thoughts shifted to her son, Pyris. Working with him to unlock the secrets of the viral excited her in ways she hadn''t anticipated. Her maternal pride swelled as she imagined what they could achieve together. Pyris was growing into his power and influence, and with her guidance, the sky was the limit.


    But was it just her motherly love or something else had bloomed?


    In the shadows of the car, she allowed herself a brief smile. The idea of working side by side with Pyris on something so grand filled her with both excitement and trepidation.


    Her feelings for Pyris were growing moreplex with each passing day. Though she fought to keep her emotions in check, the prospect of working together on such a critical n stirred feelings she wasn''t entirely sure she could contain.


    ''How will I handle it when we''re together on this?'' she thought, absently tracing the leather seat beneath her fingers.


    She could already feel the tension rising between her responsibilities as the head of the family and the deepening bond she felt for her son.


    The convoy came to a halt in front of the mansion''s imposing gates, which opened slowly, revealing the towering stone structure that was the ancestral home of House Obsidian.


    It stood like a sentinel of time, its walls covered in thick ivy that had grown for centuries. The mansion itself was a marvel of architecture¡ªboth fortress and home¡ªdesigned to keep out invaders but also to house the Obsidian family''s deepest secrets.


    As the gates swung fully open...


    The phantoms guarding the mansion materialized from the shadows, their dark forms flickering like the wisp of night. Their presence was both afort and a reminder of the Obsidian family''s unparalleled dominance in the empire.


    Emberly leaned back and smiled, the presence of the phantoms at the ancestral mansion was a fortifiedyer of protection.


    Reaching for her phone. She dialed quickly, and after a few rings, a familiar voice greeted her.


    "Mom?" Anastasia''s voice was warm, melodic, thoughced with the undertones of one who had be ustomed to the pressures of being an Obsidian. Experience more content on empire


    "My big girl," Emberly said, smiling. "I need you to meet me at the ancestral mansion. And remember¡ªdon''t forget to wear the bracelets. The Phantoms don''t react well to your pure life energy, and I need you safe."


    Anastasia groaned on the other end, clearly not thrilled about the prospect of visiting the mansion or dealing with the Phantoms. "What are we doing there, anyway?"


    "Just something quick, darling. I promise I won''t keep you long," Emberly replied, her tone that of amanding duchess, though warmth seeped into her words as only a mother could manage. "Afterward, we''ll head to the office with Pyris when we''re done with all preparations. Chop Chop!" That was the only thing that could keep Anastasia on her toes, visiting her little brother.@@novelbin@@


    The sound of Anastasia''s excitement reached Emberly''s ears, but there she feigned a sigh. "Fine. But you owe me."


    Emberly chuckled softly to herself as she ended the call. Anastasia''s reluctance never ceased to amuse her, especially when it came to matters of the Phantoms. It was true¡ªtheir shadowy, dark energy shed intensely with her daughter''s pure life force, which had been both a blessing and a challenge.


    "Song," she called to her driver, who had just stepped out of the car to open her door.


    "Yes, Mistress?" Song, her trusted chauffeur and shadow, was always attuned to her needs.


    "How is the council reacting to our movements¡ªboth myself and Pyris running around with both Phantom leaders in tow?" She inquired, though she could guess their displeasure.


    "They are not pleased, Mistress," Song replied. "However, the Venerate was able to calm most of their concerns. They agreed that the safest ce is often the most open. With Venerate''s ability to mask her presence and protect the young lord, they saw the necessity."


    Emberly smiled at the mention of Mira, the Phantom Venerate. There were no beings in this world that could rival her full power, even right now, she was just using her shadow body "I''m sure Mira had her fun convincing them."


    Song nodded, his eyes briefly meeting hers in the rearview mirror. "Mistress, it wasn''t just her. The Goddess herself assured the council that this was the right move."


    Emberly snorted, half-amused. "That little Loli of a Goddess." Her tone was light, but there was no denying the respect in her voice.


    Song hesitated, massaging his temples briefly before responding. "Although they''re not pleased but in check that''s to the Goddess, Mistress. As expected, the Venerate''s arguments swayed some, but the elders are still¡­uneasy. Especially with both leaders of House Obsidian so frequently outside the council''s watch."


    Emberly nodded, her face calm, though inwardly she enjoyed the difort her independence caused among the council members.


    The Obsidian family''s influence within the realm wasn''t something to be questioned lightly, but the council had always had its reservations about both her and Pyris''s movements.


    "And the Phantom''s role?" Emberly asked, though she already had a good idea of the answer.


    Song continued, "The Venerate assured the council that the safest ce to hide is often in in sight. She has hidden her strength well, and her Shadow Body remains protected by the bracelets. As long as she stays close to the young lord, there should be no issue."


    A smirk tugged at Emberly''s lips. Mira, the Phantom leader and Venerate, had always been one step ahead in her ns.


    "That little loli," Emberly muttered under her breath, the only one in the realm bold enough to refer to the Phantom Goddess with such a nickname.

 Chapter 149 The Ancients!

    "That little loli," Emberly muttered under her breath, the only one in the realm bold enough to refer to the Phantom Goddess with such irreverence. Few would dare to speak that way about a being of such power, but Emberly had always had a special rtionship with those who transcended the mortal realm.


    Her audacity was part of her charm, a characteristic that both endeared and intimidated those around her.


    Another thing was, Song knew the special rtionship between Emberly and the Goddess, a sense of fondness between them.


    The Goddess to be said to be bit favorist when it came to Emberly, a special treatment only Emberly and Mira enjoyed.


    As they approached the Obsidian ancestral mansion, the towering iron gates swung open with a groaning creak, revealing the estate beyond. While the outer walls were built of stone and moss, giving the mansion an ancient, almost primeval feel, the interiors were equipped with all the modern luxuries money and magic could buy.


    The mansion''s aura resonated with ancient power, whispering of the countless generations of Obsidian family members who had lived¡ªand died¡ªwithin its walls.


    But it had a strange touch, aura of power to it, something so powerful added by the presence of certain beings.


    The driveway stretched out like a ck ribbon, lined with intricately carved statues of dragons, their fierce expressions a reminder of the Obsidian family''s long-standing connection to the Dragon Empire.


    Even the Phantoms, the shadowy beings that lurked in the darker corners of the estate, seemed to hold a certain reverence for this ce.


    Here, within these walls, the very air hummed with magic, a palpable presence that kept outsiders at bay. Explore new worlds at empire


    As they pulled up to the front entrance, Emberly stepped in, smoothing the rich fabric of her gown with a casual elegance.


    She moved with the grace of someone ustomed to power, her every step a deration of authority.


    Even Song, who had served her faithfully for years, could not help but stand a little straighter in her presence.


    It was funny how a being, a mortal could ensnare him, an immortal through and through, and not just any immortal but a phantom, yet in her eyes, Emberly, Song was just a subordinate.


    "Song," Emberly said, her voice low butmanding, "ensure that everything is ready. I''ll meet with Anastasia in the vault shortly.


    With a nod, Song turned and made his way to the side entrance, his form dissolving into the shadows as he moved. The Phantoms, always watching, always waiting, slipped through the walls like mist, ever-present but never fully seen.


    Presences that gave the mansion a fierce feeling to anyone who trends closer.


    ____


    As Emberly entered the mansion, the cool air of the ancient stone halls washed over her, the familiar scent of aged wood and forgotten magic filling her lungs. The hallway leading to the vault was lined with portraits of past Obsidian leaders¡ªeach one a reminder of the family''s unbroken line of session, stretching back centuries.


    Emberly knew each one of them from ancient times to the time before she took the mantles for the family.


    "Let''s hope my portrait will be closer to Lucy''s!" But she knew that was so long from now, she doubted she would even be here only remembered on the portrait like being like Lucy.


    But even as she walked, her mind was racing ahead. The viral, the very thing had been hidden away in the vault for so long, might finally serve its purpose.


    She couldn''t help but marvel at how Lucy Obsidian''s boldness in the past had set the stage for their potential victory today.


    "It''s as if she had seen the future, how I crave every night to have met her at least once!" But that was a far cry.


    But there was a nagging doubt in her mind. Would the viral be enough? Was there a risk in wielding such a thing, one tied to the blood of a godly vampire? Emberly wasn''t sure, but she knew that Pyris''s involvement would tip the scales.


    They would find a way to make it work, together. The idea of working alongside her son in this grand scheme stirred something deep within her¡ªpride, yes, but something more as well.


    As she made her way deeper into the mansion, the vault doors loomed ahead. Massive and made of obsidian metal infused with magic, they stood as a testament to the lengths the family would go to protect their most prized possessions.


    The vault itself was a repository of power, home to relics, weapons, and secrets that could reshape the empire if unleashed.


    At that moment, Anastasia appeared, her hair pulled back into a simple braid. Despite her "reluctance", she hade, as she always did when her mother requested her presence.


    Anastasia wore the protective bracelets, artifacts designed to shield her from the Phantoms'' dark energy. Her natural life energy shed fiercely with the darkness of the Phantoms, something they had always struggled to manage.


    But with the bracelets, she was safe.


    One would wonder, were phantoms this affected by life energy? No! Among all they have met, only Anastasia''s life energy could make them ufortable but still not all of them, the strongest couldn''t be bothered by her energy at all.


    "There you are," Anastasia said, her tone tinged with mild annoyance but softened by affection. "Let''s get this over with. You know how much I hate the vault."


    Emberly smiled, though her mind remained sharp, focused on the task ahead. "I appreciate your patience, dear. I promise we won''t be long."@@novelbin@@


    They descended the final staircase into the vault, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls. As they neared the entrance, Emberly ced her hand on the intricate magical seals that locked the vault, whispering something ancient  passed down through the generations.


    The locks clicked, the sound of gears turning within the heavy doors, and with a final release of energy, the vault opened.


    Inside, the air was thick with ancient magic. Many artifacts and treasures lined up here but it was a sight both Emberly and Anastasia were used to.


    The viral rested on a pedestal in the center of the room, bathed in a soft, ethereal light. It looked deceptively simple¡ªan orb of shimmering ck and red, norger than a human fist.


    But Emberly knew better than to underestimate its power.


    "This is it?" Anastasia asked, stepping closer but keeping a wary distance. "This is what we''re going to use to sway Drac?"


    Emberly nodded. "It''s not just the viral itself," she exined, "but what we can create from it. A god''s blood is the key to enhancing the power of vampires¡ªpushing them beyond their limits, granting them power they''ve never imagined."


    Anastasia raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "And you think Drac will be interested in that?"


    "He will be," Emberly replied confidently. "Drac may be powerful, but his hunger for more has always been his greatest weakness. This viral, or rather, what we can create from it, will appeal to him on a level nothing else could."


    Emberly knew just giving the viral was more than enough to Drac but she couldn''t do such a mistake, or would make him so powerful yes, but it will snatch away an opportunity for Obsidians to have some kind of leverage on him!


    She couldn''t have that.


    For a moment, silence filled the vault, the weight of their n hanging heavily between them.


    "And if it doesn''t?" Anastasia asked, her voice soft but serious.


    Emberly turned to face her daughter, her expression hardening. "Then we''ll deal with that when the timees. But trust me, Drac won''t be able to resist this."


    Somethings weren''t meant to be said and she kept alot as an adult.


    With a final nce at the viral, Emberly turned on her heel and led the way back out of the vault. There was much to prepare, and time was of the essence.


    As they ascended the stairs back into the mansion''s main hall, Emberly''s thoughts briefly flickered to Pyris.


    She could sense the tension building within him, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him. He was ready to step into his role as the head of House Obsidian, and this n¡ªthis move against Drac¡ªwould be the first of many in his rise to power.


    Together, they would see it through. Together, they would reshape the world.


    Their goal? To be ready when gods descends!

 Chapter 150 No Other God Vampire into The Divine Ranks!

    Pyris sat in his luxurious office, deep in thought, his mind constantly spinning around theplicated puzzle that was Ss. Isting Ss from Drac wasn''t an easy task¡ªfar from it.


    As the air grew heavier with the weight of unsolved problems, Pyris tried toe up with a solution that didn''t lead to a full-blown conflict with the Vampire Royal Family.


    Stay updated via empire


    The thought of bringing chaos to the fragile peace between the Dragon Empire and the Vampires was something he needed to avoid.


    At all costs.


    He leaned back in his chair, golden eyes reflecting the soft light of the office, courtesy of his awakened Golden Dragon Heritage.


    [The life you envisioned as azy harem lord... Is nowplicated with power struggles and familyplications!] Lia noted in his mind.


    He couldn''t refute her words, "one time I will get over them, when I''m done with Ss, I will go silent and live the life I wanted! Power struggles among empires? I can do all that from shadows, I will live as an adventurous travelling empires and realms, forbidden zones and rtionship Argos, Immortal and God Realm have got to offer!" Pyris left out.


    Lia knew these were not empty words, in fact he would have already started if not Emberly pressing these responsibilities on him but he didn''tin!@@novelbin@@


    The couch that separated him from his two gorgeous personal assistant and secretary, Lizzie and Suzie, was a vast expanse.


    Lizzie his secretary sat at the far end of the room, a beautiful picture of grace and elegance. Dressed in a form-fitting dark red skirt, her sharp intelligence showed in the way she meticulously organized the stacks of papers in front of her. Her sleeveless blouse clung to her figure, exposing just enough skin to be alluring but maintaining that professional edge.


    Her long, slender legs were crossed, entuating her femininity, and each movement she made seemed calcted to captivate anyone watching.


    He liked her elegance but liked Suzie more...


    Suzie his assistant, however, was closest to him, her presence impossible to ignore. She stood with her back to him, organizing the various magical artifacts disyed on the shelves, but Pyris''s attention was locked onto her.


    Suzie''s sheer white blouse hugged her curves, highlighting her toned arms and delicate waist, but her huge breasts were more attractive.


    Her ck skirt rode just above her thick thighs. The smooth fabric clung to her, emphasizing her slender legs and parts of her mouthwatering thighs that seemed almost too perfect.


    Every shift of her hips, every subtle movement of her body was a temptation in itself, and Pyris''s dragon heritage sharpened his awareness of every breath, every flutter of her fingers.


    He let out a breath, trying to focus. But Suzie''s legs were so alluring it was hard to tear his gaze away. And as if she could feel it, Suzie bent down just a little, giving him a brief glimpse of skin above her thighs, leaving his mind wandering as his blood hummed with a low, primal desire.


    Suddenly, Lia, the spirit of his soul, echoed in his mind, breaking through the haze.


    [Say, Pyris, isn''t it high time you talk to the Goddess for her guidance? She might maybe give you some ideas hot to attract Drac.] Lia''s voice was teasing but thoughtful. Pyris knew exactly what she was referring to¡ªthe one-time monthly opportunity he had to speak directly with the Lust Goddess herself.


    A boon that most mortals would kill for, yet Pyris had stayed clear of it, purposely keeping his distance.


    ''No!'' Pyris replied firmly in his mind, his eyes slowly drifting back to Suzie''s elegant frame. His gaze traced the smooth line of her legs, thighs and the prizes thaty beyond, imagining what it would be like to... ''You know my n for that, and I''m not about to ruin it. Instead, I''d wee your take.''


    Suzie, unaware of the conversation in his mind, continued to work diligently, but also teasing his eyes, her slender fingers gliding over the delicate artifacts. Her beauty was as undeniable as it was distracting. Pyris''s attention lingered on her longer than it should have.


    His golden eyes drank in every detail, not missing the subtle curves of her waist or the way the soft light danced on her skin. Suzie was, after all, the closest to him in his office life. She knew his every habit, his preferences, and desires, and sometimes, like now, she was his greatest distraction.


    Lia''sughter echoed again, cutting through his indulgent thoughts.


    [A god''s blood.] Pyris almost choked at her words, coughing and struggling to catch his breath.


    "Cough!" Pyris chocked on his breathe at Lia''s words.


    "Boss!" Suzie''s voice was immediately filled with concern as she rushed to his side, her smooth legs carrying her quickly across the room. Her hands held out a ss of water, the gesture sincere.


    Pyris took it, his fingers brushing against hers ever so slightly, just enough to feel the electric charge between them. Suzie''s eyes widened, her breath hitching as she shivered from the unexpected touch.


    His Lust Aura seeped through, sinking into her body as a flush of warmth filled her.


    "Thank you, Suzie," Pyris said smoothly, his voice husky as he took a sip, eyes never leaving hers.


    "Not at all, Boss," Suzie stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly. She turned quickly and rushed back to her desk, flustered, but unable to shake the lingering sensation of his touch. Pyris allowed himself a momentary smile.


    ''Lia, you must be out of your mind! A god''s blood? That''s like asking for the entire cosmos!'' Pyris''s brow furrowed as he thought about how absurd the idea was. ''And for what? Where would we even begin to obtain the blood of a god? You''re insane!''


    Lia''s voice rang out in her usual smug tone.


    [See? I knew my idea wasn''t worth mentioning. How would you evenprehend something like this?]


    Pyris sat up, rubbing his temples. Lia might be infuriating, but he couldn''t ignore her outright. ''No, no, Lia. I like the idea. But what''s the use of it? And tell me about the other ideas while you''re at it.''


    Lia''s voice took on a more serious tone as she exined.


    [The blood of a god, if you can get your hands on it,bined with something like the Blood Chalice of the Ancients, could give you an edge over Drac. Think about it, Pyris. The blood of a god wouldn''t just extend the lifespan of any being¡ªit would elevate their bloodline to its peak form. It could even unlock hidden potential beyond that.


    A true solution to what gues the vampire Emperor.] She paused, letting the gravity of her words sink in.


    Pyris listened, his mind racing. Vampires and other races had long sought the ultimate bloodline enhancement, something that could make them close to immortal but vampire... without the drawbacks of their cursed nature. God''s blood could perhaps do that.


    It wouldn''t grant them true immortality, but it would give them more than enough. Thousands of years added to their lifespan.


    And if Drac could be offered this... Pyris knew it would be something he couldn''t refuse. But the Blood Chalice¡ªthat was a keyponent for vampires as for other races, Pyris knew it wasn''t as simple as god''s blood, reason?


    Lia continued, [The best part is, only vampires can ingest the blood of a god without turning to ash. Their physiology allows them to handle it. This is the key to getting what you need.]


    But if the blood of a god could help the vampires significantly like that, why had no one or any god ever attempted it? The answer was simple, as Lia had mentioned¡ªthe Blood Chalice. It was a relic lost to time, a forgotten artifact whose whereabouts were unknown even to the gods.


    No one knew even the gods, where it could be found, and since its only purpose was to elevate vampires to greater power, the gods were reluctant to seek it out or even consider its existence.


    Now that they already had one vampire god in their ranks, the idea of creating another would only disrupt the delicate bnce and peace they had painstakingly worked to preserve over eons.


    The Blood Chalice did indeed exist, but its location remained shrouded in mystery. Perhaps those who were aware of its presence chose to keep it hidden, or maybe they didn''t fullyprehend its true purpose and unimaginable potential!


    ____


    Pyris''s fingers tapped on the desk in thought. One stone to kill two birds. Vampires could ingest the blood, and with the Blood Chalice, it would not only extend their lifespan but heighten their power, reaching levels that would make even Drac hesitant to resist.


    He could use this as the perfect offer to drain Drac''s loyalty away from Ss but also give him leverage over Drac.


    He frowned, thinking it through. The Fallen Ones were capable of ingesting god''s blood too before, but not anymore¡ªsince their fall, the blood of gods had be poisonous to them.


    Vampires, however, were different.


    "This could work¡­" Pyris muttered, leaning forward as the weight of the opportunity unfolded before him. His mind now fully locked onto the possibilities. It wasn''t just about isting Ss from Drac anymore; this was about offering Drac something no one else could.


    If Pyris could pull this off, Drac would bend to his will, and in turn, Ss would be left with nothing.


    But there was still the issue of finding god''s blood. That wouldn''t be easy.


    Yet, what he didn''t realize were the deeper mysteries surrounding the Blood Chalice¡ªan treasure so elusive that even the gods themselves had forgotten much about it.


    The Blood Chalice was said to have the power to amplify the essence of vampires with the use of the godly blood, making it a crucial key to unlocking immense power for any vampire lucky enough to obtain it.


    However, without knowledge of its location or understanding of its true potential, finding the chalice remained an enigma even to those who had heard whispers of its existence.


    ******


    Guys were a step closer to the life of a Harem Lord!

 Chapter 152 A Collision Sera &Aur

    The streets of Argos were bustling with their usual energy as Seraphina Valyrian, the daughter of the Dragon Empress, made her way towards the towering Obsidian Tech headquarters.


    She stepped out of her car which was in the middle of a convoy, guards exited their cars poising around her life in the their imprable perfect protection.


    The air was crisp, and a light breeze yed with her hair as her golden eyes scanned the surroundings. She had dressed impably today, her royal stature apparent in every step she took. A tight-fitting gown of deep crimson clung to her slender figure, embroidered with the sigils of her family¡ªdragons interwoven with mes.


    She was attractive with her full form her gown hugging her bringing to life her full breasts which giggled in harmony with her big behind as she walked.


    Her full red lips full and inviting for one to take a taste, but given her status no one dared to have such thoughts in her presence, all bowing to her way as they retreated away.


    Today, here at Obsidian Tech tower, was a visit she had anticipated for some time now, and while her primary purpose was to check on the progress of certain "nonexistent negotiations," there was a part of her that was anxious.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris, with hismanding presence and the way he had shifted her loyalties away from her father''s machinations, was someone she found herself both admiring and, in many ways, desiring. Continue your adventure with empire


    Desirespelling her to bring herself to him in the guise of negotiations for future coborations between the two families.


    But this wasn''t just a political y for her anymore, it was all a lie to meet him.


    Pyris had awakened something in her that she hadn''t expected¡ªa mixture of loyalty and passion. The Obsidian family was not just a pawn on the board anymore; they were the board, and Pyris was the king, her king.


    As her group neared the Obsidian Tech office entrance, she noticed the familiar gleam of a figure ahead. Seraphina''s sharp senses picked up on the subtle shifts in the air¡ªa presence she recognized immediately. Aurelia.


    The Death Dragon herself, the sister of her to-be man!


    Seraphina''s heart tightened, an uneasy feeling settling in her stomach.


    Aurelia, Pyris''s sister and his lover¡ªthough the world didn''t know this, Seraphina had been astute enough to sense the deeper connection between the two. There was no denying Aurelia''s power, nor her importance in Pyris''s life.


    In many ways, she was the dark mirror of Seraphina''s own existence¡ªwhile Seraphina represented light and royal duty, Aurelia embodied darkness, death, and freedom from such constraints.


    Her family gave her all the freedom to explore whatsoever she desired with no restraints attached, a presence opposite to Seraphina.


    ''Here I thought being a royal was good, in the end I''m nothing but a caged bird!'' it wasn''t just her, their status caged her and her siblings, mother and perhaps her aunt?


    ____


    Aurelia''s pale skin shimmered in the light as she strode towards the entrance of the office, her silver dress reflecting the sun''s rays. She was dressed not as a noble but as a free woman, something Seraphina desired, with her long ck hair cascading down her back.


    Her piercing eyes, the color of the storm of death, held no warmth, yet there was a striking beauty in the sharpness of her features. Seraphina couldn''t help but admire her¡ªthere was something dangerous about her presence, something utterly captivating.


    The two women stopped as they came face to face at the entrance, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.


    "Aurelia," Seraphina greeted, inclining her head ever so slightly in acknowledgment, though her voice remained cool.


    She wasn''t paying respect to Aurelia, hardly, she was just greeting her like an equal!


    "Seraphina," Aurelia responded, her tone equally neutral, though the slight edge was unmistakable. Her gaze drifted over Seraphina''s form, scrutinizing her like a predator assessing a rival.


    There was a moment of silence as the two women stood there, each one fully aware of the other''s importance to Pyris. They were both queens in their own right¡ªSeraphina, the royal dragon with the blessings of the empire, and Aurelia, the Death Dragon, a force of nature wrapped in human form.


    Though their paths had rarely crossed, they were bound by their connection to the same man.


    "On your way to see Pyris?" Seraphina asked, breaking the silence, her golden eyes locking onto Aurelia''s stormy death gaze.


    Aurelia smirked, a knowing look crossing her face. "As always. He tends to summon those who matter most." The words wereced with subtle dominance, a reminder that while Seraphina may be royalty, Aurelia was more than just his sister¡ªshe was his equal, his partner in ways Seraphina could only dream of.


    Some thought she was cold and held no warmth to her but that didn''t reflect to how she was teasing Seraphina who was oblivious to Aurelia''s intentions.


    Seraphina didn''t falter, though the words stung more than she cared to admit. "Of course. I have business to attend to with him as well." She kept her tone even, though the undercurrent of rivalry was impossible to miss.


    The two women began walking side by side into the office building, neither speaking, but both perfectly aware of the tension simmering between them. The sleek interior of the Obsidian Tech office reflected the power and influence of the family, with gleaming marble floors, ss walls, and the constant hum of technology in the background.


    Employees moved out of the way respectfully as the two powerful women entered, their presence enough tomand attention without a word.


    As they approached the private elevators that would take them to Pyris''s floor, Aurelia paused, turning her head slightly toward Seraphina. "You''re here to see him about business, aren''t you?"


    Seraphina raised an eyebrow, sensing the challenge in Aurelia''s voice. "Naturally. Obsidian Tech''s dealings with the empire are of great importance. I represent my family''s interests in those dealings."


    "Is that all you represent?" Aurelia''s voice was deceptively light, but Seraphina could hear the underlying venom.


    The Death Dragon didn''t mince words when it came to Pyris, and Seraphina knew that every interaction with him¡ªwhether in business or personal¡ªwas carefully watched.


    Seraphina didn''t let herself be rattled. "What else would there be?"


    Aurelia''s eyes glittered with amusement as she stepped into the elevator. "Just remember, Seraphina, there are some things that no amount of royal blood can win." The doors slid shut with a soft hiss, leaving Seraphina standing in the quiet hallway, her emotions swirling.


    The employees were stunned by the sudden development, they couldn''t hear the words of the two women but Aurelia''s actions sent a frenzy in them.


    As the elevator ascended, Aurelia leaned against the wall, her mind racing. She knew Seraphina''s intentions, and while the princess might be useful to Pyris politically, Aurelia had no intention of letting her get any closer than necessary, not until he allowed her in their circle.


    Seraphina, left in the hallway, clenched her fists tightly, steeling herself. She hade too far to let Aurelia''s words affect her.


    Pyris might have strong ties to Aurelia, but Seraphina''s loyalty to him wasn''t something she would surrender easily. She had her own ns¡ªns that involved standing beside Pyris, not as a pawn of the empire, but as someone he could rely on.


    With a deep breath, Seraphinaposed herself and entered the next avable elevator, her mind focused on the task at hand. Whatever tensions existed between her and Aurelia, one thing was clear: Pyris had a way of drawing powerful women to him. And Seraphina wasn''t about to let herself be outmaneuvered.


    The elevator glided to a smooth stop at the final floor, the soft grinding sound barely noticeable. As the doors slid open, her eyes settled on the elegantly polished floor before her.


    A cool breeze greeted her skin, brushing past her like a gentle reminder of the moment ahead.


    She took a deep breath,posing herself, preparing to finally face him.

 Chapter 155 Dragon Mating Ritual!**

    As they finally came together, their bodies entwined, it was more than a physical union; it was the culmination of everything they''d endured¡ªthe political games, the power struggles, the rare quiet moments they''d stolen to reveal their most guarded selves.


    This was a union of equals, a deration that from now on, they were in this together.


    Pyris lowered Seraphina''s body onto the bed, her back arching against the silk sheets as he pulled her into a fervent kiss.


    "Ahhhh~~~" she gasped, convulsing as her sensitive core clenched tightly around his fingers. A teasing glint shed in her eyes as she realized how easily he had slipped his touch into her pussy without her noticing.


    "You''re so bad, darling~~" she whispered, but Pyris only responded with his fingers, slow and careful for her first time.


    Each movement of his two figures stirred soft moans from her, swallowed by the passionate kiss they shared.


    "Sooo good~" she managed, her breathingbored as his lips found her breasts. His mouth closed around her nipple, suckling and teasing it between his lips as her soft whimpers fueled his desire.


    Her body squirmed under him, warmth pooling deep within her as her breathing quickened to match the rhythm of his teasing.


    Trailing kisses down her body, Pyris''s lips alternated between gentle and daring bites, each movement making her shiver in delight. His fingers, skillful yet unhurried, found her sensitive spot, coaxing her closer with each deliberate touch.


    "Darling~~" she whimpered, her hands grasping at his shoulders as her hips bucked against his fingers. The wet, sensual sounds of his fingers moving within her were all the deration they needed¡ªa shared promise of what was toe.


    ing~" she whispered, her voice trembling.


    Pyris sensed it, urging her with onest press of his fingers until she broke, a surge of pleasure escaping her as she climaxed.


    He moved quickly, swallowing every drop of her release, savoring her intoxicating sweetness. It had a rare taste, a touch that strangely made him feel like he was in the realm between the Stars and Earth!


    He looked at her with such intense hunger.


    She met his gaze, breathless, but with an unmistakable glimmer of desire still shining in her eyes. He saw it and felt the same hunger mirrored within himself.


    Her anticipation grew as he knelt between her legs, positioning himself with a gentle brush against her sensitive core. His shaft nudged her entrance, and her face contorted in pleasure and slightly pain which she ignored focussing on the pleasure, her eyes half-lidded in an expression that drove him wild. Yet he didn''t go into her pussy fully but just ying at the entrance.


    Pyris continued to tease her, sliding against her with maddening slowness.


    "Pyris~~ ooh, you bad... ooh~~ bad boy..." she teased breathlessly, her hands moving to her other breast, pinching herself in a way that only heightened her need. Pyris''s grin was devilish as he continued the teasing, knowing just how to leave her wanting.


    Finally, she gave in, her voice soft but pleading. "Darling, I''m begging you... Take me n-- nhgg~..." Her words ended in a gasp as Pyris plunged inside her, filling herpletely.


    For a moment, she was silent, her body trembling as she convulsed uncontactably to his presence.


    Then suddenly something extraordinary happened.


    Seraphina''s body as she shuddered,  a radiant purple glow of mes flickered to life across her skin.


    No fire touched her, yet an intense heat bloomed from within, her essence igniting in waves of raw energy. Pyris could feel it too, his own dragonic power roaring to life, golden mes sparking from his core as his eyes glowed a fierce pink, the eye colour of his Lust Dragon Bloodline but it wasn''t just that, the blessing of the Goddess came to life, his golden dragon heritage roaring.


    Their primal instincts surged, transcending them into creatures of raw, undeniable lust and power.


    PAH! PAHH! PAHHH!


    The sound of their rhythmic union filled the room, shockwaves of purple and gold energy radiating from their entwined forms.


    Seraphina''s once-human eyes glowed fully purple, mes of lust enveloping her as she writhed beneath him. Her strength rising, she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper as her back arched and wings unfurled, lifting them both from the bed.


    In midair, they continued, their hips rocking in a sync only dragons could achieve.


    Seraphina''s hands gripped Pyris''s shoulders, her nails digging in as her sharp, dragonic teeth suck into his neck, drawing a trickle of golden blood. The taste of it on her tongue only spurred her on.


    With their wings spread wide, their scales began to emerge¡ªhis shimmering gold with a pink iridescence, hers a majestic royal purple.


    Pyris held her tight, his hands roaming down to her firm, scaled hips, moving with a ferocity that matched her own as they spiraled higher in pleasure. Seraphina''s body continued to tremble, her mes zing around them as she sank her teeth deeper into him.


    Pyris responded, plunging his own teeth into her neck, drinking in her essence as their powers mingled in a primal dance.


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    The sound of their union filled the air as they lost themselves in the moment, consumed by their shared desire.


    Their very breath then resonated with the same word, "Myate," a dragon''s call that echoed in primal understanding. They were no longer merely human¡ªthe dragon bloodlines within them had taken over, transforming them entirely.


    They hovered, suspended in the air, their mes weaving a mesmerizing dance of purple and gold. They were lost in each other, locked in a bond neither could deny.


    Pyris''s hand slid down cupping her ass cheeks squeezing her as he kissed her feverishly, drinking in her very essence as she continued to drink his blood.


    In this exchange, the first step of their ritual was sealed, binding them in a passion beyond mortal understanding.


    As they drifted back down to the bed, the intensity of their powers softened slightly, though the fire in their eyes remained.


    Pyris turned her on all fours, her scaled backside exposed to him as he positioned himself once more.


    p! Pah! Pah!


    The smack of their bodies echoed through the room as Seraphina''s dragonic cries filled the air, her body responding to every firm thrust as he held her hips tightly, pulling her back to meet him. She gripped the sheets, her ws raking through the fabric, unable to contain the pleasure washing over her.


    The friction between them only heightened as Pyris leaned over her, his lips finding the sensitive scales along her neck and shoulders. His hand slid down, teasing her clit with firm, calcted strokes.@@novelbin@@


    Her mouth opened in a silent scream, every nerve aze as he continued to drive deeper, relentless in his rhythm.


    Now in their true forms, the pleasure they felt was amplified beyond any human threshold. She could feel another climax building, and so could he¡ªtheir breaths synchronized as they neared the peak of their ritual.


    Unwittingly, Seraphina had triggered the Dragon Mating Ritual, a bond only true dragon mates could forge, something irreversible and binding, not even the most high ranking dragon could achieve this.


    "AAAAHHHHH~~~" With a final, soul-rending cry, Pyris and Seraphina climaxed together, their powers merging as the ritual waspleted.


    ____


    Later That Night!!


    Bathed in the moon''s silvery glow, theyy entwined, the world outside feeling distant and insignificant.


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    Seraphina rested her head on Pyris''s chest, her fingers tracingzy circles across his skin. She had never felt more at peace, moreplete than she did in this moment.


    Pyris''s hand softly stroked her hair, his golden eyes watching her with a satisfaction mingled with something deeper¡ªsomething he had never felt for anyone else. She was no longer just a pawn in a political game. She was his, Myate¡ªhis true mate.


    "You''re mine, Sera," Pyris whispered, his voice filled with unshakable certainty as his dragon core throbbed in agreement.


    Seraphina smiled, her eyes fluttering shut as she murmured back, "I always was. And you''re mine too darling!" Her being felt full.


    And as the night deepened, they both knew this was just the beginning of something far greater than either could have imagined.


    Together, they would rule¡ªnot just as a high noble and princess, but as lovers, partners, mates, and conquerors of their shared destiny.


    *******


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 Chapter 156 The First Dragon Mates (spoiler)

    Long before the rise of empires in the ancient era, in the age when dragons roamed freely across the untamed world, two names echoed through thends¡ªAralux and Sylvoria.


    Their story was whispered among the stars and carried through the winds, a tale of love, power, and unity that defined the very essence of dragonkind.


    They were the first bonded dragons, the pioneers of a union so rare that it has only been replicated a handful of times in history.


    ******


    The Meeting of Two Forces!


    The stars zed brighter than usual on the night Aralux, the the Earth Dragon, soared through the skies. His emerald scales shimmered with the strength of mountains, and his wings cut through the winds with the force of storms. Wherever hended, the earth itself bowed to him, the trees and mountains revering his presence.


    Solitude was hispanion, for none had ever matched his raw power. He had never needed anyone¡ªuntil that fateful night.


    High above, where the cosmos danced and shimmered, Sylvoria, the Star Dragon, glided effortlessly between the constetions.


    Her scales were a brilliant silver, shimmering with the light of a thousand stars. The night sky was her domain, and she moved with the grace of one whomanded the heavens themselves.


    The stars followed her, aligned to her will, creating celestial pathways for her to traverse. Like Aralux, she was alone¡ªbut not by choice. The infinite stretch of space was vast, and she had yet to find one who could match her cosmic power.


    The universe seemed to conspire that night, bringing the two together in a way neither expected. A celestial storm, where the earth met the sky, erupted. Aralux descended from the heavens, summoned by the fury of the storm, his massive form shaking the ground beneath him.


    Sylvoria, drawn by the same force, spiraled down from the stars, her silver mes flickering across the skies like shooting stars.


    When their eyes met, the world itself paused. It wasn''t a challenge of power or a battle for dominance, but something deeper. Their elements, once separate, now danced together in harmony. Earth and stars intertwined in a dance that neither had expected.


    "You tread upon my skies," Sylvoria''s voice echoed with the elegance of a thousand stars, her tone yful yet filled with curiosity, a strange smile dancing on her lips, her simple gesture belieing the power in her body.


    Aralux, standing firm as the mountains beneath his feet, smiled, his voice a deep rumble chuckled before saying. "And you gaze upon my earth, Star Dragon. Perhaps we were always meant to meet since our powers seem toplement each other!"


    "The audacity Aralux! Are you heating on me?" She was amused by his approach.


    "Asking for your hand as my eternal love would be the right words to use in my case Star Dragon!"


    Thus, the bond of curiosity and admiration began, with neither seeking to dominate the other but to understand. Their powers, vast as they were, found bnce in one another.


    The earth could not exist without the stars to light its skies, and the stars needed the earth as a constant below them.


    Over the centuries, Aralux and Sylvoria became more than just two powerful dragons. They became inseparable, their friendship forged in battle, magic, and the quiet moments spent together watching the stars from mountaintops.


    Sylvoria would whisper the secrets of the cosmos to Aralux, describing the birth of stars and the endless dance of gxies. In return, Aralux would show her the strength of the mountains, the ancient wisdom of the earth that had existed since the dawn of time.


    In their travels, they faced ancient beasts, storms that tore through the heavens, and other dragons who sought to test their strength. But none could challenge thebined force of earth and sky. Their unity was more than just power¡ªit was harmony.


    "It''s strange," Aralux once mused as they rested in a valley bathed in moonlight. "For so long, I believed I was all I needed. The earth gave me everything."


    Sylvoria, her silver scales reflecting the starlight above, smiled softly. "And I thought the stars were my onlypanions. But perhaps we were both wrong."


    Their friendship deepened, built on mutual respect and a growing understanding of each other''s solitude. In those moments, the bond that had begun with admiration transformed into something more profound.


    *****


    One fateful evening, as theyy together on a mountaintop where the stars kissed the earth, something beyond their control took hold. Their connection had always been strong, but this night, it became something else entirely.


    Sylvoria''s body shuddered first, her silver mes flickering with intensity.


    She had no control over it.


    The stars themselves seemed to respond to her emotions, ring brighter in the night sky. Her body was enveloped in cosmic energy, a shimmering cocoon of purple and silver mes. Aralux, feeling the surge of power from hispanion, responded in kind, but not with his willingness but something had pulled him in for this change, his emerald mes roaring to life.@@novelbin@@


    The ground beneath them trembled, and their elemental powers intertwined.


    Their bodies transformed as they hovered above the earth, suspended by the sheer force of theirbined magic. Scales of emerald and silver formed over their skin, their wings spreading wide, shimmering with the colors of the cosmos. It was the first time such a transformation had urred¡ªtwo dragons, bound not by blood or duty, but by love and devotion.


    ******


    The ritual was not a conscious decision. It was something far deeper, an ancient magic that awakened only when two dragons found not only love butplete submission and devotion to one another.


    *******


    Sylvoria''s mes danced around Aralux''s body, and his earth-born magic answered, binding them together in both body and soul.


    In that moment, they became more than just mates¡ªthey became one.


    The bond between Aralux and Sylvoria became legendary, not just because of their power, but because of what their union represented. It was not something that could be forced.


    The ritual of dragon mating was so rare because it required a level of trust and love that few could achieve.


    A dragon had topletely submit to their mate¡ªbody, mind, and soul. And in return, their mate had to offer absolute love and devotion. It was a bond that transcended the physical, binding their souls together in a way that no external force could sever.


    This ritual was one of the most prideful thing a dragon couple could have but as time went on, less and less dragon couples went through with this ritual.


    And so, the story of Aralux and Sylvoria was passed down through the ages, a reminder that true power was not just about strength but about unity. Their love reshaped the world, and their mes burned eternal in the stars and the earth.


    ____


    Side story (but important!)


    Aralux, known to many as the Dragon of the Earth, was a figure shrouded in mystery. Though he disyed mastery over the element of earth, his true abilities extended far beyond what was publicly known. His powers weren''t confined to the earth alone; he had dominion over multiple elements, a rare and dangerous gift among dragons and other being at that time.


    But his most closely guarded secret was his connection to something even older, more powerful than the gods and immortals who now imed dominion over the realms.


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    Aralux knew that revealing his full power would only invite unwanted attention from these self-proimed deities, who would either seek to control him or destroy him.


    To protect both himself andter his mate, Sylvoria, he adopted the name Aralux, a shadow of his true identity, which remained hidden from all but her.


    In Sylvoria, he found a kindred spirit who shared his values of peace, understanding, and loyalty. For centuries, they lived quietly, away from the conflicts of immortals and gods.


    But even the most carefully constructed peace cannotst forever. Forces beyond their control began to stir, and Aralux knew that his secret might soon be uncovered. He feared that the quiet life he had built with Sylvoria was on the brink of copse until...


    This marked the beginning of the end of their peaceful existence...

 Chapter 157 Seraphinas Powers Emerge

    The next morning, a soft golden light filtered through the drapes, casting a warm glow on thevish bedroom. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling food wafted through the air, teasing her sensitive dragon senses awake.


    It was a morning unlike any other, and as Seraphina slowly opened her golden eyes that had a shimmer of silver like stars, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.


    The memories ofst night settled in like a pleasant dream, but this was no mere dream.


    The intimate connection she had shared with Pyris had ignited something far deeper than passion¡ªit had awoken her true self.@@novelbin@@


    The night she became a mate of her lover, a luxury not even her parents enjoyed, this came as a deration of how special her bond with Pyris was and how genuine his feelings were for her!


    As she stretched under the soft silk covers, the warmth of the bed still clinging to her skin, she felt a tingling sensation in her pussy, running along her in body, the night was indeed intense for both of them!


    Just as she prepared to climb out of bed and freshen up, her entire form shimmered, and without any effort, she transformed into her dragon form. Her silver and purple scales glistened in the sunlight, but something was different. Her scales, normally purple, were nowced with a brilliant silver, the shimmering colors blending together like the stars in the night sky.


    Her hair had turned silver too with flickering of stary light.


    Her breath hitched as she instinctively moved her hand in a wave motion, and the air seemed to respond, bowing to her will. It wasn''t just because of her mastery over the space element¡ªit was something far greater.


    Her true powers, the powers of a Star Dragon, had finally surfaced.


    "I knew this day woulde," she whispered to herself, smiling with satisfaction.


    She had known of her potential all along, thanks to the guidance of her secretive master, the Space Dragon, but today, everything felt real. No longer was she a mere princess wielding space magic¡ªshe was a true Star Dragon, one of the rarest and most powerful of her kind, but most had most forgotten the terrifying power of the star dragon.


    Their legacies and stories forgotten and casted away in the realms of forgetten times.


    Excited, Seraphina jumped from the bed, her bare feet touching the cool floor. As she moved toward the kitchen, the air itself seemed to part in her path, swirling and responding to her motions. It wasn''t work of any element¡ªit was her reign over the skies and stars. The very cosmos seemed to listen to her now.


    She glided through the halls with ease, her new powers filling her with a sense of freedom she had never known before.


    Pyris was in the kitchen, standing over kitchen counter, engrossed in preparing a meal. Dressed in a long white shirt and gentle grey pants, he wore an apron loosely tied around his waist. The smell of eggs, freshly baked bread, and sizzling bacon filled the room.


    As Seraphina entered, he didn''t need to turn¡ªhe could feel her presence.


    Smiling, she silently approached him from behind and hugged him, pressing her now-scaled chest against his back, her head resting on his shoulder.


    "Myate..." Pyris whispered affectionately, his voice low and filled with warmth. His hands gently caressed her silver-purple scaled hands that were wrapped around his torso. He turned his head slightly, kissing her cheek, savoring the warmth of her embrace.


    "Darling..." Seraphina whispered, her voice a soft, melodic purr. She kissed the side of his neck, her warm tongue tracing his skin. "I have something to tell you," she murmured between gentle kisses.


    Pyris turned around, his golden eyes meeting hers, filled with less curiosity but more affection as he already knew what his essense had done to her.


    He took in the sight of her, naked yet more radiant than ever, her dragonic beauty undeniable. The glow of her purple scales with silver star-like flecks left him momentarily breathless.


    Seraphina''s lips met his again, and they kissed, deeply, as if the world outside no longer existed. Between kisses, she tried to exin her newfound powers, but every time she opened her mouth, the desire to be close to him overwhelmed her.


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    "I''ve... I''ve finally awakened," she gasped, her words barely making it through their heated exchanges. "The true powers... the powers of a Star Dragon. I knew they were there... hidden, but now they''ve... surfaced."


    Pyris paused for a moment before he smiled, pulling her closer. His heart swelled with pride and admiration. He knew how rare the Star Dragon powers were, how they had been passed down through the most ancient of dragon lineages.


    To see Seraphina finally embracing her true self stirred something deep within him.


    [You''re Golden Dragon ability seems to grow more effective as you grow stronger, it only took one night with her to awaken her powers with your essense the same with your Shadow Nexus with Alera but it took many nights with Alexa!]


    "You''re incredible," he whispered, his hands tracing her scales, admiring thebination of her power and beauty. "And now... we''re truly bound in every way."


    Their bodies pressed together as the air around them shimmered with energy, the very elements responding to the bond between them. Pyris felt the rise of his own power, the merging of their dragon forms had unlocked something within him too¡ªsomething that had long been dormant.


    Seraphina leaned into him, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw. "We''ll conquer everything together, Pyris. The empire, the stars... everything."


    ______


    Later, at the Office...


    Pyris entered his office, his hair now a deep shade of emerald mixed with his natural white, a side effect of his newfound harmony with his earth and sand elements.


    Sitting on therge couch were five women, each eyeing him with curiosity.


    His sister, Aurelia, the death dragon, was loungingfortably with her arms crossed, an amused glint in her eyes. Alexa, with her usual yful demeanor, was the first to speak.


    "Pyris darling~~ you look different, don''t you? Mind to share?" she teased, her lips curling into a knowing smile as the other women giggled softly.


    Pyris chuckled, walking over to the couch. "Ah, that!" he replied smoothly. "I spent the night training my earth element. This," he gestured to his hair, "is the result of achieving perfect harmony with the earth!"


    He raised his hand slightly, and a soft emerald glow appeared, the color of his earth and sand element. It flickered briefly before he canceled it, sitting back with a satisfied smile. He wasn''t here to show off his elements, not today.


    Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, [To think a mating ritual with a Star Dragon would trigger such a big boost in your earth and sand elements!!]


    ''I know... and it''s hard to believe,'' Pyris thought back. Their union had unlocked something hidden within him, a surge of power he hadn''t anticipated.


    The women around him exchanged amused looks, clearly enjoying the warmth of his presence. Alexa leaned in closer, "So, how was it?" she teased again, her eyes sparkling with mischief.


    Pyris chuckled but didn''t respond. Instead, he let his gaze drift to Aurelia, who gave him a knowing smile.


    The day passed pleasantly, with the women discussing ns, sharing moments ofughter, and Alexa recounting her dream. She congratted him and Seraphina on their union, but by then, Seraphina had already returned to the pce. Before leaving, Pyris had given her a bracelet, one designed to hide her newfound powers until she was ready to reveal them.


    As the day wore on, Pyris''s thoughts shifted.

 Chapter 158 Day Before The Mission!

    Pyris sat at his desk, the weight of the mission to the Sunstone Empire pressing on his mind. He hadn''t faced many dangerous tasks in his lifetime, and this one felt different.


    The stakes were higher than ever¡ªthis mission came directly from the notorious Eclipse Syndicate, a shadowy organization with tendrils spread throughout thewless regions of the Midnight Dominion and the wholeness of the darkness lurking the Mortal Realm and the forbidden realms.


    And though Pyris was confidentz working with the Syndicate came with a unique set of risks. A single misstep could lead to his death or worse, betrayal from within his own circle. The promise of the reward, however, was far too tempting to ignore.


    The Blood Chalice was not just a goal¡ªit was a crucial piece of his grand n, one that could tip the bnce of power in his favor.


    Before he could focus entirely on the mission, he needed to make preparations. He picked up his phone and dialed his mother, Emberly Obsidian. The phone barely rang twice before her familiar, confident voice filled the room, its tone always steady,ced with authority, and tinged with an unspoken bond they shared.


    "Mother, it''s time," Pyris said, his voice calm yet purposeful. His fingers drummed lightly against the surface of his desk as he waited for her response, knowing full well that she already anticipated the reason for his call.


    "I take it you''ve decided on the mission," Emberly replied, her tone unwavering, though Pyris could sense a hint of concern woven between her words. Emberly was no stranger to dangerous dealings given her line of work and her adventurous young age back then, but even she knew that the Sunstone Empire posed unique perils for her son but she trusted it would be a great challenge and lesson for him.


    "I trust you''ll handle it well, but keep your eyes open. The Sunstone Empire isn''t as forgiving as our domains. You know what thatnd is like¡ªchaos reigns, and trust is rare." She cautioned though she knew Pyris wasn''t the kind to act with his actions first but the head, she wouldn''t be surprised if he finished it in a matter of days.


    "I know," Pyris reassured her, his tone softening slightly as he leaned back in his chair his heart soften at Emberly''s care, though his eyes remained sharp. "I''ve already put things in motion here. I''m leaving thepany in Esmeralda''s hands while I''m gone. Lizzie and Suzie will be there too, making sure everything runs smoothly. They''re prepared. But I just hope if things go south you would lend a helping hand, right my sweet mother?"


    On the other side Emberly''s heart thumped slightly but she shook off the allure of his charming voices and convincing words.


    "I will and I think... You''ve thought this through, as always," Emberly noted, her approval clear, though the underlying concern remained.


    "Just make sure you stay safe. The Sunstone Warlords are not to be underestimated, and neither is the curse that lingers in that territory. Is Mira going with you? I hope she''ll keep her usual vignce."


    "Of course," Pyris confirmed. "Mira''s right now managing a few phantoms who are tracking Ss. I want his every move monitored and reported directly to Mira. He''s been too quiettely, and I don''t want any surprises while I''m away, so Mira will be with me as soon as she''s done."


    "Talk about responsibilities," Emberly scoffed slightly at Mira''s busy schedule with her voice growing colder at the mention of Ss, the bitterness clear in her tone. "Ss has been... too quiettely. That''s never a good sign. He''s waiting for something, and I don''t like it."


    "We''ll deal with him soon enough," Pyris promised, his jaw tightening slightly. Ss had been a thorn in their side for too long, but right now, his focus had to be on the mission ahead. "But for now, my attention needs to be on this mission."


    Emberly would handle Ss should he act When Pyris'' away, he knows.@@novelbin@@


    "Take care of yourself, my son," Emberly said softly, her voice returning to its usual measured calm. "The future of our family rests on the steps you''re about to take. The Blood Chalice is crucial, but don''t underestimate the dangers of the Midnight Dominion. So be careful I don''t want you with any scratch when youe back."


    "I will be careful and you will check me yourself when I get back!" He teased but Emberly was quiet for moment.


    *Ahem* she cleared her throat, "go already!"


    With that, the call ended, and Pyris sat in silence for a moment, letting his mother''s words settle. He trusted her instincts, but he also knew that this mission was something he had to face head-on.


    There were no guarantees in the Midnight Dominion, only survival and power.


    He activated thems system to speak with Esmeralda, Lizzie, and Suzie, who were already gathered in thepany''s main conference room, waiting for further instructions.


    "Esmeralda," Pyris began, his voice carrying the same authority it always did when addressing his inner circle. "Thepany is in your hands while I''m gone. Make sure to start the early preparations theunch of ARGO VRMMORPG goes off without a hitch. No dys, no setbacks."


    Esmeralda nodded, her gaze intense, as sharp as ever. "I''ve got it covered, Boss. We''ve been preparing for thisunch for months. We''ve dyed it long enough, and now it''s time to show the mortal realm what we''ve been working on. Thisunch will make waves."


    "Exactly," Pyris said, leaning forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "This will draw out all the greedy bastards who have been watching us closely, waiting for their moment to pounce. And many more will be willing to join us, I expect Serenova family to be one of them. They won''t be able to resist."


    Stay tuned to empire


    Lizzie chimed in, her voice level but filled with concern. "We''ve already prepared the necessary security measures for theunch. But what about Ss? We know he''s been lurking in the background."


    "I will handle him," Pyris said softly not letting on so much.


    Suzie smiled brightly, her usually cheery demeanor a sharp contrast to the serious atmosphere. "Everything''s under control here, Boss. Don''t worry about us. We won''t let you down."


    Pyris allowed himself a small smile, confident in their abilities. "I know," he said simply, but the weight of his words carried his trust.


    As he prepared to leave, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught his attention. It was almost imperceptible, but there was a coldness in the air, a feeling that lingered just beneath the surface.


    Pyris brushed it aside, unaware of the shadowy figure that observed him from a distance. Someone¡ªor something¡ªwas keeping close tabs on him, watching his every move, a powerful presence lurking just beyond his senses.


    _____


    Meanwhile, across the city, Selene and her family were eagerly watching the developments surrounding the ARGOunch.


    They knew the release of the ARGO VRMMORPG would set the stage for the next power y in the mortal realm. Their eyes were on Pyris''spany, waiting for the right moment to strike.


    "Serene, I hope I will be worthy the wait!" Said a woman''s voice as she stared at the Obsidian Tech tower.


    "Of course it is mother!" Serene said softly bowing slightly to her mother.


    _____


    With everything set in motion, Pyris turned his focus back to the task at hand and called for Aurelia and Alexa to join him.


    Together with Mira, they would tackle the mission in the Sunstone Empire, leaving behind a well-orchestrated n that would either secure their dominance¡ªor unravel itpletely.


    Aurelia arrived first, her striking figure cloaked in dark dress that seemed to absorb the light around her. Her presence filled the room, an aura of death clinging to her like a second skin, cold andmanding.


    She moved with the grace of a predator, her every step calcted, and her eyes gleamed with an anticipation that was almost palpable.


    "I got your message," she said, her voice as cold as the air around her,ced with a deadly calm. "An assassination mission? Sounds like fun. It''s been too long since we''ve had a good challenge."


    Pyris nodded, appreciating her enthusiasm and the reliability she always brought to their dangerous endeavors. "We''re heading into the Midnight Dominion. It''s going to be dangerous, but we''ll be in and out before anyone knows we were there."


    Aurelia''s eyes gleamed brighter at the mention of danger. "Sounds like my kind of mission."


    Before they could delve further into the details, the door opened again, and Alexa stepped inside, her expression one of steely determination.


    "Whatever you need, I''m in," Alexa said, her voice firm, though Pyris could sense the slight undercurrent of doubt she was working hard to suppress.


    Pyris smiled at the sight of the two women, both of whom he trusted implicitly. They had been through thick and thin together, and he knew they would have his back in the perilous journey ahead. "Good. We leave at dawn."


    As the three of them sat down to go over the finer points of the mission, Pyris knew deep down that this was the beginning of something muchrger.


    The Eclipse Syndicate was powerful, and if they seeded in this mission, the Blood Chalice would finally be within reach.


    But first, General Kassius had to die, and the arcane gauntlet had to be retrieved.


    The Midnight Dominion awaited....


    *******


    How was this chapter?? Are you guys anticipating the conquering of Emberly the way I''m anticipating it? And are you ready for the first appearance of gods?

 Chapter 159 The Shadowy Eyes!

    The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the academy grounds as Pyris made his final rounds before his impending departure.


    The air felt thick with theing night, the sky bathed in hues of purple and gold. His footsteps echoed softly, blending with the faint rustle of leaves, the murmur of distant students, and the quiet hum of the academy''s day drawing to a close.


    Power radiated subtly from Pyris, though it remained cloaked, hidden beneath his calm exterior. The Dragon Empire, and indeed the academy itself, would soon miss his presence.@@novelbin@@


    First, he made his way to the academy''s grand library, a towering structure filled with ancient knowledge. Inside, waiting amidst the endless rows of books, was Madeline, the enchanting librarian whose allure was matched only by her intelligence.


    Their encounters had always been passionate, and today was no exception.


    The tension between them simmered beneath the surface, and it wasn''t long before the two found themselves caught in each other''s arms, lost between the towering bookshelves. After an hour of intense closeness, the air around them seemed warmer, the scent of old parchment mingling with the lingering heat of their shared intimacy.


    Pyris straightened his clothes, his fingers deftly brushing a stray lock of hair from Madeline''s face as shey sprawled across therge oak desk, a satisfied smile ying at the corners of her lips. She seemedpletely at ease, her eyes half-lidded in the afterglow of their time together.


    "Madeline," Pyris said softly, his voice low but filled with affection and a hint serious as he whispered in the elongated ears of the half-elf. "I won''t be around for a while. I have... matters to attend to."


    Madeline''s violet eyes fluttered open, a haze of their intimate encounter still clouding her vision. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voiceced with curiosity and concern.


    Pyris bent down, his lips brushing softly against her forehead. "You''ll find out soon enough," he whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But I hope you''re ready to fully embrace what we have when I get back!"


    With that, he bid her goodbye, leaving the library with a lingering sense of bittersweet finality. Their rtionship, always intense and fleeting, was a reminder of the sacrifices that came with their hidden affair she wasn''t willing to announce for others to know just yet given his status.


    ____


    His next stop was Arabe, his beautiful and dangerous teacher, whose fiery spirit had always drawn him in. Her yful attitude made their training sessions as exhrating as they were challenging.


    He found her in the training yard, bathed in the dim light of the setting sun. Her long hair, wild and untamed, swayed in the evening breeze as she practiced herbat forms, her sword moving with deadly precision ready to creave through anything.


    "Late, as usual," Arabe teased, her back still turned to him. She spun around, her sword gleaming in the fading sunlight, her eyes sharp but yful.


    "Some things never change," Pyris replied with a smirk, stepping into the training circle.


    Their des met with a resounding sh, and the air between them crackled with energy, this was the better way of greeting between them.


    Every strike and parry was measured, each movement a dance of skill and tension. Arabe''s sharp movements matched his perfectly, but beneath their yful exchange, there was something more¡ªsomething unspoken that had been growing between them.


    As the session drew to a close, Pyris saw his opening. With a sudden move, he stepped in close, catching Arabe off guard. His lips found hers, pressing firmly against them.


    For a moment, Arabe froze, her body rigid with surprise. But then, slowly, she melted into the kiss, her lips softening as she kissed him back.


    But just as Arabe began to fully respond, Pyris pulled away, his eyes lingering on hers for a heartbeat longer than usual.


    "Goodbye, Arabe," he whispered, his voice filled with both finality and something deeper, something he could not yet name.


    She stared at him, breathless and confused, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to regain herposure. "You keep me on the edge, Pyris," she murmured, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the confusion in her eyes.


    Pyris had stolen more than just a kiss¡ªhe was stealing a part of her heart slowly.


    Without another word, Pyris turned and left the training yard, his mind already focused on the mission ahead. Arabe watched him go, her eyes narrowing slightly, wondering why he had been absent from the academy for so long and where he was heading next.


    As always, Pyris left her with more questions than answers.


    On his way out of the academy, Pyris passed the office of Selera Moonveil, the brilliant moon elf who oversaw much of the academy''s operations. Through the window, he could see her, deep in concentration, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders as she meticulouslybed through stacks of paperwork.


    As if sensing his presence, Selera''s eyes lifted from her work, their gazes locking through the ss. A moment passed between them then Pyris nodded, a silent farewell, and Selera responded with a faint, almost imperceptible nod before turning back to her work.


    Evening arrived swiftly, and Pyris finally made his way back to his estate.


    The vast grounds were quiet, the helipad illuminated by soft lights as Alexa and Aurelia stood waiting for him. Alexa, ever the fiery presence, smiled warmly as he approached, her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.


    Aurelia, his sister and trusted ally, stood by with her arms crossed, her expression as unreadable as ever, but her eyes sparkled with a knowing glint.


    "You''rete," Aurelia teased, her voice carrying the same sarcastic edge Pyris had grown used to.


    "But I''m right on time," Pyris countered, his lips curving into a familiar smirk. It was a game they yed often, but beneath the teasing, there was a bond that ran deeper than words.


    Mira, the enigmatic leader of the Phantom squad, was already seated in the pilot''s chair of the helicopter, her hands firmly on the controls.


    Mira''s cold, stoic demeanor never ceased to unnerve those around her, but Pyris had long since be ustomed to her presence. She rarely spoke unless necessary, but her loyalty was unwavering.


    "Everything''s ready," Mira said, her voice t, never turning around to address the others.


    The women weed Pyris into the helicopter, their conversations light butced with an undercurrent of tension. Each of them knew the stakes.


    They were heading to the Midnight Dominion, specifically the war-torn and chaotic region of the Sunstone Empire. It was a ce wherews held no meaning, where only the strongest survived, and where power was the only currency.


    Pyris knew this would be a test unlike any they had faced before, but he trusted his team implicitly.


    As the helicopter''s des began to whir to life, cutting through the evening air, Pyris cast onest look at his estate, his home, before stepping inside.


    The journey ahead would be perilous, filled with unknowns, but Pyris felt the familiar rush of excitement, the anticipation of what was toe. With his most trustedpanions by his side, they were ready.


    Unbeknownst to them, however, a shadowy figure watched their departure from a distance. Someone had leaked Pyris''s ns, and in the darkened halls of the vampire courts, Ss was already preparing his own countery.

 Chapter 160 Queen Of Shadows!

    New Arc: Hidden Within The Dragon Empire!


    The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays through the dense trees of the Grove. Alera stood in a clearing, surrounded by towering ancient trees whose branches twisted and turned like the very shadows that danced beneath them.


    The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, her heart pounding as she prepared for her training.


    Pyris had assigned one of the phantoms to keep watch over her, a flickering presence at the edge of her awareness, providing bothfort and security which wasn''t certain she needed.


    She could feel its energy swirling around her like a shroud, a reminder that she was not alone in this endeavor. However, the phantom''s presence was also a nudge, urging her to push her limits, she desired the power phantomsmanded and she wanted to have more, to surpasse them.


    With a determined breath, Alera reached deep within herself, summoning the shadows that responded eagerly to her call. The air around her vibrated withtent power as she began her hunt.


    As she stepped deeper into the Grove, Alera felt the shadows wrapping around her, almost alive. With every step, she honed her senses, attuning them to the rhythm of the darkness surrounding her, her control over the Living Shadows was growing exponentially.


    Her mind focused on the task at hand: finding the corrupted beasts that roamed these woods.


    Soon enough, she spotted the first beast¡ªan enormous rank 10 creature, its body twisted and grotesque, formed from dark tendrils and glowing purple eyes.@@novelbin@@


    It was a corrupted wolf, infused with the essence of the darkness element. Alera kept a low-key, using her shadows to meld with the underbrush, making her almost invisible. The wolf sniffed the air, its nostrils ring as it searched for the source of its unease.


    Alera sprang into action.


    She unleashed a tendril of shadow that shot out like a bolt, wrapping around the beast''s throat, with her living shadows, her shadows were always tangible. The wolf let out a guttural growl, struggling against her grip, she could feel the core pulsing within it¡ªa warm, vibrant energy calling to her.


    "Calm down," she whispered, channeling her power into the shadows as thier gossque hands pierced the wolf''s body.


    With a swift motion, she absorbed the core without killing the beast, feeling a surge of energy course through her, she could feel her core pulse with the addition of more power.


    The wolf''s growls softened to whimpers as the darkness within it merged with her essence, boosting her powers slightly.


    "First one down," she muttered, a satisfied smile creeping across her lips.


    With each encounter, Alera''s confidence grew. She hunted more corrupted beasts, each one providing her with a different essence to absorb. A sleek ck panther, shrouded in shadows, fell prey to her abilities next.


    Its core, infused with the space element, exploded with energy as she drained it, sending a shiver of delight down her spine.


    "Could I get used to this?" sheughed, the thrill of the hunt igniting a fire within her.


    But boredom crept in as she dispatched yet another beast. She could hear the faint whispers of her shadow army, calling out for release. It was time to unleash them.


    Alera closed her eyes, feeling the pull of her army within the necromancy shadows.


    "Come forth!" shemanded, a wave of her hand summoning the shadows to reveal their true forms.


    ___


    The first to emerge was the once Sanguine Bloodshed, now known as Shadowshed. The creature was a powerful shadow being no longer resembling anything it was once, its form cloaked in dark tendrils that flickered like candle mes.


    Only its growing red eyes were visible, glowing with an intensity that spoke of its hunger and strength. The air grew thick with Shadowshed''s presence, a palpable aura that radiated authority and danger.


    "Wee back, Shadowshed," Alera said, a sense of pride swelling within her as she regarded her creation. "Let''s make some noise."


    Next, she summoned the corrupted wyvern they had fought together¡ªits presence was formidable. The wyvern emerged from the shadows, its scales a deep, haunting ck with an ominous dark mist sipping out of it''s scales, eyes glowing with an ominous light.


    This creature had once been a formidable foe, but now it was hers tomand.


    As the two generals stood before her, the atmosphere shifted. The shadows pulsated around them, swirling with anticipation. Even the lesser shadow beasts shrank back in fear, recognizing the power radiating from Alera''s summoned generals.


    "Together, we will dominate," Alera dered, her voice echoing with authority.


    Alera wasn''t finished yet. She had more ns for her training, and it was time to expand her forces. She reached deep into the abyss of her powers, summoning more of her shadow army.


    One by one, they emerged from the depths of her shadows, their forms shifting and morphing, each more intimidating than thest.


    Two new beasts stepped forward, they had taken shapes that resonated with the essence of their souls, this was another breakthrough of her necromancy.


    They stood on all fours, with a semnce of the creatures they once were, but now they were cloaked in darkness, their hollow eyes glowing with a vivid purple light.


    "We shall call you Dread and Torment," she said, a wicked grin spreading across her face. Their forms shifted, each movement exuding an air of authority. The shadows around them pulsated, a visual representation of their strength and the fear they inspired.


    Alera could feel the power flowing through her, knowing that her necromancer abilities were growing stronger by the moment. "Look at you both," she said, admiration spilling from her words. "You''ve taken the shapes of your souls. Now, let''s see what you can do."


    The shadows writhed in response to hermand, a testament to her growing connection with her army. The energy surged around her, and Alera knew that they were ready for anything.


    With a flick of her wrist, Alera directed her army toward the deeper parts of the Grove, where the more powerful corrupted beasts lurked.


    She could sense their energies mingling with the darkness, eager for a chance to prove their worth.


    As they moved, Alera felt the excitement build within her. Each step was a dance of shadows and power, a symphony of dark death energy that pulsed in time with her heartbeat. Shadowshed led the charge, with Dread and Torment nking Alera on either side.


    Soon, they encountered another corrupted beast¡ªa massive, rank 13 shadowy bear, its form nearly twice Alera''s height. The beast roared, a sound that shook the very ground beneath them.


    The air crackled with tension as Alera prepared for battle.


    "Shadowshed, you first!" shemanded.


    Shadowshed sprang forward, a blur of darkness as it lunged at the bear, wrapping its tendrils around the beast''s massive paw. The bear fought back, thrashing wildly, but the shadows held firm.


    "Dread, Torment, nk it!" Alera shouted, directing her other beasts with precision.


    As Dread and Torment moved in tandem, the shadows around them shimmered, creating a web of darkness that ensnared the bear. With each passing moment, the creature became more and more entangled, unable to escape the grip of Alera''s growing army.


    "Now, absorb its core!" Aleramanded. Shadowshed, obeying without hesitation, sunk its fangs into the bear, draining its essence until the creature fell silent.


    As the bear''s core pulsed with energy, Alera felt the familiar thrill of power surge through her but this time, although she could feel it moving through her, the power was improving Shadowshed.


    "More!" she called out, her voice echoing through the Grove. The shadows around her surged with excitement, and her army responded with vigor.


    With her generals leading the charge, Alera unleashed wave after wave of shadows upon the remaining corrupted beasts, each encounter reinforcing her strength.


    The Grove transformed into a battleground, shadows dancing wildly as they fought under Alera''smand.


    She felt invincible, her heart pounding with the rhythm of battle. The connection with her shadows and shadow army deepened, and she knew that together they were bing an unstoppable force.


    As thest of the corrupted beasts fell, Alera stood amidst the remnants of battle, her army around her. They were more than shadows; they were her allies, her soldiers, and together they had forged a bond stronger than ever before.


    Alera''s breath came in steady gasps as she surveyed the scene.


    "Today was just the beginning," she whispered, feeling a sense of fulfillment wash over her. The shadows flickered around her in agreement, and she knew that her powers would only continue to grow.


    But apart from the phantom, Alera wasn''t alone in the Grove, something lurked in the background.


    *******


    Guys let''s show some love!

 Chapter 161 Portal Stations.

    The helicopter lifted smoothly from the helipad, its white exterior gleaming under the soft light of the Dragon Empire''s twilight sky. Pyris leaned back into his seat, his hand resting gently on Alexa, who was curled up against his chest.


    The golden strands of her hair shimmered in the fading light, and her Divine presence seemed to wrap them both in a protective cocoon.


    The mission to the Sunstone Empire demanded his full attention, and the stakes were higher than ever.


    Alexa shifted slightly, her head resting morefortably against Pyris''s shoulder, her eyes half-closed. Though her presence was calm, Pyris knew she harbored her own burdens¡ªfamily troubles she had yet to fully confide in him.


    Whatever they were nning, she kept them at bay, not wanting to involve him until absolutely necessary. Pyris stroked her hair gently, his fingers moving with a blend of grace, affection, and understanding.


    But his thoughts wandered back to the task ahead.


    The helicopter''s des cut through the clouds, Mira guiding the craft with her usual precision. Pyris nced out the window as they soared above the quiet expanse of the Dragon Empire, its sprawling cities and lushndscapes soon disappearing beneath the thickyer of clouds.


    Their destination loomed ahead¡ªthe Spatial Station. These stations were marvels of modern technology, each one a gateway to distantnds. Built by space-awakened mages, these powerful constructs allowed for near-instantaneous travel across vast distances.


    The portals housed within them were a testament to the cutting-edgebination of arcane mastery and engineering brilliance.


    _____


    A Spatial Station was no ordinary ce.


    It represented the apex of the realm''s technological advancements, capable of reducing what would normally be months of travel into mere moments. Given the size of the empires, it would even take weeks or a month by car to cross the dragon empire to another one.


    Constructed by those with the ability to bend and manipte space itself¡ªspace-awakened and witches with technology¡ªthese stations housed portals that could bridge the gaps between empires and continents in an instant.


    Each portal was an intricate web of arcane energy, woven with spatial magic that bent reality and distance.


    These stations were a lifeline for empires, facilitating trade, diplomacy, and the swift movement of military forces when necessary. Without the portals, long journeys would be treacherous, requiring travel by air, sea, or through dangerous wilderness.


    The ability to travel great distances at the blink of an eye gave the ruling families and their empires an insurmountable advantage over those who could not afford ess.


    The Obsidian family, Pyris''s own, was deeply tied to these advancements.


    Obsidian Tech, his family''s sprawling corporation, had long been at the forefront of portal innovation. Their expertise in portal construction had cemented their dominance in the Dragon Empire and beyond. In fact, his family owned several of these Spatial Stations, ensuring their control over critical travel routes and ess points.


    As the helicopter began its descent, the Spatial Station came into view.


    It was a colossal structure, shimmering under the moonlight, its intricate design reminiscent of ancient temples but pulsing with futuristic energy. The crowd below, unaware of the VVIP arrival, bustled about the station, preparing for their journeys across realms. Merchants, adventurers, nobles, andmoners alike gathered at the public portals, awaiting their turns.


    However, Pyris and hispanions had no need to wait. A private escort awaited them, and they were swiftly led through a discreet entrance, avoiding the throngs of travelers.


    Pyris''s departure was to remain under the radar. Though he could travel openly, announcing his movements was never wise¡ªespecially given the number of enemies House Obsidian had lurking in the shadows.


    Once inside, the scale of the station became even more apparent.


    Halls of gleaming marble and glowing crystal stretched as far as the eye could see, with portals arranged in levels. Whilemoners had to endure lower-tier portals with their rough, turbulent rides, the wealthy and powerful enjoyed smoother, more sophisticated travel experiences.


    Not all portals were created equal. The lower-level portals, avable to the masses, were prone to turbulence¡ªsmall tears in the fabric of space that caused brief moments of difort, disorientation, or even minor injuries.


    These lower-tier portals, while functional, often left travelers exhausted and disoriented, with the asional glitch sending them off course.


    By contrast, the elite portals, such as the one Pyris was about to use, were entirely different.


    Designed with cutting-edge technology and refined spatial magic, these high-level portals offered seamless transitions between realms. The shimmering arcane energy that fueled them was stabilized by powerful mana cores, ensuring a smooth and effortless journey.


    Those who passed through elite portals would barely feel the shift between space, stepping from one empire to the next as if walking through a mere doorway.


    These portals were reserved for the ruling elite¡ªthe powerful families who controlled entire sectors of the economy and military.


    For Pyris, his family, and his corporation, such luxuries were a given.


    As they approached the portal, Pyris nced at hispanions¡ªAlexa, still by his side, Aurelia, calm and calcting as always, and Mira, her face expressionless but her eyes sharp. Each of them gave him a silent nod, their readiness evident.


    They arrived at the station''s private portal, a grand construct that shimmered with a blue and silver glow. The air around it hummed with barely-contained power, the arcane runes inscribed around its edges flickering as they adjusted to the ambient energy.


    A robotic operator awaited their arrival.


    The robot was an elegant creation, a masterpiece of both mechanical engineering and magical enhancement.


    Its sleek, humanoid form moved with grace, each joint and limb covered in a smooth, silver-ted exterior.


    Its head, crowned with glowing optical sensors, scanned the arriving party with precise intelligence, capable of processingplex instructions in the blink of an eye. Designed with an intelligence on par with the average human, these robots could perform a variety of tasks¡ªfrom portal management to security¡ªwithout hesitation or error.


    The robot bowed slightly upon recognizing Pyris, its movements fluid and almost human-like. In its hand, it held an elementless mana core, a rare and powerful energy source capable of activating the most advanced portals.


    The core itself pulsed faintly, its neutral energy capable of being shaped into any arcane purpose.


    "Portal activation in progress," the robot stated, its voice smooth and devoid of emotion. It moved to the portal''s core, carefully inserting the mana core into the control console.


    The portal shimmered to life, its surface glowing brightly as the spatial energy stabilized. The hum of the portal grew louder for a moment before settling into a steady, rhythmic pulse.@@novelbin@@


    With the portal now active, Pyris turned to hispanions onest time. "Ready?" he asked.


    Each of them gave a nod. They had faced danger before, and they were prepared to do so again. Pyris gestured at the operator, signaling the go-ahead.


    With a final bow, the robot stepped aside, leaving the shimmering portal open for them to enter.


    Without hesitation, the four of them stepped into the portal. The world around them blurred for a brief second, the sensation of shifting between realms smooth and seamless.


    A rush of cool air met them on the other side, signaling their arrival in the Sunstone Empire, where danger and opportunity awaited.


    *****


    We might go deeper into this: portal stations and other advancements if need be!

 Chapter 162 Gods of Midnight Dominion!

    As Pyris and hispanions stepped through the shimmering portal, the world around them shifted. In an instant, they found themselves inside a small mansion, its exterior appearing weathered and abandoned.


    Outside, vines crept along the walls, and the paint had long since chipped away, giving it the look of a forgotten relic. Yet, as you moved inside, the true nature of the mansion revealed itself¡ªgleaming with life and opulence, it was a secret base of House Obsidian, meticulously maintained and hidden from prying eyes.


    Luxurious furniture adorned the rooms, with state-of-the-art surveince and magical wards ensuring their safety.


    Pyris knew they would be safe here, but time was of the essence.


    Before they could carry out their mission, they needed to fully understand theplexndscape of the Sunstone Empire, especially the dangerous region known as the Midnight Dominion, where their target, General Kassius, resided.


    _____


    As they settled into the room, Mira stepped forward. Her cold demeanor softened slightly as she took in the faces of herpanions. This was  their first dangerous mission, and she knew the importance of preparation, proper discussion and briefing.


    "The Sunstone Empire," Mira began, her voice clear and calm, "is unlike any ce we''ve ever been where we know peace. It''s a crumbling giant¡ªstill dangerous, still powerful in some ways, but riddled with instability."


    Aurelia leaned back against the couch, crossing her arms. "Sounds like a perfect ce to get caught in the crossfire of a thousand factions."


    "That''s exactly the problem," Mira replied, nodding. "You have to understand, the social structure of the Sunstone Empire is broken. The Emperor is nothing more than a figurehead at this point, clinging to old traditions. His power barely extends beyond the capital, which is the Midnight Dominion."


    Alexa, who had been silently listening, tilted her head. "The Midnight Dominion? That''s the capital?"


    Mira shook her head. "Not just the capital¡ªit''s the most notorious ce in the empire. The Dominion serves as the heart of the Sunstone Empire''s corruption and decay. It''s ruled by warlords, mercenaries, and criminal syndicates.


    "Each faction is vying for control, and the Midnight Dominion is where they all collide. Think of it as the dark, twisted version of a capital¡ªawless hub of power."


    Aurelia let out a low chuckle. "Sounds like home."


    Pyris, listening intently, nodded. "So the Emperor doesn''t control it anymore?" Your next chapter awaits on empire


    "No," Mira continued, "the Emperor is more of a symbol than a ruler. The nobility, remnants of the once-powerful Sunstone Houses, still cling to their titles, but in reality, the warlords are the ones in charge now. The empire is fractured. Everyone''s grabbing for power, and General Kassius¡ªour target¡ªis one of the most dangerous among them."


    "So we''re diving into a political nightmare," Pyrismented, his tone thoughtful.


    "Exactly," Mira replied. "Politically, the empire is in chaos. The warlords control different parts of the empire through military strength, and Kassius is one of the most formidable. He''s about lead a rebellion against the Emperor, aiming to overthrow him and take control of the empire himself. He''s gained a lot of support because people see the Emperor as weak."


    Alexa leaned forward. "But if Kassius overthrows the Emperor, won''t he just be another warlord?"


    Pyris nodded. "He could. But Kassius is different¡ªhe''s not just another power-hungry leader. He has the backing of powerful cursed warriors, which makes him almost untouchable."


    Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Cursed warriors? Like undead?"


    "Yes and no," Mira confirmed. "Kassius controls an army of cursed warriors¡ª but not entirely undead soldiers bound to him by an arcane gauntlet he wears. They''re incredibly difficult to kill and serve him without question. The gauntlet is the key to his power. Without it, the cursed warriors would fall into disarray."


    Pyris''s gaze sharpened. "So if we will take the gauntlet and we will cripple his army."


    "Exactly," Mira said. "That''s our mission. Infiltrate the Midnight Dominion, eliminate Kassius, and retrieve the gauntlet. But it won''t be easy. The Dominion is heavily fortified, and Kassius has surrounded himself with powerful mages and mercenaries. We''ll need to be careful¡ªsubtle. No rms, no witnesses."


    Mira didn''t mention another thing, the general has been quiet for some time, telling the girls that might lead them to slightly drop their guard down.


    Alexa frowned slightly. "But if he''s in the middle of a rebellion, won''t people notice if he disappears?"


    "They might," Mira admitted. "But the rebellion has so many moving parts, no one will know for sure what happened to him. We can make it look like an internal conflict, an assassination by one of his own men, or maybe sabotage by a rival faction."


    Pyris had caught the underlying loopholes in the mission, it stated the mission should be a quiet one, but they never said it shouldn''t be shy; the quietness meant, the death of the general should not be linked to the main force who gave this mission to the Eclipse Syndicate!


    ___


    Pyris rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And the economy of the empire? How are people surviving in all this chaos?"


    "The economy has taken a massive hit," Mira exined. "Trade routes have copsed, resources are scarce, and most of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of the warlords. The ck market thrives, especially in the Midnight Dominion. If you need something¡ªillegal goods, weapons, ves, rare artifacts¡ªthat''s the ce to find it. The Eclipse Syndicate, as you know, controls most of these ck markets."


    Aurelia smirked. "Sounds like a good ce to make a fortune if you''re unscrupulous enough."


    Mira nced at her. "Exactly. That''s why we have to be extra careful. The economy here isn''t built on trust or stability¡ªit''s built on deals made in dark alleys and backed by a knife to the throat."


    Alexa shuddered. "It''s hard to believe a ce like that still functions."@@novelbin@@


    Mira sighed. "Barely. Themoners are the ones suffering the most. They live in fear, caught between the ambitions of the warlords and the rebellion. Many have turned to crime, while others just try to survive. For them, this is life now¡ªconstant instability."


    Hearing this, Pyris felt an opportunity for his family bussineses, all he had to do was attach himself with the ruling forces, or be one of the ruling forces and given what he was capable of, gf could achieve either of the two without much problems.


    [Pyris ces like these tend to attract the attention of gods and immortal!] Lia cried out in a eerie whisper to him.


    Pyris interjected as he Lia whispered to him. "And the religious aspect? Who do they turn to for hope?"


    It was a well-known fact in the mortal realm that gods held sway here in the Mortal Realm¡ªthe treacherous waters Pyris had yet to explore.


    The gods were worshiped across Argos, the maind of the mortal realm, and beyond.


    But such matters were something he chose to avoid, at least until he was powerful enough to contend with them.


    Take the Dragon Empire, for instance; they revered the mighty Zorynthar, the Dragon God.


    "Traditionally, the Sunstone Empire worshiped Heris, the Sun God," Mira exined. "But as the empire decayed, the temples to Heris, have fallen into ruin. The priests are nomadic now, offering blessings where they can, but most people don''t believe the Sun God is listening anymore."


    "Heris, the Sun god," Alexa murmured. "It makes sense they''d abandon him in times like this."


    "Exactly," Mira said. "In his ce, people have turned to the Dark Pantheon, a rumored group of gods associated with death, war, and rebellion. In the Midnight Dominion, worship of these dark gods has grown strong. There are rumors that General Kassius himself has made a pact with these gods to control his cursed warriors."


    Aurelia''s eyes sparkled with interest. "A pact with dark gods? That''s how he''s controlling them?"


    "It''s a possibility," Mira replied. "But the real controles from the arcane gauntlet. That''s what binds the cursed warriors to him, and that''s what we need to take from him." It was possible the gods he worshiped gave him these gauntlets but direct involvement of the said gods was still debatable!


    [What''s their n?] Lia asked herself... maybe she knew about these gods?


    Pyris leaned back, his mind processing the information. "So, to sum it up: Kassius is leading a rebellion, controlling an army of cursed warriors with an arcane gauntlet, and we need to infiltrate his base in the Midnight Dominion, kill him, and retrieve the gauntlet. All while avoiding detection. Anything to do with gods, it''s none of our businesses until I say it is."


    Mira nodded. "That''s the mission." She too felt that they shouldn''t overstep into businesses to do with gods, of there were chances to avoid them, it was better to do that.


    Alexa nced at Pyris, her eyes filled with concern. "And no one else can know about it before the mission is aplished. If we fail, or if word gets out, the consequences could be catastrophic. The entire bnce of power in the Sunstone Empire could copse." That wouldn''t be their problem unless their identifies werepromised, but it meant they had failed their mission and he won''t get the information on the Blood Chalice!


    Pyris''s gaze hardened. "Then we don''t fail. We go in, get the job done, and leave before anyone knows we were even there."


    Aurelia stood, stretching her arms. "Sounds simple enough. When do we start?"


    Mira gave a thin smile. "Soon. But first, we need to review our infiltration n. Kassius isn''t just going to hand over the gauntlet."


    Pyris rose from his seat, his eyes shing with determination. "Let''s get to work."


    *******


    We''re soon stepping into the treacherous waters, are you ready?

 Chapter 163 Chaotic Dominion Descent!

    As Pyris, under his Petne Chaos identity, and Mira stepped out into the night of the Midnight Dominion, they immediately felt the tension in the air. The streets were thick with an unnatural energy, the kind that promised danger at every turn. The curfew, while officially enforced in the whole midnight dominion by the general, was little more than a suggestion in certain parts of the Dominion.


    Here, in the underbelly of a city dominated by warlords and criminals, rules existed only for those too weak to break them.


    "This ce," Pyris muttered, his voice low as they walked, "it''s on the edge ofplete copse."


    Mira, her eyes always sharp, scanned the area as they moved. "Lawless cities like this are only ever one spark away from burning. Kassius controls it, sure, but barely. The people obey out of fear, not loyalty." It seemed like Kassius''s rule here was holding onto the city from dropping intopletewlessness.


    They turned a corner, slipping into the heart of one of the less patrolled districts, where the curfew meant nothing. The streets were still alive with activity. Casinos and bars thrummed with energy, their neon signs flickering in the gloom.


    Even thiste, patrons spilled out of the buildings, drunk or high on illicit substances, shouting andughing like the threat of death wasn''t looming over them with every breath.


    "You''d think with Kassius''s forces patrolling the streets, this kind of chaos wouldn''t fly," Pyris said, his tone carrying a hint of indifference as they passed a group of drunken gamblers stumbling out of a casino.


    Mira smirked. "People like these don''t fear just Kassius¡ªthey fear his cursed warriors. And most of them are too drunk or high to care. This is the only life they know, Pyris. Most of them are just trying to survive the day."


    Mira wasn''t too alien to this kind of life, she had loamed the world long enough.


    Ahead of them, the unmistakable sound of a fight broke out. Two awakened mages were locked in a duel in the middle of the street, their fists crackling with raw magic. One sent a whip of fire magic surging from his hands, mming into the other, who deflected it with a wave of energy that caused nearby windows to shatter. Spectators gathered around, cheering and cing bets on who would emerge victorious.


    "They''re gonna kill each other," Pyris muttered in amusement, watching as one of the mages took a punch that sent him sprawling onto the cobblestone street, smoke rising from his scorched robes.


    "Not our problem," Mira replied. "This ce thrives on chaos. Step in, and you''ll have to fight the whole crowd."


    They slipped past the fighting mages, the air thick with the scent of ozone from their magic. As they ventured deeper, thewlessness of the Dominion became even more apparent.


    In the alleyways, thieves lurked, eyeing anyone who passed with greedy intent. A group of mercenaries openly haggled over the price of a contract to kill someone in the next district.


    Some stupid thief tried their luck with Pyris and Mira but was turned into meat paste in an instant by Mira, she didn''t even stop in her stride.


    Nearby, a ver was trying to unload a group of captives to a shadowy figure who seemed far too interested in the price.


    "This is what happens when the Empire loses control," Pyris whispered, shaking his head. "Kassius allows this?"


    Mira''s eyes flicked to a pair of guards up ahead. "Kassius doesn''t care about order in these parts. All he wants is to keep control of the city''s key points. The bars, brothels, casinos¡ªthey all pay tribute to him or one of his lieutenants. The streets are a free-for-all as long as no one interferes with his ns."


    They moved swiftly through the dark alleys, the chaos of the Dominion swirling around them. Awakened individuals shed in the distance, while others conducted shady business deals in the shadows.


    Despite the apparentwlessness, Pyris and Mira noticed that the farther they moved toward the core of the city, the more present Kassius''s soldiers became.


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed as they dodged another patrol, slipping into a small, dim alley to avoid detection. "His grip is stronger near the center," Pyris observed. "But out here, it''s like the wilds."


    Mira nodded. "The closer we get to the heart of his operations, the more control he exerts. He doesn''t care what happens in the fringes¡ªhe only keeps order where it matters. But even here, his influence is felt."


    As they pressed on, Pyris''s sharp eyes caught the telltale signs of cursed warriors in the distance.@@novelbin@@


    Each patrol had at least one of them¡ªa real person, twisted and corrupted by the arcane gauntlet Kassius wielded. The cursed warriors marched in perfect step with the others, but their movements were different¡ªunnaturally precise, robotic even.


    "You see that?" Mira pointed out, watching one of the cursed soldiers carefully. "They''re not like the others. Kassius controls thempletely. They''re just extensions of his will now."


    Pyris studied the cursed warrior''s armor. Unlike the regr guards, who wore worn, dented te armor, the cursed warriors were dressed in ck, rune-inscribed armor that radiated dark magic. The blue glow of their eyes was a clear sign that their minds no longer belonged to them. They followed the general''s will through the arcane gauntlet, bound to obey hismands without question.


    These soldiers were once human, but the gauntlet''s magic had twisted their loyalty into something far darker.


    "Their armor''s different too," Pyris noted. "They''re stronger, faster¡ªKassius really does have this city locked down if he''s using these cursed warriors for patrols instead of the imperial army."


    Mira nodded. "The empire doesn''t have any real presence here anymore. Kassius has reced them with his own forces, and that includes these¡­ things. Even the regr soldiers only follow him because they fear him. This isn''t just a city on the edge of chaos¡ªit''s a powder keg."


    Find more chapters on empire


    They continued moving, weaving through the maze of streets and avoiding the heavy patrols. Pyris''s shadow magic made it easy for him to melt into the darkness, slipping past the guards undetected. His form blended seamlessly with the shadows cast by the crumbling buildings, his presence nearly impossible to sense for the untrained eye.


    Mira, with her phantom abilities, was even more elusive. Her connection to the void allowed her to fade from sight, her presence so faint it was like she didn''t exist at all. Even the cursed warriors, with their heightened senses, wouldn''t notice her as she moved like a wraith through the night.


    Finally, after dodging several more patrols and witnessing the extent of the Dominion''swlessness, they arrived at Kassius''s fortress. The fortress loomed above them, a monstrous castle of stone and steel. Massive walls, towering above the surrounding city, were reinforced with thick iron and covered in arcane runes.


    "This is where things get tricky," Mira whispered. "There are magical sensors everywhere. One wrong step, and we''ll set off rms."


    Pyris studied the towering structure, his eyes narrowing. "Can you see the sensors there?" He pointed out.


    Mira gave a small smile. "I can. The air around the fortress is charged with magic. There are wards woven into the walls themselves¡ªif anyone tries to break through by force or with magic, they''ll know."


    Pyris clenched his jaw. "We''ll have to be careful when the timees. Kassius isn''t taking any chances. This ce is a fortress within a fortress."


    They observed the castle for a while longer, mapping out the guard rotations and noting weak points in the patrols. But the magical defenses were going to be their biggest challenge. As they finished their reconnaissance, Pyris turned to Mira.


    "Let''s head back," he said. "We''ve seen enough for tonight. We need to craft a n."


    Mira nodded in agreement, and the two slipped back into the night, retracing their steps with practiced precision.


    She had noticed certain sluggishness in the security, ''was it because of the whispers of the general''s absence?'' she wondered. Perhaps it was true that the general wasn''t so active, maybe he had travelled?


    _____


    They moved through the chaos of the Midnight Dominion as though they were part of the shadows themselves. By the time they reached the secret base, Pyris''s mind was already racing with the ns they needed to make.


    "We''ll strike soon," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I don''t want to linger here longer than necessary. I''ve got the ARGO VRMMORPGunch back home to deal with." But the real issue was the Blood Chalice.


    Mira smirked. "You''re handling a rebellion andunching a virtual reality empire at the same time. Quite the bncing act, Young Lord Pyris."


    Pyris gave a small smile. "You know how I operate. One thing at a time. Kassius first, then theunch."


    As they returned to the safety of their mansion base, Pyris knew the mission was just beginning. The chaos of the Midnight Dominion was only a prelude to what wasing. The real challengey ahead¡ªinside Kassius''s fortress.


    Meanwhile, in the Dragon Empire, a storm was brewing. Ss had started acting.

 Chapter 164 Alera Vs Eternal Void!

    As Alera continued her rigorous training, pushing her necromantic and shadow abilities to new limits, she remained blissfully unaware of the ancient, omnipotent gaze that had been watching her for some time. The being observing her was far beyond theprehension of mortals, its presence hidden within the void.


    Yet, the void itself seemed to be alive with her¡ªan endless abyss of dark energy that existed both within and outside of the current ne of reality.


    The eyes of the being were vast and all-epassing, like twin ck suns that burned with an ancient knowledge. They did not merely see Alera¡ªthey observed her essence, her soul, her potential. The entire world bent in submission to these eyes, allowing them to peer into dimensions unseen by mortal eyes. Time and space became meaningless under this gaze.


    The very secrets of the heavens themselves wereid bare, as if begging for this being''s inspection.


    "Interesting..." A voice that echoed like the whispers of eternity slipped through the void, carried by shadows and cosmic silence. "After such a short time, she''s awakened such unique powers to summon the dead... I have heard of them before... But what were they called again?"


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    The tone was soft, yful, almost childlike. But there was a terrifying depth to it, a darkness that held eons of untold stories and forgotten power.


    The way they spoke spoke, it was clear, this wasn''t the first time they had seen Alera and clearly the young girl''s powers weren''t a surprise to them.


    The figure, unseen and untraceable, seemed to exist as part of the void itself.


    Though her presence was undeniable, she neither fully materialized nor was she absent¡ªcaught in a liminal space between existence and non-existence. The air around her shimmered with the gravity of her immense power.


    Beside her stood a phantom, a man draped in flowing dark robes, his long hair trailing behind him like wisps of shadow. His entire form seemed to radiate fear in the presence of this being. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling as he spoke. "Eternal Void... you once wielded these powers before the ancient times, during the age of the First Shadows..."


    A soft, amused chuckle drifted from the void, rippling through the air. "Hoho~ Are you suggesting that I''ve forgotten my own powers, powers I once used that made gods tremble?" The voice dripped with dark amusement, though its lightness belied the raw strength that underpinned it.


    "I wouldn''t dare!" the phantom replied hastily, bowing lower still. Every fiber of his being quivered with fear at the very notion that he might displease her.


    The void pulsed with an unsettling energy as the voice continued. "How boring you are... Youck the charm of Song and Mira." A sigh followed the words, and with a dismissive wave of shadowy tendrils, she added, "Go now, leave the girl to me."


    Without another word, the phantom vanished into the endless pockets of the void, leaving behind not even the faintest ripple of darkness in his wake. Though his task had been to protect Alera, the being now before her far surpassed anything the mortal realm could conjure.


    A single thought from this entity could bring the realm to its knees, and her very presence was enough to annihte worlds. So Alera''s protection was guaranteed.


    "Now then, let''s see what you can do, little one..." she whispered, her voice still carrying that eerie yfulness. She reached out, bending reality around her as easily as one might fold a piece of paper.


    With a flick of her hand, her body began to materialize into the mortal realm, slipping through the dimensional veil like smoke. Shadows coiled around her form, concealing much of her body, though a few striking details emerged as she manifested.


    Her figure was tall, regal, andmanding¡ªa force of nature clothed in darkness. Long, silken ck hair floated around her like an endless river of night reaching her full developed ass that semmed to giggle with every movement, while her eyes were hidden beneath a shimmering veil of shadow.


    The skin that could be seen was pale as moonlight, almost translucent, giving her an ethereal quality. Every inch of her was wrapped in power so ancient that even the gods themselves would hesitate to challenge her.


    She exuded an aura that held the strength of the forgotten past¡ªof the phantoms, the void, and the very essence of shadow. Her robes, woven from the darkest corners of the universe, seemed to shift between physical fabric and formless shadows, mirroring her existence between realms yet these powerful robes fought so hard to contain the massive melons on her chest nearly slipping out.


    Though she held her power in check, suppressing it so that no other gods or beings could detect her presence, there was no doubt that she could obliterate entire dimensions if she wished.


    This being¡ªThe Eternal Void¡ªnow stood before Alera, who remained oblivious to her watcher. But the entity had no intention of simply observing. She had ns for the young necromancer.


    "Let''s see what you can do with the Shadows of the Forgotten," she murmured, her words dripping with anticipation. The yful tone in her voice belied the true depth of her power and the dangerous game she was about to initiate.@@novelbin@@


    For though Alera wielded shadows and summoned the dead, she had only scratched the surface of her true potential. What the necromancer didn''t know was that her magic didn''t merely allow her to summon the dead¡ªit granted her the abilities than she knew, the very same power that once belonged to the Eternal Void.


    And now, the Eternal Void was ready to take on a new disciple.


    Through Alera, she might one day wield these powers again...just maybe.


    ____


    The atmosphere around Alera shifted as the enigmatic presence decided to step from the unseen into the Mortal Realm, revealing herself atst.


    The being who had been observing her was unlike anything Alera had ever encountered. The air itself seemed to bend and darken, absorbing all light as though the void had taken on form. The presence was more than overwhelming; it was oppressive, ancient, and all-epassing, as if the very stars themselves had dimmed in reverence to this being.


    The figure that materialized from the shadows was cloaked in deep, swirling darkness, her form barely discernible. It was as though the shadows had shaped her form, yet she held them effortlessly in check, an indication of her immense power.


    Her body flickered in and out of view, as if existing in multiple realities at once, a paradox even to the gods.


    From within the depths of her shadowy veil, the glint of silver eyes became visible¡ªeyes that saw far beyond Alera and this moment. These eyes had witnessed the rise and fall of realms, the weaving of stars, and the undoing of creation itself.


    Her voice, childlike but filled with authority, echoed like a haunting melody. "So...you wield the Shadows of the Forgotten," she mused, her tone yful, yet there was a deadly edge to her words. Her power was obvious, though she held it in careful restraint, not wishing to draw the attention of the gods or immortals. "I wonder...how far can you go?"


    The Eternal Void, for that was her name in ages long past, floated closer, the space around her seeming to bow to her will. The shadows that Alera controlled suddenly felt lighter, more responsive, as if eager to please their true mistress.


    This woman, this powerful being, was more than just a phantom; she was the embodiment of the void.


    Her voice lowered to a whisper, though it echoed through the very fabric of reality. "You are strong, girl, but there is so much more you do not know. So much more you have yet tomand."


    The figure moved gracefully, her shadowy robes flowing like liquid darkness as she approached. "You seek power...but do you know what power truly is?" she asked, her voice dripping with an ancient wisdom that Alera could not yetprehend.


    Alera paused, feeling something shift in the air. Her hands, still controlling the summoned beasts from the shadows, suddenly trembled. For the first time in a long while, she felt uncertainty creep into her heart.


    "Who are you?" Alera asked, her voice steadier than she felt, as she slowly turned to face the entity that had appeared behind her.


    The figure tilted her head slightly, a smile tugging at her lips beneath the hood of shadows that covered her. "Who am I?" she repeated, her tone light and teasing. "I am the one who will teach you what the shadows truly are. I am the one who will unlock your potential. But more than that, I am the one you will serve." She had made sure her presence wasn''t so overwhelming to Alera, something the young girl could handle.


    With that, the dark figure extended a hand, and the shadows beneath Alera''s feet rippled in response. "Show me what you are truly capable of, Alera, and perhaps...you will be worthy of more."


    "Serve you? You must be joking!" Alera smiled, she lifted her hands and the shadow army growled menacingly at the new entity!


    "I serve one person and that''s not you, it never will be!" She roared ready to unleash the gates of hell to the woman!


    "Hoho~ let''s see about that!"


    ******


    Guess the identity of Eternal Void, and I will give two Bonus chapters.

 Chapter 166 Traitor Within!

    The dimly lit room was filled with a palpable sense of satisfaction as Ss stood by the window, his gaze locked on the tablet screen before him. The attack on Obsidian Tech had only taken ce minutes ago, but the effects were already rippling through the empire. He could practically feel the chaos spreading.


    Despite the key files being protected by Pyris''s firewall, Ss knew that 95% of his mission had been aplished. The virus had torn through thepany''s systems, erasing years of work, causing panic and, most importantly, nting seeds of mistrust within the walls of House Obsidian''s bussineses.


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    A vampire woman stood next to him, her crimson eyes glowing with amusement. She was tall, with dark, flowing hair and an air of deadly grace about her. Her lips curled into a grin as she watched the unfolding chaos on the screen. "Looks like your n worked perfectly," she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.


    Ss, a bald vampire with a strong, imposing frame, grinned back, his fangs gleaming in the low light. "Of course it worked," he said confidently. "The timing couldn''t have been better. Pyris isn''t even there to fix this mess. His mother, Emberly, is going to have her hands full for a while, trying to clean up after this disaster."


    He nced at the woman beside him. "You know, the beauty of it isn''t just in the damage we caused¡ªit''s in the distraction. Emberly is going to be so focused on fixing what''s left of Obsidian Tech, she won''t see the next moveing. And when we strike, it''ll be with a bang."


    The vampire womanughed softly. "She''s formidable, Ss. You''d better be ready."


    Ss waved a hand dismissively. "She''s formidable, yes. But she''s still mortal, with limits. And once we move to Phase Two, her attention will be spread too thin. That''s when we''ll really make our move."


    He tapped a few buttons on the tablet, zooming in on the chaos spreading through Obsidian Tech''s internal systems. rms, frantic messages, and damage reports wereing through in waves, overwhelming thepany''smunication channels.


    Ss grinned wider. "The best timing ever!" he eximed, his voice echoing through the room. He turned to the vampire woman, his excitement barely contained. "Contact the boss. Tell them we''re sessful, and we can proceed to the next phase."


    The vampire nodded and pulled out her phone.


    Ss continued to watch the feed, his mind already turning to the next steps in his n. Emberly Obsidian, distracted and trying to hold her crumbling empire together, would soon be vulnerable. And with Pyris far away on his mission in the Sunstone Empire, there would be no one to stop the oing storm.


    He had been observing Pyris'' departure through the shadow they nted to trail him around, and Pyris hadn''t seen it, or so Ss thought.


    Ss''s grin faded into a look of cold determination. "This is just the beginning," he muttered. "When we strike next, House Obsidian won''t know what hit them."


    _____


    Meanwhile, in the Sunstone Empire, Pyris was entirely unaware of the storm brewing back home. His mind was focused on the mission at hand, and the dangers surrounding him in the Midnight Dominion.


    He and hispanions had gathered in their safehouse, the dim light casting long shadows across the room as they huddled around a crude map of Kassius''s fortress.


    Pyris, dressed as Petne Chaos, studied the map intently. His mind worked through the details of the n. The Midnight Dominion was a dangerous ce, and General Kassius''s fortress was a nearly imprable stronghold. But Pyris wasn''t one to back down from a challenge.


    "Here''s how we''re going to do this," Pyris said, his voice low and authoritative as he pointed to the outer gates of the fortress on the map. "Aurelia, Alexa¡ªyou''ll both pose as mercenaries. Blend in with the underworld figures. There''s no shortage of criminal activity in this city, and mercenaries are always fighting over scraps of territory. I want you two to stage a mock battle with a rival faction, just near the gates."


    Aurelia smirked, her fingers tracing the edge of a knife. "Sounds easy enough. I''ve seen how these thugs operate. They''ll buy into it."


    Alexa nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "A little chaos at the gates will give you enough time to slip through. We''ll make it convincing."


    Pyris looked between them, his face serious. "Good. While you''re drawing attention from the guards, I''ll be making my way through the secret passage. This tunnel here"¡ªhe pointed to a section of the map¡ª"was once used by Kassius''s predecessors for smuggling. It''s been sealed off for years, but my contacts tell me the entrance is still there, buried under rubble. I''ll be able to break through it."


    Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? It''s been closed for a long time. Could be unstable."


    Pyris nodded, his mind already racing through the possibilities. "I''ve got ways to break through the seal without causing a copse. But I''ll need the guards distracted long enough to make it work."


    Alexa leaned forward, her hands resting on the table. "Once we''ve drawn attention away from the gates, what''s the signal for you to move in?"


    Pyris smirked. "Once you''ve caused enough chaos, the patrols will thin out. I''ll move in once I see the guard rotations change. We don''t need to rush this. The n has to be wless."


    Mira, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "You know this ce better than anyone, Pyris. But I''ll be watching, too. If things go wrong, I''ll pull you all out."


    Pyris gave her a nod of appreciation. "Good. I trust your judgment, Mira."@@novelbin@@


    Aurelia cracked her knuckles. "So when do we make our move?"


    Pyris nced at the door, sensing the tension building in the air. "Soon. I don''t want to linger in the Dominion any longer than necessary. We''ll strike tonight. Time''s running out."


    As they prepared to move, a faint knock echoed from the front of the room. The contact Pyris had been waiting for had arrived. He exchanged a nce with Mira, who gave him a small nod. Everything was falling into ce.


    "Just in time," Pyris muttered. "It''s time to move."


    The air in the room thickened with anticipation as the final pieces of the n fell into ce. They were ready to strike at General Kassius, but back in the Dragon Empire, an unseen threat was moving closer to their family.


    ******


    As we start the first phase in the Sunstone Empire, guys don''t underestimate the impact it will have to the plot. This is where we will first see the appearance of gods.

 Chapter 167 Unsettling Visions & Disruption!

    The mansion was filled with an air of tense anticipation. Pyris stood by the door, his eyes fixed on the shadowed figure outside. The knock had been almost imperceptible, but his finely tuned senses had caught it. Mira, standing nearby, gave him a sharp nod. This was the moment they had been waiting for.


    "Just in time," Pyris muttered under his breath, a faint smirk crossing his lips. He pushed open the door, revealing a cloaked figure in the dim light of the alley.


    The man stepped inside without a word, his face obscured by a hood. His movements were precise, and he carried an air of quiet confidence, the kind of man who thrived in the shadows of the Midnight Dominion but the way Pyris observed his movements, it suggested he knew more about the man than he let cloaked figure could contemte.


    "Petne," the man said, his voice low and gravelly, offering a brief nod of respect. "I''ve got everything you asked for."


    Pyris closed the door and gestured to the table in the center of the room. "Let''s see it."


    The contact moved forward, pulling out a small scroll and spreading it across the table. The more detailed map showed the underground tunnels beneath Kassius''s fortress, awork long forgotten by most of the Dominion''s denizens. This other version was more detailed than what they once had.


    Aurelia and Alexa gathered around, their eyes fixed on the map.


    "This is the old smuggler''s tunnel, right?" Pyris asked, his finger tracing a faded line on the map.


    The contact nodded. "Used to run right under the fortress. Been sealed off for decades, but the entrance is still there, just buried under some rubble. No one goes down there anymore¡ªtoo risky with the magical wards they''ve put up."


    Pyris didn''t ask their contact how he could have their hands on something this valuable, this man, any other warlord in the Midnight Dominion would pay a hefty amount for it.


    Pyris''s eyes flicked to Mira, who was standing silently behind him. "And the wards? Can we bypass them?"


    Mira studied the map closely, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the path. "The wards aren''t designed for a full lockdown. They''re more like¡­ magical tripwires. They''ll go off if someone uses high-level magic to force their way in, but if we''re careful, we can disable them before they detect us."


    Pyris nodded, satisfied. "Good. Aurelia, Alexa¡ªyou two know your roles."


    Aurelia grinned, leaning back in her chair with a casual confidence that seemed at odds with the deadly mission ahead.


    "Yeah, yeah. We stage a mock battle with one of the rival factions near the outer gates, cause enough noise to draw Kassius''s guards."


    Alexa nodded, though her brow was furrowed. "We''ll make it convincing, don''t worry. But we need to be careful. I¡­ I''ve had some visions." The man''s ears perked up slightly when he heard visions.


    ''If someone amongst them is capable of having visions, then this mission... It''s going to be sessful!'' he thought happily, apart from the sess of the mission, he thought his boss would be happy to know about someone who could have visions.


    How rare were they?


    Pyris looked up sharply. He knew Alexa''s visions were never to be ignored. "What did you see?" He let the man hear for a reason, with enough greedy maybe Pyris would reach the big boss who he might use in his ns here in the Midnight Dominion.


    "They were fragmented," she admitted, frustration creeping into her voice. "But it was something about the fight. I think the guards might be more prepared than we''re expecting. It felt¡­ wrong."


    Aurelia rolled her eyes, smirking. "Everything about this ce feels wrong."


    "No, I mean it," Alexa insisted, her voice firmer now. "There''s something off about the way the cursed warriors will react. I don''t think they''re going to just sit back and watch."


    Mira''s eyes had a grint as of she could interpret the visions, she nodded to Pyris assuringly.


    Pyris took a deep breath, his mind working quickly. "Alright. We''ll adjust. If things go south, Aurelia, you pull out first and make your way to the fallback point. Alexa, stick close to me after the distraction starts¡ªI''ll need you in case we run into trouble with the magical defenses."


    Aurelia gave him a mock salute. "Got it, boss. Chaos and confusion¡ªit''s what I do best."


    Mira, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "I''ll be in the shadows, keeping an eye on the patrols. If anything changes, you''ll know before it happens."


    Pyris nodded, satisfied with the n. "Then we move at dawn. The guards will be changing shifts, and that''s when we make our move. We''re only going to get one shot at this."


    _____


    The streets of the Midnight Dominion were as chaotic as ever. Even as dawn approached, the city''s underworld thrummed with life. Aurelia and Alexa stood on the edge of a darkened alley, the faint glow of neon signs from nearby gambling dens and bars casting eerie shadows across their faces.


    "You ready for this?" Aurelia asked, her voice casual as she twirled a knife between her fingers.


    Alexa nced around, her senses alert. The tension in the air was thick, and she could already feel something wasn''t right. But they didn''t have a choice now. "Let''s get it done."


    Ahead of them, the rival faction they had chosen for the distraction was gathered. A rough group of mercenaries, eager to stake their im in the Dominion''s underworld. Aurelia didn''t hesitate. With a fluid motion, she drew her de and stepped into the open.


    "Hey! You''re on our turf," she shouted, her voice carrying easily through the alley.


    The mercenaries turned, confusion shing across their faces before one of them sneered as he observed an average looking woman with her friend. What did she think she was? "You''ve got a death wish,ing here."


    "Not a death wish," Aurelia said with a grin. "Just a kill order!"


    Without another word, the first mercenary lunged, his de shing in the dim light. Aurelia met him head-on, her movements a blur as the fight erupted into a chaotic flurry of shes and sparks. Alexa followed suit, keeping her distance and using her agility to dodge attacks, her light magic ready to be unleashed if needed.


    The noise of the fight quickly drew attention, just as they had nned. Kassius''s guards¡ªboth regr soldiers and the ominous cursed warriors¡ªbegan to move toward themotion.


    Alexa caught a glimpse of one of the cursed warriors through the haze of the battle. Their eyes glowed with an eerie blue light, their movements stiff and unnatural. A chill ran down her spine.


    "Something''s not right," she muttered under her breath, her vision from earlier shing in her mind. The cursed warriors were moving faster than expected, more organized yet they didn''t seem so alerted but the purpose had been served.


    Aurelia ducked under a wild swing and smirked. "They''reing, just like we wanted."


    "Yeah, but they''re not acting right," Alexa said, her voice tense. "We need to move before this gets worse." Explore more at empire@@novelbin@@


    Aurelia nced over, her smirk fading slightly. She knew better than to doubt Alexa''s instincts. "Alright, let''s pull out. The guards are in ce. Pyris has his opening."


    ______


    While the chaos unfolded at the gates, Pyris moved swiftly through the dark alleys, heading toward the entrance to the smuggler''s tunnel. His contact had given him precise instructions, and it didn''t take long for him to find the entrance¡ªa copsed section of the old market, overgrown with weeds and debris.


    He crouched down, brushing aside the rubble to reveal the arcane seals hidden beneath the stone. The symbols were faint but still pulsed with the remnants of magic. Pyris reached into his pack and pulled out a set of tools, his fingers working quickly as he began to dismantle the ancient barrier.


    "Almost there," he muttered, his hands moving deftly. The seals cracked open one by one, the magic fading as he disabled the protections. With a final snap, thest seal broke, revealing the darkened passage beneath.


    Pyris straightened, satisfied. "We''re in."


    He nced behind him as Mira emerged from the shadows. "The guards are distracted. We''ve got time, but not much."


    Pyris nodded. "Let''s move. The deeper we get, the harder this will be."


    As they descended into the tunnel, Pyris couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. The cursed warriors, Alexa''s visions, the intensity of the defenses¡ªit all pointed to something bigger.


    But for now, they had a mission toplete. Everything else would have to wait.


    _____


    Back in the Dragon Empire, another storm was brewing. Ss had already started acting, and soon, the next phase of his n would begin.

 Chapter 168 Woman On Bed (Generals Chambers)

    The tunnel leading into General Kassius''s fortress was dark and narrow, the walls damp and slick with age. Pyris moved silently, his every step deliberate. Behind him, Mira followed, her presence barely a whisper in the void, blending effortlessly with the shadows.


    The air was thick with the ancient-like magic that protected the fortress, and Pyris knew that any misstep would alert the entire estate yet he seemed casual as he was a master when it came to such things.


    Magic traps and wards? Hispany made them, unless it was something purely magic and with no technology, something only witches perfected in!


    Reaching into his cloak, Pyris pulled out a small, shimmering crystal, its surface dark and swirling with unknown energy¡ªthe Void Matter. Pyris had designed it himself, an artifact capable of absorbing mana present in anything and deflecting energy, perfect for bypassing theplex magical defenses of the fortress.


    He channeled his void element into the crystal for perfwct results although purely his mana was enough.


    Watching as it lit up with a dull glow, responding to his energy, carefully, he ced the Void Matter on the first magical seal etched into the ground. The seal was designed to trigger rms throughout the estate, but with the Void Matter absorbing its energy, the seal flickered and went dormant.


    "First one down," Pyris muttered under his breath, moving forward without hesitation.


    For the next several minutes, Pyris and Mira advanced through the tunnels in perfect silence. Both wore shoes made from Void Matter, which allowed them to walk undetected by the magical sensors spread throughout the castle.


    With their shared void element, it was like they moved outside the realm of the physical world, their presence invisible to the rms that would have otherwise revealed their intrusion.


    As the CEO of thepany that created such technologies, Pyris knew the ins and outs of magical sensors like the back of his hand. He came prepared, and in the quiet darkness of the tunnel, the intricate defenses of the fortress were little more than minor obstacles.


    The general wasn''t aware what wasing his way!


    Eventually, they reached the entrance to the castle''s interior, the sound of cursed warriors moving through the halls faintly reaching their ears. Pyris and Mira pressed against the wall, their breaths shallow as they waited for an opportunity.


    The cursed warriors, their glowing blue eyes scanning the darkness, marched with mechanical precision.


    "They''re everywhere," Mira whispered, her voice so low it was barely audible. "We''ll need to move fast."


    Pyris gave a small nod. They couldn''t afford to be seen by the cursed warriors. These were once men, but now, they were corrupted shells, controlled by the arcane gauntlet Kassius wore, mindless soldiers that would hunt down any intruder.


    For what felt like an eternity, the pair waited, concealed in the shadows, as the cursed warriors continued their patrol. There was no opening¡ªno moment to slip past unnoticed.


    Suddenly, the silence was shattered.


    BOOM!


    The ground shook violently as the deafening explosion echoed through the halls. Dust fell from the ceiling, and the walls seemed to tremble with the force of the st. Pyris''s head snapped toward the sound, his instincts kicking in.


    Something had gone wrong¡ªor perhaps, something had gone right.


    The cursed warriors reacted instantly, their stiff bodies jerking toward the source of the sound. Without hesitation, they rushed toward the gates, leaving the hallways sparsely guarded.


    "Looks like our distraction worked," Pyris whispered, his dark eyes gleaming.


    Mira grinned. "Lucky break."


    With the cursed warriors gone, only three guards remained in the corridor. Pyris''s gaze sharpened, his body tensing with anticipation. These men were not cursed¡ªthey were living, breathing soldiers, but that didn''t mean they were any less dangerous.


    With a flick of his wrist, Pyris summoned two dark daggers, their edges coated with death energy that crackled faintly in the air.


    He moved swiftly, his form a blur as he closed the distance between him and the first guard. Before the man could even react, Pyris plunged the dagger into his throat, twisting it with deadly precision. The man gurgled, his eyes wide with shock, but he was dead before he hit the ground.


    Pyris didn''t stop. His body moved with lethal grace, slipping into the shadows as the second guard turned toward him, confused by the sudden silence. Pyris emerged from the darkness behind him, his dagger slicing across the man''s neck in a clean, silent arc. The guard dropped without a sound.


    The third guard, realizing what had happened, barely had time to draw his weapon before Pyris materialized from the shadows, his dark energy surging as he thrust the dagger into the guard''s chest. The man gasped, his eyes rolling back as death overtook him.


    "The floor''s clean," Pyris said quietly, wiping the blood from his daggers with a cloth. He nced at Mira, who watched with an approving smirk. He didn''t bother with their essense as it was tainted to the core by the curse of the gauntlet.


    "Killing three Rank 14 guards in a matter of breaths," she said, her voice teasing. "And you''re still only Rank 13. You never disappoint me, Young Lord."


    Pyris allowed himself a small smile. "You tter me too much, Mira." He knew he had to stay focused, though the praise warmed him. He tucked it away in his mind, careful not to let his ego swell.


    This mission was far from over.


    With swift precision, they moved the bodies into a corner, hiding them from view. Pyris didn''t want to leave a trail for the cursed warriors to find once they returned. They had to remain undetected for as long as possible.


    _____


    After a series of sharp turns and narrow hallways, Pyris and Mira found themselves on the top floor of the castle. The grandeur of the space was immediately apparent. The stone walls gave way to marble flooring, polished and gleaming in the dim light.


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    Tapestries hung from the walls, depicting ancient battles and the rise of the Midnight Dominion.


    This floor wasvishly decorated, a stark contrast to the utilitarian design of the lower levels. Golden sconces lined the hallways, casting a soft, eerie glow that highlighted the intricate carvings along the walls. It was clear¡ªthis was the heart of General Kassius''s domain.


    But the real threat stood at the entrance to the bedchamber.


    Two robust cursed warriors stood imposingly by the door, their glowing blue eyes locked on the hallway in front of them. Their armor was thick, ck as night, and pulsating with dark energy.


    Pyris''s breath caught as he analyzed them. ''Status,'' hemanded in his mind, and Lia, his internal system, responded instantly.


    [Cursed Warrior!] Rank: Rank 15


    Pyris pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing.


    These warriors exuded death energy, the power radiating from them far more intense than any he had encountered so far.@@novelbin@@


    Rank 15¡ªit would be nearly impossible to take them down without alerting the entire estate, or worse, Kassius himself.


    [Are you going to use it?] Lia asked in his mind.


    Pyris shook his head. ''Not yet,'' he thought. ''I''ll need ''that'' when I face Kassius. Using it now would be suicide.''


    He nced at Mira, who caught his eye and gave a subtle shake of her head. She had already said she wouldn''t intervene unless he was in a life-threatening situation, and he respected that.


    This was his mission, and he had to handle it.


    ''I need a n,'' Pyris thought, his mind racing. The cursed warriors weren''t invincible, but attacking them head-on would alert every guard in the estate.


    Suddenly, an idea sparked.


    With a quick flick of his wrist, Pyris sent a small lightning bolt streaking toward a nearby window. The bolt struck the window frame with a loud crack, leaving a scorched mark on the stone. The cursed warriors jerked in response, their minds tethered to the arcane signals of Kassius''s gauntlet.


    They rushed toward the window, convinced that the intruders had reached this far.


    Mira snorted softly. "Brainless," she muttered, watching the warriors with disdain. "Just like I thought."


    Pyris smirked. "Easy enough."


    As the warriors inspected the scorched window, Pyris blended into the shadows once again, his form slipping into the dark like smoke. He moved quickly, leaving only faint afterimages of his movements, using both his dark element and superspeed to reach the grand bedroom.


    The door creaked open slightly as Pyris stepped inside, and the sight that greeted him made him pause.


    On the massive, grand bed, draped in ck silk sheets,y a woman.


    Her body was sprawled out in anguid pose, dressed in little more than ckce lingerie. Her figure was striking, every curve entuated by the dim light. She slept soundly, as if the chaos outside held no meaning to her.


    Pyris''s breath caught in his throat. This¡­ this was not what he had expected.


    [Is this the general?] Lia asked in confusion.


    ''Status!'' Pyrismanded silently, his mind reeling as he awaited the answer.

 Chapter 170 The Deal with the Demon – Ammit, the Devourer!

    [Ding....!] Hearing the system notification Pyris smiled.


    ''Typical!'' he thought.


    [.... Make a deal with the Star Devourer and conquer her!


    Reward: Upgrade of Lust Copy!


    Mastery in Devourer Arts upon reaching Rank 17!] Pyris grinned.


    There was something more about him, something that set him apart from the others she had dealt with. It wasn''t just his handsomeness, though that certainly didn''t help her concentration. It was the aura around him, something dark and primal, that called to her.


    She shifted her stance slightly, trying to ignore the tug she felt toward him.


    "Sigh," she breathed, allowing herself to rx. She had no reason to keep up the charade now that he had seen through it. "No need for these theatrics anymore, I suppose."


    She ced her hands on her hips, tilting her head as she observed him with curious eyes. "How did you know?"


    Pyris chuckled softly, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "Let''s say, Ammit, I know enough about you to give myself an edge." Pyris was enjoying not just her body but her astonishment.


    The name Ammit fell from his lips with such ease, and it felt like a p to her face. Her eyes widened again, and this time, she staggered back slightly, her confidence shaken.


    No one knew that name, not here¡ªnot anywhere in this realm.


    "You..." her voice was shaky now, the cool mask slipping. "You know my name?"


    Pyris smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Oh, I know more than that. Ammit the Star Devourer, the one who reigns over darkness and illusions alike. The queen of disguises."


    Pyris was trying to show her he wasn''t an easy target as she had thought, this gave him an edge as Ammit would grow more cautious with her next actions


    Her shock was palpable, her mind scrambling to understand how this boy had learned of her true identity. Ammit was no ordinary demon¡ªshe was a powerful entity who had walked the empires for centuries, deceiving kings, empires, and now, the Sunstone Empire itself.


    She was unknown by everyone in the mortal realm!


    Pyris stood up, his eyes locking onto hers, and for the first time, Ammit realized how deeply outmatched she was¡ªnot in rank, but in cunning. "You¡­" she whispered, still trying to gather her thoughts. "What are you?"


    Pyris didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he stepped closer, his presence dominating the room. The dark aura that surrounded him seemed to deepen, and for a brief moment, Ammit, the legendary devourer of souls, felt a flicker of something she hadn''t felt in centuries: fear.


    But she buried that emotion quickly, forcing a smirk onto her lips.@@novelbin@@


    She couldn''t show weakness now. "Tell me, boy, why shouldn''t I kill you right here and now?" she asked, her voice regaining some of itsposure. Her hands sparked with dark energy, a subtle threat hanging in the air.


    Pyris shrugged, his expression one ofplete ease. "You could try," he said nonchntly, "but your identity would be revealed to the entire empire. Trust me, you''d be dead before I hit the floor. But not by your rivals but someone else. No, Ammit you won''t even reach an inch near me before you dies."


    Ammit blinked, her confidence faltering once more. What he said made sense.


    If this boy had the audacity toe to Kassius''s fortress, surely he wasn''t alone or defenseless. If she made a move, it could alert every powerful faction in the Dominion, and her entire illusion woulde crashing down.


    Besides, something about him made her hesitate¡ªhe had a strength she couldn''t quite ce.


    She folded her arms below her jugs as they giggled, clearly weighing her options. "So, if you''re not here for a fight, what do you want?"


    Pyris smiled, sensing her curiosity piqued. "I want the arcane gauntlet."


    Ammit''s eyes darkened again, the tension in the room spiking. "I can''t give you that," she said firmly, stepping closer to him now. "The gauntlet ensures my stay in power, and you know exactly what that means. But as for the general..." She smiled, darkly. "I can give you his head. I kept it well preserved. But what do I get in return!"


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued by her offer, but he shook his head. "No. I want both. The gauntlet and the general''s head." He didn''t address thest question of hers.


    Ammit''s eyes flickered with suspicion, her gaze narrowing. "And why would I give you both? There''s no way you expect me to fall without a fight."


    "Who said anything about a fight?" Pyris countered smoothly, stepping closer to her. He could see her muscles tense as he moved into her space. "I''m not looking for a fall-out with a woman as beautiful and powerful as you. Not when we could be partners."


    The word partners hung in the air, and Ammit''s curiosity deepened. "Partners? In what?" She smiled inwardly, he was tapping into the regions she wanted.


    Pyris gave a small, knowing smile. "Partners in ruling. I don''t want to take your empire away from you, Ammit. I want to build something even greater."


    Ammit studied him, still cautious. "Our interests sh, boy. We both know that. So, what exactly do you have in mind?"


    "No, our interests don''t sh," Pyris said, his tone smooth as silk. "You see, someone wants the gauntlet. They''re willing to pay me handsomely for it. But, I''m crafty¡ªI''ve alreadye up with a n to give them what they want while ensuring you keep your ce at the top."


    She chuckled softly, her defenses rxing just slightly. "You''re nning to steal from your employer? Clever. I give you that."


    "Not quite. I''ll give them the gauntlet they expect," Pyris said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "But you''ll get it back. And for that, we''ll need to sign a contract." He had alreadye up with a n the moment the system gave him the mission.


    Ammit''s eyes widened slightly at the mention of a contract, her interest fully piqued now. Contracts in this realm, especially the ones Pyris was referring to, were iron-d magical agreements, designed by witches and bound in blood.


    Once a contract was signed, there was no breaking it without suffering severe consequences.


    "And what do I get out of this?" she asked, her voice silky. "I''m not handing over my power for free."


    Pyris smiled wider. "Simple. You get to keep your empire, and I help you rise even higher. I establish my business empire here in the Sunstone Empire, and with me backing you, there won''t be anyone who can challenge your rule."


    Ammit''s eyes gleamed with interest. This boy was clever¡ªhe knew how to y the game. She couldn''t kill him without serious consequences, but if she yed along, she stood to gain even more power than she had now.


    Although rising to power like he wanted wasn''t easy like he made it sound given the other warlords''s influence in not only the Midnight Dominion but the whole Sunstone Empire.


    Not to mention the king was also still holding on what was left of his empire, the little control he had. But Ammit had faith in her''s and Petne''s power if they joined forces, they could cripple the empire more and then gaining control over it eventually.


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    If she was going to do it alone, how far and how fast easy it would be with Petne in the mix, and so she believed it. Extra help was wee and the empire was vast for them divide, a huge piece of cake for the two.


    After a long, tense silence, Ammit extended her hand. "Alright, boy. Let''s see this contract."


    Pyris nodded and pulled out a blood contract, the kind only witches could create. The terms were clear: Ammit would hand over the gauntlet temporarily, Pyris would return it within a set time frame, and they would solidify their partnership in building a new empire.


    Pyris moved around with these contracts thanks to his mother''s pestering.


    The contract was signed in blood, the ink shimmering with dark blue mana as their names were sealed into it. There was no going back now.


    Ammit handed him the arcane gauntlet, the cold metal brushing against Pyris''s skin as it passed into his hands. Her half-naked form stood impossibly close to him now, her presence intoxicating.


    Pyris smiled, his heart racing with excitement. "System, create a replica of this gauntlet," he ordered in his mind. The system responded instantly.


    [Ding! 400,000 LPs deducted!]


    A perfect replica of the gauntlet was created, a wless copy that no one in the Eclipse Syndicate would be able to tell apart from the original¡ªat least, not for the next week. Pyris pocketed the replica, then handed the original back to Ammit.


    "Here''s your gauntlet," he said, handing it back.

 Chapter 172 Master~**

    Pyris watched as Ammit bent to the cab to retrieve the severed head of the general, her movements deliberate. Thece of her panties clung tightly to her curves, framing the fullest parts of her backside and teasing him with each shift of her body.


    A thin line of fabric cut down her center, leaving little to the imagination as it disappeared, barely covering the contours of her full, thick pussy.


    He gulped slightly, recognizing the tease for what it was¡ªan invitation, carefully designed by his new demoness business partner.


    Turning, she faced him with a smile, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement as she extended the head toward him. A few strands of her ck hair brushed her cheek, and she swept them back seductively, as if to make sure he saw every movement.


    "Here~" she purred, her voice matching the soft, sultry look on her face.


    Pyris took the head, and with a flick of his hand, it disappeared into his inventory. Unspoken, they both took a step forward, closing the distance between them.


    "You like to y, don''t you, Ammit?" he asked, his hand lifting to her chin, tilting her face toward his. She smirked, her eyes gleaming in challenge.


    "Not impulsive, I see? Holding back, are we?" She traced a finger down his chest, her touch a teasing wave against his muscles. "You liked my body the moment you walked in, Pyris Obsidian. You could take me, if you wanted¡­ unless, of course, you''re afraid you can''t handle me. Can you handle a demon pretty boy~" She arched a brow, daring him she sucked his nape with her long demonic tongue before it slithering away.


    Pyris''s hand tightened on her chin, his golden gaze sharpening. "You forget your ce, Ammit," he said, voice low. "I don''t need permission from a demon to do anything." His lust aura erupted, a rush of desires washing over her as his restraint faded.


    Ammit''s body trembled in response, her lips parting in surprise as her entire being seemed to react to the strength of his lust. Her chest rose and fell, and her hands reached for him as she leaned in to kiss him.


    But Pyris lifted a finger, pressing it to her lips, stopping her just inches away.


    "Who said you could kiss me, demon?" His tone was cold, a sharp edge ofmand in his words. Ammit''s breathing quickened, excitement mixed with submission in her expression as she realized she had been left waiting, wanting.


    All she wanted was to devour this pretty snack yet the control he had on her left her to obey his demands and will.


    With a small push, he sent her back a step and moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his hand beckoning her forward.


    For a moment, she hesitated, but her eyes met his, and she came to him, her bodynguage softening, her whole being responding to his silentmand.


    Kneeling between his legs, she gazed up at him with a mix of anticipation and reverence. Pyris leaned forward, his hand brushing her cheek, his fingers trailing down to her neck.


    "You, Ammit," he said softly, his voice controlled, his thumb resting lightly against her throat as he held her gaze. "You''re not in any position to tell me what to do. Is that clear?" She nodded quickly, her cheeks flushed.


    "I can''t hear you Ammit." hemanded, his voice a shade darker. She sank lower, bowing her head before him but keeping eye contact, the intensity of his aura pressing her to submit fully.


    "I am in no ce to tell you what to do," she whispered, her voice trembling with surrender. Pyris had released his aura by now; this was just her response to his presence, her submission willing andplete.


    "I want obedient girls, Ammit?" he asked, his tone unrelenting. He lifted her by her shoulders, guiding her to her knees, his face inches from hers.


    Her breath hitched as her gaze met his, his golden eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Pyris leaned closer, his lips grazing her ear, drawing hot breathe out making her shiver, his presencepletely wrapped around her.


    "Anh~~" she gasped, her body pressing against his as his lips brushed her neck, sending a tremor through her. "I''m in no position..." she managed, her voice trembling.


    Pyris kissed along her neck again, his fingers tracing the sensitive line of her throat, cutting off her words.


    "Don''t stop talking," he murmured, tightening his grip on her neck slightly as his kisses grew more intense and hard.


    She opened her mouth to speak, but a soft moan escaped instead as his lips found her pulse, a thrill of pleasure and tension sparking through her.


    "I-I''m in no position to... ah~" Ammit stammered, unable to finish as he continued, his hands moving to her chest, finding her breasts through theced bra. His fingers roamed over the delicate fabric, and she arched into his touch, closing her eyes as she moaned, "Master~."


    Pyris''s lips curled into a smile, his mouth returning to her neck as he nipped and kissed, marking her skin with each slow bite.


    She wrapped her arms around him instinctively, her nails grazing his shoulders. "Yes, Master," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with certainty. She had surrendered, fully and willingly, and he could feel it in every trembling response.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris finally pulled away, her breathingbored as his hands lingered on her breasts, his fingers kneading softly. She let out small whimpers, her eyes closed, savoring each touch.


    "Such azy servant," he murmured, watching her as she melted beneath his hands. "Get to work, Ammit." Her eyes flew open, and she moved quickly, her hands fumbling as she pulled his trousers open, letting them fall to the floor.


    She exhaled softly as his bulge strained against his boxers, her fingers trailing over the fabric as she leaned in, inhaling his scent, her eyes fluttering closed as she became almost entranced.


    Pyris''s hand reached behind her, slipping her bra off with a smooth motion, leaving her bare.


    She shivered, her nipples hardening as his hands found her breasts, his fingers massaging and teasing as she closed her eyes, focusing on the weight of his arousal as she freed him from thest barrier.


    As his length sprang forward, it brushed past her hands pping against her cheek, and she gasped, her eyes wide with eagerness.


    Sniff~~


    She held him, running her fingers over his shaft as she leaned in, pressing her nose to his cock and taking in his scent, her body reacting instantly.


    "Good girl," Pyris murmured, stroking her hair as she looked up, a hint of pride in her eyes, her master seemed to like her every action, such an achievement, she pressed on, eager to receive more of his praise.


    She extended her tongue, licking along his length slowly, her long, demonic tongue leaving a wet trail.


    Pyris leaned back, a sigh escaping him as she began to move, her mouth wrapping around him, her tongue coiling in expert strokes.


    "You know what you''re doing, Ammit. I''ll give you that." His hips and head moved in sync, guiding her as he took control.


    Her hands followed, gripping him and stroking in a rhythm that matched her mouth, her lips and tonguevishing attention on him.


    Pyris felt his pleasure rising, and she moved faster, her obedience and skill coaxing him to his edge, her mouth was shut tight, his dick wet with her saliva.


    "Yes... faster, Ammit... just like that," he praised, his hand tightening in her hair.


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    She increased her pace, her eyes half-lidded as she focused solely on him. His other hand drifted down, sliding over her ample curves, gripping the flesh of her ass before slipping beneath thece.


    "Mmmm~~" she moaned as he teased her, his fingers tracing over her, the fabric damp against her outer pussy as she trembled.


    Her lips tightened around him as she picked up speed, the rhythm driving her as much as it was him.


    "Yes, Ammit... I''m close," he muttered, his voice thick with pleasure.


    She responded instantly, her pace intensifying. Pyris''s hand held her head in ce as he thrust forward.


    "Mhmm~ this is a gift, don''t spill anything Ammit!" With a final, deep groan, he climaxed, thick streams of his essence spilling into her mouth.


    She swallowed eagerly, savoring every drop as she looked up, her gaze filled with satisfaction and an unmistakable desire for more.


    *****


    Ah~ I look forward to her moaning under him, aren''t you?

 Chapter 173 Eating The Serpent Demoness!**

    "Mmmmm~mmm, Master~" she moaned in sweet ecstasy, the sweet essence of her master reaching the surface of her tongue, a sweet taste she never knew was ever possible.


    "Good girl~ take all of it, mmmm~" her demonic tongue wrapped around his dick in a firm grip, sucking all the cum his cock had to offer. Endless streams of cumshots filled her mouth; she sucked him greedily, her hands moving both at a fast speed, stroking his cock.


    Pyris held her head firm, fucking her mouth. "As expected of a Devourer Demon, your suction is something else!" Pyris praised her, caressing her cheeks in satisfaction for her work.


    "Nowe and get your rewards!" He yanked her forward onto the bed. She dropped her face in the cozy softness of the mattress, her ass facing up, stuck out to him.


    p!!!


    He spanked her barely covered ass, exciting a moan of pleasure and some sweet little pain from the devourer demon Ammit. Pyris leaned in...


    "Anhh~~Master~"


    Squeezing her with raw bare hands, he brought his face closer. Slow, dangerously enticing bites followed up. Pyris would slowly squeeze her ass, his other hand escaping into her inner thighs.


    Her pussy was wet, wetting her panties.


    p!


    "Look how wet you''re you slutty demon..."


    Pyris teased her pussy with his fingers. She moaned louder, but he wasn''t done. Slowly, he extended her panties to the side, his fingers touching her bare pussy, pinching her clit between his fingers.


    "Ahhhhhh~~~ so good, Master~~~" she shuddered and came instantly, her eyes rolling. Pyris was using his skills to give her the pleasure she deserved.


    "Now on your fours!!" A singlemand, and she knew what her master wanted. She lifted her lower body up.


    "You wanted me, right?" * p!!* "Such a slutty girl you''re, you dare desire your master..." Her ass''s softness was on another level, and her breasts never yearned for his hand''s attention.


    "Mmmm~~ Master, ahann~~...punish this disobedient demon... Ohh~~" he held his shaft, teasing her pussy, making it throb. She moaned, begging for him.


    p!


    He spanked her, at the same time pulling her thong outward from her ass cheeks. He extended it to the side, giving him a clear view of her swampy pussy.


    "You''re indeed are disobedient. You dare to tell your master to punish you... Very well, I will grant you that request..." Positioning himself to the entrance, his cock inched into her pussy.


    "Master~" she held the bedsheets firm, lifting her ass slightly to bring him deeper inside her. "Oohhh~~"


    Pyris too was feeling the same pleasure. Her pussy, although not a virgin, felt so tight, squeezing him.


    "You have kept yourself so good for a demon..." He wrapped his hands around her neck, arching her back inwardly.


    Slowly, through the sheer resistance of her tight pussy, Pyris moved deeper into her, hitting the end of her pussy...


    "Oh~~" her body trembled, her back arching deeper, squeezing his cock from within. "Yes, Master~~ no man deserved my pussy~~ it was well kept for you... Ohhh~" Pyris started moving in and out of her effortlessly, although her pussy was tight, she was wet enough. He nibbled her ears while kneading her breasts.


    "Oh? How did you lose your chastity then?" He was intrigued, slowly his movements became more faster and fluid. He left trails of kisses on her back.


    "Ahhhh~ Master, that... that..." Her body trembled, as her voice broke from the pleasure and the shameless memories of how she lost her virginity.


    "Answer me!" Pyrismanded, he fucked her faster.


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    "Haaaaa~~" she moaned louder, her breath bing ragged with his every thrust, warm fluids of her love juice gushed out with his every thrust.


    "Ahhh... Haaa~ Haaa~~" her body shocked, she moaned, her body responding to his every movement. She clutched tightly on the bedsheets, but her body betrayed her voice that seemed to beg for help.


    "I... Oh~ I lost my virginity to a toy dild--... Oh, Master, fuck me harder~~"


    Her waist danced on his rhythm, his cock impaling deeper in her pussy.


    Pyris chuckled at her reveal. "So you lost your virginity to a dildo! Such a slutty girl." As they embraced each other, making their connection deeper, the two drifted in the warmness of the other.


    "Anh... Haaaaah~ yessss~~~"


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    "Ohhh... Haaaaah~ yes, Master... I always had fantasies about this kind of thing but I found no worthy.... Ohhhh~ man!" She cried out.


    "Oh! Now let''s fulfill your fantasies!" Sounds of their bodies hitting each other echoed in the room, her voice reaching outside the room.


    "You have such a well-maintained body for a 500-year-old demon!" Her milf body could rival Emilia''s, a subus Demon. He explored every bit of her body, enjoying its ampleness.


    "Haaaa... Thank you, Master~~ That''s the spot... Ahhh~~" Ammit moaned, her pussy twitched, and Pyris knew she would soon reach her climax. He fucked her harder.


    "Oohhh, Master Pyris~~ I''m cumming!" Her essence gushed out, wetting his cock. Pyris grunted before he emptied his essence into her. They continued to fuck, relishing the afterglow of the peak of pleasure.


    Slowly, she copsed on the bed, exhausted.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris pulled his cock out, the mix of their love union leaked from her pussy. Enjoy exclusive content from empire


    "Master~" she closed her eyes and drifted away, unaware of the golden dragon essence inside her, the essence of creation energy mixed with that of a lust dragon, one blessed by the Goddess of Lust herself!


    [Ding! Mission aplished...!]


    Pyris sat cross-legged on the cold floor, his mind sharp, but his body in a state of calm readiness paying no attention to the notification.


    The dimly lit room around him felt heavy with tension, his consciousness fully aware of what was happening¡ªboth inside and outside. He had just absorbed the essence of Ammit, a powerful Rank 17, and the surge of energy coursing through him was unlike anything he had ever felt before.


    His body, once tense from the "battle and the negotiation" with Ammit, now felt overwhelmed with raw, unrefined power. He closed his eyes, letting himself drift inward, focusing on the changes happening within him.


    Slowly but surely, the energy within him swirled like a gathering storm, pulling at every fiber of his being.

 Chapter 176 Elemental Sovereigns Aura!

    Outside the general''s quarters, Mira stood quietly, her vignt eyes tracking the movements of the cursed warriors. They had resumed their positions after the earlier distraction Pyris had created, their grotesque, nk stares betraying no awareness of their surroundings.@@novelbin@@


    Mira found herself watching them closely, though her mind wandered, as the unsettling nature of their mindless obedience to General Kassius gnawed at her.


    These were once real people, now nothing more than puppets to the arcane gauntlet''s power.


    As she waited in the eerie silence, a sudden, unmistakable sound echoed from the room where Pyris had disappeared.


    A woman''s moan!


    Mira''s eyes widened, a blush creeping across her cheeks. The moans grew louder, more desperate, unabashed. She immediately realized what was happening. "Young Lord..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, though tinged with disbelief.


    Her cheeks turned bright red as the noises continued, the woman''s voice echoing in the stillness of the castle halls. Mira shifted ufortably, feeling heat rise in her face. This was not something she was prepared for. Pyris had been handling a dangerous situation, yet... he seemed to be handling something else altogether now.


    She wasn''t innocent, it was the actual opposite but maybe it was her sudden shift in the way she viewed Pyris that made her embarrassed and even going as far as using her void to look inside the room


    "The... size," she voice gasped from when she peaked, causing her to choke slightly in embarrassment.


    The guards stood motionless,pletely unaware of the activities unfolding within. "These guys..." Mira muttered, looking at the cursed warriors. "They''repletely mindless!"


    They didn''t so much as flinch at the sound, their deadened gazes locked in ce as if they existed only to guard.


    For once, she was grateful for theirck of awareness.


    Minutes or two hours passed, and the woman''s moans gradually began to quiet, but Mira''s curiosity¡ªand a growing sense of responsibilitypelled her to act. Her Young Lord was in there, after all.


    And perhaps... it wasn''t just what she thought.


    She swa he was done and in the process of absorbing the essence of a Rank 17, and she had to be sure all was well.


    With a surge of her Void element, Mira extended her senses through the walls, peering into the room through the dimensional fold.


    "W-What''s with the monstrous size?!" she couldn''t help yelp in surprise again, her face flushed with a mixture of shock and embarrassment. This time, she didn''t dare look again. She turned her attention back to the hallway, cheeks burning, doing her best to maintain her professionalposure.


    But just as the embarrassment died down, a powerful surge of energy pulsed from the room¡ªa sudden aura that made her heart stop. Pyris'' essence was exploding outward. He was ascending.


    "Young Lord..."


    Mira reacted immediately.


    The sheer force of his elemental surge would have alerted the entire castle, not to mention any potential enemies within miles.


    Without hesitation, she summoned her Void magic, cloaking the entire room within an imprable dome of darkness. The barrier absorbed every ripple of energy, sound, and light.


    Inside the void, nothing could escape, no trace of Pyris'' growing power could be sensed beyond those walls.


    Even with the void dome, Mira could still feel the intensity of his ascension vibrating through the air. She silently secured the castle, her mind racing.


    The cursed guards remained unaware of what was transpiring, and for now, that was all that mattered.


    Steeling herself, Mira entered the room.


    _____


    Pyris sat cross-legged on the floor, his body radiating a powerful elemental glow, eyes zing with the intensity of his awakening. The very air around him felt alive, charged with the essence of multiple elements, swirling in perfect harmony.


    As Mira stood quietly, the room grew heavy. The atmosphere was dense with power, and she could sense it¡ªthe magnitude of his breakthrough.


    Suddenly, an even more powerful aura erupted from Pyris.


    [Ding!]


    [New ability awakened: Elemental Sovereign''s Aura]


    A sudden influx of information flooded Pyris'' mind as the system exined the ability in intricate detail.


    [Elemental Sovereign''s Aura: You have achievedplete mastery over all elements, your aura bending space, time, and reality itself to your will. In the presence of your Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, all elements submit to yourmand, granting you absolute control over the battlefield. No elemental attack of the same Rank or two Ranks above you can harm you, and you can reshape the environment with ease.]


    [Further abilities include:]


    - Elemental Domination: Control over all elements, granting you full control and mastery. You can use beyond three elements at once!


    - Aura of Submission: The power to influence the will of others,pelling them to submit!(Unable to be used)


    - Elemental Dragon Form: Assume the form of an Elemental Dragon,bining physical might and elemental control.


    - Absorption: You can absorb elemental attacks to fuel your power, releasing it in devastating counterattacks.


    - Elemental Domain: Create a domain where a chosen element reigns supreme, altering reality itself.


    - Aura of Vitality: Healing energy flows through you, regenerating yourself and allies.]


    ____


    As the system''s voice faded, the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura surged forward in a massive wave, breaking through Pyris'' body and expanding outward. The power was immense¡ªfar greater than anything he had experienced before.


    The room shook, the very walls straining against the magnitude of his awakening.


    Each element pulsed with life around him, manifesting in perfect harmony. Golden lightning crackled across his skin, fire burned in his eyes, and wind whipped around him like a hurricane. Earth trembled beneath him, and ice froze the very air he breathed.


    The void clung to him like a shadow, while light radiated from him with divine intensity.


    The room was a maelstrom of raw power.


    Pyris'' presence became overwhelming. Space warped under his control, bending reality to his will. The very shadows in the room seemed to bow to him, and time itself felt as though it had momentarily frozen.


    Mira stood in awe, watching the spectacle unfold. She could see his power¡ªfeel it¡ªsomething far beyond even her expectations. Her Void magic kept the eruption contained, but she knew that had she not acted swiftly, the entire empire would have sensed this transcendence.


    As the energy settled, Pyris opened his eyes, now glowing with the brilliant light of divine power. The intensity of his elements still radiated from his body, though controlled now¡ªheld in check by his will.


    Enjoy new adventures from empire


    He looked up at Mira, a small, knowing smile on his lips. "It''s done."


    Mira let out a soft breath, her own expression still one of awe and respect. "Young Lord¡­ you''ve be something¡­ truly incredible."


    Pyris stood, the energy around him rippling as he rose to his feet. He flexed his fingers, feeling the immense power coursing through him, the sheer magnitude of his abilities fully awakened.


    "Elemental Sovereign," he whispered to himself, testing the weight of the title that came with his new power.


    Mira stepped forward, her voice now filled with her usual calm resolve. "Your ascension went unnoticed, thanks to the void dome. But we must act swiftly. The castle is still secure, and the guards remain mindless." She paused, looking at him seriously. "What''s our next move?"


    She offered him another set of clothes amid her embarrassment.


    Pyris chuckled softly, ncing at the now-silent form of Ammit on the bed. "Weplete the mission. Then we im what''s ours." He dressed properly with her help.


    As his words hung in the air, his aura pulsed once more, his newly awakened power simmering just beneath the surface, ready to be unleashed when the time came.


    The Elemental Sovereign had risen. And nothing would stand in his way.

 Chapter 177 Fear the gods & The Shifting Tides of Fate

    Pyris leaned back against the cold stone wall, a soft smile ying on his lips as he watched Ammit''s eyes flutter open, the remnants of their passionate night still lingering in the air. Her skin glistened with a sheen of sweat, her breath steady, and her body rxed.


    Pyris felt the weight of his recent ascension settle within him¡ªa surge of power that had forever changed the course of his path.


    "Pyris~" Ammit called out softly, her voice a hushed murmur. Her eyes, still half-lidded, locked onto his. Pyris walked to her, reaching out and gently cupped her face, his fingers brushing across her cheek with tender affection.


    "You''ve done more for me than you know," Pyris murmured, his smile growing as her lips curled into a satisfied grin. The room was still thick with the scent of their shared passion, but Pyris'' thoughts were already moving forward, to the challenges thaty ahead.


    [She owes you greatly!] Lia''s voice chimed in his mind, her tone yful but appreciative. Pyris couldn''t help but agree.


    Without Ammit, he would still be a Rank 13 awakened, and this newfound ability¡ªthe Elemental Sovereign''s Aura¡ªwould have been far out of reach.


    ''Chatterbox, you''re back!'' he smiled.


    "Ammit," Pyris began, his voice low as he shifted to sit on the edge of the bed. "I believe we have a lot of catching up to do." His gaze held hers, and he could see the flicker of understanding in her eyes.


    "You''re not just an extension of my influence anymore. You''re more than that. We both know that, there''s now something between us."


    Ammit''s smile widened as she leaned into his touch, her head restingfortably in his hands. "And what is that, Pyris?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.@@novelbin@@


    "You''re my woman, now and that''s with no doubt" Pyris dered firmly, his eyes filled with affection but also the weight of his intentions. "You hold more than just influence here. It''s early to call this love, but we both can agree that we''ve wanted each other¡ªbadly."


    Ammit''s expression softened, her amusement giving way to something deeper. She had expected to be a pawn in his game, a useful partner in his pursuit of power, but Pyris was offering her something more.


    A ce beside him, not as a tool, but as a partner in every sense. She nodded, her eyes gleaming with understanding.


    But as Pyris continued to think ahead, theplications of their current situation began to unravel in his mind. He had aplished in days what might have taken weeks of nning, thanks to Ammit''s presence and influence.


    The general had been "killed" and removed from the equation.


    However, Pyris knew there were greater threats looming.


    Ammit had been using the general''s identity to control the cursed warriors and maintain her grip on the empire.


    Now that the general was supposedly dead, they needed a new n¡ªa new way for Ammit to solidify her position without drawing unwanted attention from the gods who had been backing the general.


    "Ammit," Pyris started, his tone serious now, "we need to talk about your next move. The gods who were backing the general will sense something is off if you continue to use the arcane gauntlet. That artifact isced with their energy signatures."


    Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, [The gods behind the general wille for her if she continues to use the gauntlet. They''re not the type to ignore such a betrayal. Unless the gauntlet or the general weren''t of much importance to them which I truly doubt!]


    Pyris nodded to himself. ''Exactly. Thest thing we need is divine retribution when we''re so close to seizing control.'' He knew the gods would be a problem¡ªAmmit had wielded the power granted by them through the gauntlet for too long.


    Even with Pyris'' new abilities, a direct confrontation with divine entities wasn''t something he could do, it would be so stupid and full of himself, that idea couldn''t even cross his mind.


    "For now," Pyris continued, "after the general''s death is announced, you need to stay low-key. Refrain from using the cursed warriors unless absolutely necessary. I don''t want you drawing any attention until the situation is fully under our control."


    Ammit''s expression tightened, but she nodded in agreement.


    She understood the danger¡ªthey couldn''t afford to provoke the gods any further. Pyris ced a gentle kiss on her forehead before rising from the bed, his naked form catching the faint light from the window as he began to dress.


    "I''ll visit the pce soon," Pyris said as he adjusted his coat, his voice now filled with cold determination. His mind was already moving toward the next phase of his n.


    ____


    As Pyris and Mira walked through the bustling, chaotic city, the air was thick with the familiar scent ofwlessness.


    Mira remained by his side, her presence as silent and vignt as always, but she couldn''t help noticing the change in Pyris.


    His power was palpable¡ªan aura of pure dominance seemed to follow in his wake,pelling others to step aside and clear the path. He exuded a coldness now, something sharper, more calcted.


    Mira nced at him, her eyes narrowing as she took in the transformation.


    This wasn''t the same Young Lord who had entered the Midnight Dominion. Pyris had shifted, and the weight of his newfound abilities made the difference clear. The people they passed could sense it too; they instinctively moved out of his way, fear and awe mixing in their nces as they watched him stride through the chaos of the Dominion without a second thought.


    [You''re done refraining, aren''t you?] Lia''s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and yful.


    ''That I am,'' Pyris replied, his expression unchanging as he surveyed the streets before him. ''Now, I will act the way I''m meant to. No sympathy, no mercy, if I want to realize my dreams.''


    He had refrained long enough¡ªyed the role of the patient tactician, of someone who treaded carefully around others. But with his new power, he was done holding back. His enemies would fall, and nothing would stop him from building the empire he envisioned.


    Well, at least in shadows before his ns called upon the bigger forces.


    Arriving at the hidden base of his family, Pyris found Alexa, Aurelia, and his contact, the one who had provided him with the map to General Kassius''s fortress.


    They had been waiting for his return, knowing the mission was at a critical juncture.


    Pyris didn''t waste time with pleasantries.


    "Help me get into the pce," he ordered, his voice firm. The contact nodded quickly, not daring to question Pyris in his current state. A few phone calls were made, and within moments, Pyris received a notification on his phone¡ªa summons from the pce.


    The king of the Sunstone Empire had requested an audience with Petne Chaos.


    "Mira." Pyris didn''t need to say more. Mira moved swiftly, her Void element wrapping around her like a shadow as she appeared behind the contact. With a swift motion, she struck, her de slipping through the man''s chest as he gasped.


    His body disintegrated into nothingness, his life extinguished in an instant.


    Alexa''s eyes glowed with a sudden, intense golden light. "It''s happening," she whispered, her voice filled with an otherworldly quality. "The wheels of fate have turned."


    Pyris nced at her, feeling her Divine Eyes probing him. He could feel her gaze, the way it seemed to peel backyers of reality, searching deeper into the fabric of his being.


    He smiled to himself, knowing she was seeing more than she should.


    ''She''s beginning to understand,'' Pyris thought happy for the progress his woman was having.


    But as Alexa continued to peer into his aura, she gasped. Her eyes widened with the realization that Pyris had be something more. His aura pulsed with a power she hadn''t seen before¡ªsomething tied to the very fate and destiny he now controlled, unknowingly.


    ''He... he can influence fate without even knowing it,'' she thought, her heart racing. But she kept that secret buried deep within her, knowing that to reveal it now would endanger him.


    Retribution awaited those who meddled with fate too soon.


    Alexa knew this well, and as much as she wished to tell Pyris everything, she understood the danger. Until the time was right, she would stay silent, for his protection.


    Stay tuned for updates on empire


    For now, she would be his woman, his ally, and the pir he could rely on when the time came.


    The wheels of fate had turned, and Pyris was now walking a path that even the gods themselves would struggle to control.


    ******


    I have worked so hard today, I deserve some love guys! Power stones, Golden tickets and Gifts. 15 chapters in single day!


    Guys show me some love, will you?

 Chapter 178 A Goddess: The Unseen Veil!

    "It has finally happened," a shadowy silhouette whispered, her voice like the soft hum of distant stars, enchanting yet ancient, with a power that stretched beyond mortalprehension. The figure stood in the same room as Pyris, though no mortal eyes could detect her presence¡ªnot even Mira, master of the void and concealment techniques, could sense the woman''s existence.


    She was a being beyond even the deepest understanding of space and time, her form hidden from view, but her presence was undeniable.


    Her eyes, burning with a divine glow, flickered as she observed Pyris with an intensity that pierced through the very fabric of his being. She sighed, her voice a melodic whisper echoing through the frozen moment in time.


    "He''s done it. He''s finally broken the chains of fate and destiny."


    Her expression softened as a brief memory shed through her mind¡ªshe recalled trying to warn him at the academy, telling him the dangers of severing the protective forces of the cosmos.


    But then she remembered: "Oh no, I didn''t warn him. I erased that reality!" She pped her own forehead lightly, shaking her head in amusement.


    This woman had been watching Pyris from the shadows since the moment he arrived in this world. She had seen his soul, recognizing the special energy it carried, an energy she was far too familiar with but still didn''t want to admit.


    The warning she had tried to give him was gone, erased, and now the consequences of his choices hade to fruition.


    "All is not lost," she whispered, her eyes glowing as they focused on Pyris. With a simple blink, the entire world seemed to freeze.


    Time itself stopped.


    Everything stood still. Mira, ever-vignt, had her gaze fixed on the cursed warriors outside the room, yet now, she was frozen mid-action, locked in an instant of time. Even Lia, the soul-bound entity residing within Pyris, had been silenced by this overwhelming force.


    Everything was held in the grip of a moment, suspended and motionless, except for Pyris.


    The air was thick, heavy with an unexinable weight, and Pyris could feel something shift¡ªsomething far beyond his understanding.


    His instincts screamed at him as he immediately moved into a defensive stance, his mind sharp and alert. Without hesitation, Pyris summoned his golden sword, a relic forged from the body of Astraya The treasures of Beyond, imbued with the power of his Golden Dragon heritage.


    The sword, a weapon that had once made the air tremble with its mere presence, now felt... dull.


    Its radiant aura, usually enough tomand respect from even the mightiest warriors, had been reduced to nothing more than a wooden stick against the force that permeated the room.


    The sword, which could split the heavens, was muted, its glow stolen by the power that held the universe in its grasp.


    "There, there, young one. I mean no harm~" The voice slid into the air like velvet, a voice that wasn''t just heard but felt¡ªdeep in his chest, reverberating in his very soul. It was divine, every wordced with a surreal grace that made Pyris feel as if the cosmos itself was speaking to him.


    Pyris felt his heart slow, his mind clouding under the soothing influence of her voice.


    The tension in his muscles rxed against his will, and for the first time in his life, he felt vulnerable¡ªnot out of fear, but because he was entranced. Her voice was a melody so perfect, so divine, that his defenses crumbled without him even realizing it.


    His grip on the sword loosened, and the de, once a symbol of his heritage and power, faded back into his body. He couldn''t fight it. He didn''t want to. Discover exclusive tales on empire


    He waspletely helpless in her presence unable to do anything by his will but her''s.


    "I don''t like the sword''s presence in this conversation we''re about to have," the woman continued, her voice bothmanding and kind. Pyris felt himself nodding, though his mind remained confused.


    She materialized before him¡ªnot in full rity but as a shadowy figure, cloaked in a divine mystery that left Pyris unable to discern her form.@@novelbin@@


    Her presence was overwhelming, filling the room with an air of cosmic significance. He couldn''t make out her face or features, but her power weighed on him like the pull of gravity itself.


    "You''ve lost a powerful protection, Pyris, and many dangerous entities wille for you. You should be proud¡ªyou''re that famous," she said with a soft, knowing smile but with visible sarcasm when she said he was famous.


    The air thickened, and Pyris could feel the truth in her words, though he couldn''t fully grasp what she meant. She didn''t bother exining in detail; she didn''t need to. Pyris could feel the gravity of what he had lost, even without fully understanding the consequences. There was a shift, something beyond his control, and now, it seemed, the gods themselves would be alerted to his presence.


    "All this time, the gods hadn''t recognized you. You''ve walked this world unnoticed hidden perfectly by Lilith, even while wielding the power of divine lightning," she continued. "But now... they''ll know. Your existence is no longer hidden from them."


    Her words hung in the air, their weight crashing into Pyris like a tidal wave. Gods.


    He had wielded powers beyond mortalprehension, yet never fully grasped what it meant to catch the gaze of the divine.


    Now, the veil that had shielded him was gone, and the gods woulde.


    They would hunt him.


    ______


    With a soft blink ten minutester, the timeline resumed the contents of their conversation only known by Pyris himself.


    The world stirred back to life, the eerie stillness broken as sound and motion returned. Mira moved, oblivious to the encounter that had just transpired, or so Pyris thought, while Lia regained her presence within Pyris, unaware of the temporary halt in time.


    But Pyris stood rooted in ce, his mind racing toprehend what had just happened. His breathing was shallow, his thoughts frantic.


    ''My understanding of this world¡­ the entire cosmos¡­ it''s been so limited.'' Pyris felt the weight of his ignorance pressing down on him. The gods, beings he had once thought distant and mythic, now loomed as real threats¡ªpowers that could crush him as easily as one might squash an insect.


    "I''m nothing but a bug to them?" Pyris muttered to himself, he remembered the woman''s final words, echoing in his mind. "You''re a bug to them Pyris but a special bug, one capable of threatening them."


    His hands trembled, not with fear but with the enormity of the challenge before him.


    The gods, beings who could end empires with a thought, were now aware of him. And they woulde, seeking to erase his existence before he could grow into the threat they feared.


    This was all because of his background and his potential.


    Pyris shuddered at the thought.


    How powerful was Lucy, the legend who had once stood against the ancient god, wielding powers that Pyris could barely fathom?


    To face the gods and survive... the very idea seemed impossible.


    But Pyris wasn''t one to retreat in the face of danger. The woman''s words had ignited something inside him¡ªa drive, a determination.


    She had confirmed what Lia had said all along: his family, the Obsidian lineage, was destined to sh with the gods once again. Not just because of their annoying technology that would annoy gods, not just because of their rising influence, but also because of Pyris himself.


    He was the spark, the one capable of bing the scourge of the divine, just as Lucy had been.


    He reached down and caressed the ring on his thumb, the one the woman had given him.


    Its purpose was clear: to mask his power, to hide his true nature from the gods for as long as possible. As long as he wore it, the divine would be blind to his existence, but he knew it was only a temporary shield.


    But it won''t bring back the shield of Fate and Destiny he had lost, things will soone crashing into him.


    "How powerful do I need to be before the ring can no longer hide me?" Pyris whispered to himself, though the answer remained unspoken.


    He knew that one day, he would outgrow the ring''s protection, and when that day came, the gods woulde for him.


    "Pyris~" a soft voice called, snapping him from his thoughts.


    It was Aurelia, her presence bringing a sense of familiarfort amidst the chaos of his revtions.


    Pyris turned, a small smile forming on his lips. He had much to prepare for¡ªfar more than he had ever imagined.


    *******


    Don''t ever naively think that fate and destiny holds you down, cause once you lose it... Well, read forward and see what happens. Pyris will be your perfect example and let''s of you''ve got what it takes to demand to be free from the Divine Shield!

 Chapter 179 The Cosmic Forces of Protection!!

    Now that Pyris had broken free from the threads of fate and destiny, he was no longer bound by their influence. This newfound freedom allowed him to shape his own path, no longer constrained by the invisible forces that had previously guided and limited his every move.


    His decisions were now entirely his own, his power and ambition reaching heights previously unimaginable.


    It seemed like the ultimate liberationplete control over his own life, a gift many sought but few achieved.


    But with that freedom came a dark cost.


    While fate and destiny had once tethered him, they also acted as protective forces, cocooning him from dangers far beyond his understanding.


    They challenged him, yes¡ªpresenting obstacles and trials¡ªbut these were measured, designed to strengthen him without allowing him to fall beyond recovery.


    The true danger of breaking free from their influence was that Pyris nowcked the invisible shield that had guarded him against the unknown dangers lurking both within and beyond the mortal realms.


    Most believed that being under the control of fate and destiny was a form of oppression, something to escape from, but in truth, these forces protected those in their grip.


    They nudged individuals toward growth while keeping them from catastrophic failure.


    Pyris, however, had severed that bond.


    Now, every threat, every force of nature, and every enemy woulde for him, and there would be no cosmic intervention to shield him from what he couldn''t handle.


    He was no longer a child of fate, merely a wandering soul exposed to all the perils of a world far more dangerous than he once knew.


    ______


    Pyris stood quietly in his room, his fingers absently brushing over the ring on his thumb¡ªthe one that now kept him hidden from the gods. The revtion of his severed ties to fate and destiny weighed heavily on him, yet it had opened up something else.


    A surge of newfound strength flowed within him, a power that felt boundless, free from the shackles of the cosmos.


    The night after his meeting with the mysterious goddess-like figure had been restless.


    He could still feel her presence lingering in his thoughts. The world had shifted, and Pyris knew it.


    But that conversation¡ªeverything she had revealed¡ªhe kept locked away, tucked deep within his mind. Not even Aurelia, Alexa, or Mira would know. Not yet.


    As he prepared for the day, he could sense the women''s eyes on him, especially Mira''s.


    Her silence was always telling. She had felt something off the previous night and seen everything, perhaps a brief ripple in time. But Pyris wasn''t one to discuss the intricacies of such monumental events.


    After all, to share such knowledge would be to expose vulnerabilities he was not ready to acknowledge. Not in front of them.


    _____


    "Pyris," Aurelia''s voice echoed softly from behind him, her eyes narrowing as she watched him. "Something happenedst night, didn''t it?" Her tone was cautious, but Pyris could sense the curiosity gnawing at her.


    He turned to face her, his expression calm, unreadable. "Nothing worth mentioning," he said simply, his voice cool and dismissive.


    He could see Alexa looking at him too, her golden eyes gleaming with her Divine Sight¡ªas if she wanted to see the truth but dared not push further.


    Mira, however, wasn''t as easily swayed. Her eyes remained on him, quiet but calcting. She had always been more attuned to the shifts around him, and Pyris could feel her probing his aura.


    She would not ask outright, but she would certainly test the waters.


    "You seem¡­ different," Mira finally spoke, her words sharp yet careful. Pyris nced at her, knowing she was already scheming. Mira was no fool¡ªshe would not let such a transformation pass without hinting she knew.


    "I''m always changing, Mira," Pyris replied with a faint smile, his gaze steady. "That''s what keeps things interesting, isn''t it?"


    Mira''s lips curled into a small smirk, but Pyris could feel her assessing him. She would probe further when the time came¡ªhe knew her too well. But for now, he had other things to focus on.


    The day passed in rtive quiet, and soon it was time for Pyris to meet with the Sunstone King.


    As the convoy of cars rolled toward the pce, Pyris observed the grand yet decaying structure from within the car.


    Opulent and grand on the outside, but anyone with a sharp enough mind could feel the cracks in its foundation¡ªa kingdom barely holding itself together.


    The pce gates opened slowly, the guards standing at attention, though Pyris could feel theirck of vignce. These were not men of discipline; they were simply ceholders, weak guardians of a once-mighty empire.


    Pyris watched as hidden protectors moved in the shadows¡ªmercenaries, spies, perhaps even mages¡ªbut none of them caused him concern.


    To him, they were like children ying at war.


    The convoy rolled to a stop, and Pyris stepped out, the crowd of onlookers whispering in awe at the sight of his wealth and influence. Even the pce staff exchanged nces of intrigue, wondering who could demand such an audience with the king.


    A man greeted Pyris¡ªa Rank 15 awakened, though Pyris didn''t bother to appraise him. "Too weak," he thought. Just another tool for the Sunstone King, easily disposable.


    The man led him inside the pce without fanfare, bowing deeply as they moved through the halls adorned with luxurious tapestries and gold-encrusted pirs.


    ____


    The doors to the private chamber opened, and Pyris was met with the sight of King Soltan, a lion beast-man with the features of a human, save for his lion ears and a mane-like beard that hung down his chest.


    Soltan sat with an air of disguised arrogance, his sharp eyes studying Pyris as if he were appraising some exotic beast.


    "Petne Chaos," the king rumbled, his voice deep and rich, though it held a note of underlying malice. "It''s rare for one so¡­ young tomand such attention in my kingdom."


    Pyris took his seat opposite the king, his eyes flickering with amusement at the man''s attempt at intimidation. He remained silent, his posture rxed, observing Soltan in much the same way the king observed him. Discover more content at empire


    "You''ve been making quite the stir in the Midnight Dominion," Soltan continued, his lion ears twitching slightly as he leaned forward. "But tell me, why should I allow a man like you to move through my kingdom with such¡­ freedom?"


    Pyris smirked slightly. He had expected this. The king was feeling threatened, but he didn''t yet realize the danger he was in.


    "I offer you an opportunity, Soltan," Pyris said calmly, his voice steady. "To restore what''s left of your crumbling empire. To rebuild it under your reign." Pyris knew the king wanted to strike the iron while it was hot, Pyris didn''t mice his words either, straight to the point.


    The king narrowed his eyes, leaning back in his chair as he tapped his fingers on the armrest, a habit Pyris had already noted. "And if I refuse?"


    Pyris'' smile faded, reced by a cold, calcting stare. "Then you''ll be left in the dust, crushed under the weight of your own arrogance and uncontroble warlords seeking your position as the monarch of your crumbling empire. It will be such a shame of you asked me!"


    There was a beat of silence before Soltan''s expression changed, a smirk growing on his lips. He tapped twice on the armrest, and Pyris immediately felt it¡ªa shift in the air.


    The doors behind Pyris swung open, and three figures stepped into the room. Rank 16 awakened¡ªthree men, their auras ring with power as they moved to surround Pyris.


    Pyris didn''t bother to turn around.


    He could sense their intent, feel the weight of their presence like a smoldering ember waiting to ignite. The king thought this was some kind of trap, that Pyris would be cowed by the disy of force. Fool.


    Soltan chuckled softly, his confidence swelling. "You see, Lord Chaos, I don''t enjoy being threatened in my own kingdom. I wonder, can you fight off the wolves when they surround you?"


    Pyris'' patience snapped in an instant. His eyes darkened as a surge of elemental power erupted within him. The room''s temperature plummeted, frost crawling up the walls as ice began to crystallize at his feet.


    Golden lightning crackled around him, snapping through the air with violent intensity.


    Without a word, Pyris moved. His hand flicked toward the first guard, sending a wave of ice shooting forward. It struck the man with brutal force, freezing his body solid in an instant, his eyes wide in shock as his life ended without so much as a scream.


    Before the others could react, golden lightning crackled across Pyris'' arms, and he turned, sending a deadly arc of electricity through the second and third men.


    The lightning tore through them, their bodies convulsing violently as the raw power burned through their flesh.


    Within seconds, the three Rank 16 awakened were dead, their bodies scattered across the room like discarded toys.


    Pyris stood still, his aura seething with elemental fury, his eyes cold and unfeeling as he turned back to Soltan.@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 180 Eternal Seal! 2, The King – Servitude on a Silver Platter

    The king stumbled back in his chair, his face pale with fear. His confident smirk had vanished, reced by sheer terror. Pyris had killed three Rank 16 awakened in the blink of an eye, without so much as breaking a sweat.


    Pyris'' expression remained calm, though his eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement.


    Mira materialized at his side, her void element coiling around her like a living shadow. Without needing instruction, she extended her hand, her void magic locking onto Soltan.


    The king gasped as his body froze, Mira''s power paralyzing him in ce.


    Pyris stepped forward, his cold gaze locking onto Soltan''s terrified eyes.


    This was the moment.


    Pyris raised his hand, ready to use the Eternal Seal on the king, the thought forming in his mind like a dark promise.


    ____


    An opportunity had presented itself¡ªwrapped in the king''s stupidity and arrogance.


    He hade in peace offering something great to the king yet he chose stupidity.


    Pyris sneered, eyes narrowing as he watched the lion beast-man, still frozen in ce under Mira''s grip, sweat dripping from his face and pooling on the cold floor.


    The second advisor had been the one to convince the king that trapping Pyris was the key to restoring the Sunstone Empire.


    ording to the advisor, Pyris'' extraordinary abilities, whatever they were and the woman who could see visions, could be harnessed to control the Midnight Dominion and, eventually, the entirety of the Sunstone Empire.


    They had hoped to use Pyris as a pawn¡ªa tool to w their way back from the empire''s decline. They didn''t know his real identity but were sure he was a big shot from one of the main empires.


    But that man was already dead. Pyris had ensured it.


    Now, standing over the groveling king, Pyris allowed himself a dark, amused smile. The king had no idea howpletely he had yed into Pyris'' hands.


    "What a stupid king you are," Pyris murmured, his voice dripping with condescension. "No wonder your rule is declining. You can''t even recognize a hill from a mountain."


    The king''s breathing was ragged, sweat pouring from his body as Mira''s void energy pressed down on him.


    His knees were crushed against the marble floor, his lion ears ttened against his skull in a mixture of terror and disbelief.


    Pyris could almost hear the racing heartbeat in the man''s chest, as though his very soul was clinging to survival.


    "You''re lucky," Pyris continued, his voice soft but razor-sharp. "Thanks to your stupidity, I don''t have to go through so much trouble to get what I want. Fear not, for your kingdom will stay yours... and will grow more powerful than you ever imagined. Powerful enough that even the great empires won''t dare to annihte it."


    The empires¡ªwhether Dragon, Vampire, or Elven¡ªhad long desired to eradicate the Sunstone Empire.


    This region ofwlessness and chaos had no ce among their well-orderednds.


    And yet, they hesitated. The Midnight Dominion, the heart of the Sunstone Empire, was too valuable. It had be a hub of illegal trade, forbidden knowledge, and mercenary power that the empires secretly wanted a piece of.


    Like vultures, they circled, waiting for the right moment to feast on the spoils.


    But Pyris was about to change the game.


    King Soltan''s eyes widened, the fire of hope suddenly igniting within him. Could it be? Was he about to see the rebirth of his empire, the restoration of his power? His heart pounded with renewed fervor.


    The decline could be reversed. His dream, his vision of ruling over an empire respected and feared, might still be within reach.


    But Pyris'' next words came like a thunderp.


    "...Albeit, as my ve."


    The king''s breath caught in his throat, the word "ve" echoing through his mind like a final, damning decree. Pyris'' voice had dropped an octave, his tone colder than death itself.


    The word ve hammered into Soltan''s mind, turning that flicker of hope into a deep well of despair.


    Before the king could even process what was happening, Pyris raised his hand, activating a power he had never used before¡ªthe Eternal Seal.


    [Ding! 100,000 LPs deducted!] the system announced coldly in Pyris'' mind, the transaction brief but significant. He could feel the familiar pull of energy as his life points were siphoned into the seal.


    ''That will change soon enough,'' Pyris thought, already plotting how to make this ability costless.


    A massive, invisible grey seal erupted from Pyris'' body, its surface swirling with tendrils of primal energy.


    The seal was ancient¡ªolder than time itself¡ªand even though it was cloaked from the world''s senses, the air around it trembled. Space itself seemed to warp, as though recognizing the presence of something beyondprehension.


    The void around it felt the weight of eternity.


    The king''s body froze entirely, his will evaporating as the seal began to engulf him. His wide eyes stared nkly,pletely entranced, as if he could no longer even register what was happening.


    The tendrils of grey energy enveloped himpletely, binding him.


    A ripple of energy burst forth, though only Pyris could feel the full weight of what had transpired.


    [Ding! Eternal Seal sessful¡­ Host has gained his first eternal ve.]


    Pyris could feel it¡ªa deep connection forming between himself and the king. It wasn''t just mind control; it wasplete dominion.


    The king''s will, his actions, his very existence, were now tied to Pyris. He could choose his life and death, pain, joy and beyond.


    The man would live or die by Pyris'' whims, and if Pyris himself were to die, so too would his eternal ve. The king was no longer a ruler¡ªhe was a puppet, a hollow shell animated by Pyris''mand.


    [Ding! New ability gained: Eternal''s Vision.]


    [You can now share the vision of your eternal ve, granting you sight of what they see. However, this ability is one-way¡ªthey cannot see through your eyes.]


    Pyris felt the connection settle, a web of control linking him to Soltan''s mind.


    He could sense the man''s fear, his desperation wing at the edges of the bond. Your next chapter is on empire


    Pyris lifted his hand, and in response, the king rose shakily to his feet, eyes dull and lifeless as his new master willed him to move.


    "Master¡­" the word slipped from the king''s lips, barely more than a whisper. It was the first taste ofplete servitude, a soft acknowledgment of the unbreakable chain that now bound him to Pyris.


    He would be whatever Pyrismanded him to be¡ªa ruler, a servant, a puppet for the empire.


    Pyris smiled coldly, his eyes glinting with amusement. Mira stepped back, her void energy retreating now that the king was under Pyris'' full control. Her expression was calm, but Pyris could feel her satisfaction.


    The king had been broken with little effort.


    After a brief pause, Pyris gave his firstmand. "After a day, you will withdraw the mission request you posted with the Eclipse Syndicate."


    The king nodded nkly, his mind no longer able to resist.


    Pyris rose from his chair, his business with the kingplete. There was no need to linger here. He had already gained everything he needed. Without a second nce, he walked toward the exit, his mind shifting to the next phase of his n.


    He woulde back here to explore more what the domain had to offer.


    As he left the meeting room, Pyris felt a faint hum in his ring. He lifted his hand, tapping the ring as he activated themunication link with Ammit.


    "Ammit," he said calmly, his tone now shifting to one of quiet authority. "The king is¡­ in my service. You''ll remain in the shadows, but you will be the real ruler of this empire."@@novelbin@@


    Ammit, always cool andposed, chuckled softly through the link. "As you wish, my love. I never intended to rule publicly. My strength lies in the shadows."


    "Exactly. Between you and my new ve, we will ensure the sess of our dreams." Pyris smiled to himself. His kingdom was beginning to take shape, piece by piece.


    With the king under his control and Ammit guiding things from the shadows, the Sunstone Empire would soon bend to his will. But this was only the beginning. There were far greater empires to conquer, and gods to defy.

 Chapter 181 Slave Shop!

    "How did you know?" Mira asked as they walked through the grand corridors of the Sunstone Pce, her voice betraying just the faintest hint of curiosity.


    Pyris nced at her, sensing the depth of her question. She was still probing, still curious about what had happened with the king. But Pyris was in no mood to linger in the pce.


    He had already done what needed to be done, and staying longer in a ce like this only meant attracting unnecessary attention.


    He had to admit, though¡ªthe king was a man of riches, the kind who liked to show off his wealth.


    The excessive grandeur of the pce reflected that, with golden statues, high ceilings adorned with intricate artwork, andvish decorations that bordered on the ridiculous.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris couldn''t help but grin as he imagined the king''s desperate attempt to maintain an air of majesty in the midst of his crumbling empire. What would I got uncle oh boy I got to do again


    "How did you know, Young Lord?" Mira asked she had thought she was the only one who had seen through it but it wasn''t the case.


    "The oddity started before we even arrived here," Pyris exined as they moved through the halls. His tone was casual, but Mira knew better than to mistake his words for mere conversation. "We needed information. And in this city, you know how that goes¡ªyou always look for an information broker."


    Mira nodded, listening closely.


    "The man we found was the only broker around who could offer what we wanted, and he had the map to the general''s fortress ready even before I asked for it," Pyris continued, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the moment. "He was too eager, practically throwing the information at us."


    "And you did find that suspicious?" Mira asked, raising an eyebrow teasingly.


    "Oh, I found it very suspicious," Pyris said with a faint smile. "But I yed along. He was so happy when the mission was sessful, he didn''t realize his mistake when I asked him to contact the pce for a meeting with the king on purpose."


    "He arranged that meeting¡­ too quickly," Mira mused.


    "Exactly. I got the invitation within a minute, as if they were already expecting me," Pyris confirmed. "He was working with the king all along. The moment he provided me with everything I needed, I realized they had overyed their hand."


    They exited the pce, not bothering to nce back as they climbed into their convoy.


    Pyris had no more business here, and the Sunstone Pce now felt more like a decaying relic than a center of power, at least for now.


    As the cars rolled through the chaotic streets of the Midnight Dominion, Pyris stared out the window, silently marveling at the sheer contradiction the city represented. The Sunstone Empire waswless, corrupt, yet it functioned like a well-oiled machine.


    Crime was rampant, but it was organized. Businesses thrived, even in chaos. Experience tales at empire


    "Mhmm?" Pyris eximed in amusement as his gaze fell upon a giant building pulling through the sky, towering over the surrounding structures.


    "ve Shop," the sign read in bold letters. The sight intrigued Pyris more than he''d expected. He gestured for the driver to stop. The convoy pulled over smoothly, and Mira opened the door for him as he stepped out.


    People on the street immediately cleared the way, their eyes wide with fear and respect.


    In the Midnight Dominion, power was absolute, and a mere stare from the wrong person could get you killed. Pyris'' convoy had already marked him as someone not to be trifled with, and no one was willing to test their luck.


    As Pyris approached the entrance of the ve shop, a pot-bellied man with a balding head rushed forward to greet him.


    His eyes gleamed with eagerness, a wide grin stered on his face as he bowed low, hands wringing nervously.


    "Wee, my lord!" the man eximed, his voice dripping with respect and reverence.


    The sight of Pyris, with his air of authority and wealth, had clearly sent the shopkeeper into a frenzy of servility. "What an honor it is to have you here! Please, allow me to show you the finest of ves in all of the Sunstone Empire."


    The shopkeeper''s eyes flickered with greed as he took in Pyris'' handsome features and impable attire. ''And that face¡­ Heh, heh, heh,'' the man thought to himself, his grin widening.


    Money and power¡ªtwo things he could never afford to offend.


    ves moved through the lobby in obedient silence, following their masters like shadows.


    Some were adorned with cors, others with wristbands that marked them as property. But these were no ordinary cors.


    The air inside was stifling with the indifference of those who bought and sold lives.


    In the other empires, ve trading was a big crime¡ªat least, publicly.


    It was banned, and any hint of such dealings in the open could bring severe punishment. But beneath the polished surface of theirws, in the shadows of the imperial courts, very still thrived.


    The powerful empires turned a blind eye to the trade because they too profited from it.


    But here, in the Midnight Dominion, such businesses operated openly, without pretense or shame. ves were merchandise, and the trade was as essential to the Sunstone Empire''s economy as any legal venture.


    The ve business was one of the many reasons the main empires toleranted the Sunstone Empire.


    The lobby wasrge, its walls lined with ss rooms filled with ves.


    The ves were treated well¡ªwell-fed, well-clothed, and kept infortable conditions to ensure they remained in pristine condition for potential buyers. Each room had a bed, food, and other basic necessities to preserve the merchandise.


    This was modern very.


    "Allow me to take you to where the real good goods are, my lord," the shopkeeper said with a sly smile, gesturing for Pyris and Mira to follow him toward an elevator. Pyris gave a slight nod, more curious than anything.


    He had no real interest in buying a ve, but he wanted to understand how this city worked and how itsrgest businesses operated.


    The elevator hummed quietly as they ascended to the top floor.


    When the doors opened, Pyris found himself momentarily struck by the sight before him.


    The top floor was nothing like the rest of the building. Here, ves didn''t seem like ves.


    The rooms were luxurious, more akin to four-star hotels than holding cells. ves of different races¡ªelves, orcs, beast-kin, and even a few humans¡ªsat in their rooms,fortable, well-groomed, and seemingly at ease.


    They couldn''t see Pyris through the one-way ss, but he could see them clearly.


    Some sat reading books, others practicing skills or engaged in quiet conversation.


    The whole scene was oddly peaceful, like a strange illusion of freedom.


    Pyris was intrigued but remained detached. He had no intention of purchasing a ve. His interestsy elsewhere. He simply wanted to observe, to understand how the Midnight Dominion ran its more unsavory businesses.


    But then¡­ his eyes caught sight of her.


    In one of the ss rooms, a small eight-year-old girl sat on the floor, her white hair tied into a messy ponytail. Her elven ears stuck out, a telltale sign of her race.


    Unlike the others, she wasn''t lounging or resting. She was seated beside a machine, her brow furrowed in intense concentration.


    Her delicate fingers moved with precision, manipting pieces of technology in a way that was far beyond her years.


    [Another moon elf,]Lia''s voice murmured in his mind.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes, watching the girl closely. There was something about her¡­ something special.


    ''A special one,'' he thought.


    The girl wasn''t ying. She was building something¡ªsomething intricate and advanced. Even though she was just a child, her movements were those of an IT and technology genius, assembling parts of a device that could only be described asplex.


    Pyris'' curiosity red.


    Without thinking, he turned to the shopkeeper and spoke, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I want her. She''s the one I''m taking."


    The shopkeeper''s face lit up with a mix of surprise and excitement. Was the lord interested in young ones? ''Young men with wild choices'' ultimately he was a business man so he didn''t care "Ah! Excellent choice, my lord! An exceptional choice! I''ll prepare the paperwork immediately."


    Pyris remained still, his eyes never leaving the little moon elf. He hade here with no intention of buying a ve, but now¡­ things had taken a different turn.


    And Pyris was never one to ignore opportunity.

 Chapter 182 The Moon Elf Child, Elsa!

    Pyris stood quietly for a moment, his system disying the results of his appraisal of the young moon elf girl.


    ''Her talent for magic is abnormally low,'' Pyris noted inwardly. Although she hadn''t reached the age of her awakening her magic talent, was a bit low.


    But that could be fixed, instead of losing interest, he found himself even more intrigued. The young girl''s low affinity for magic only sharpened his curiosity¡ªher gift for technology was astounding, far beyond her years.


    "Is it her¡­?" Mira began to ask, but Pyris nodded before she could finish.


    "She''s a genius," Pyris murmured, a rare spark of admiration in his voice. "She reminds me of myself, back then¡­ If I can groom her¡­" His thoughts raced with the possibilities, and for the first time in a long while, a genuine smile crept across his face.


    ____


    Momentster, the pot-bellied shopkeeper returned running looking all sweaty, bowing low, huffing for breath as he ced a contract before Pyris. "Ah, hah, *ahem* my lord, the girl you''ve selected is priced at Ar100 million. A fine investment, I assure you."


    Pyris handed over the payment without hesitation, therge sum meaning little to him, the vekeeper swiped the card hurried lest the Young Lord might change his mind, that would be a loss...


    But as the vekeeper prepared to have the girl sign the paperwork¡ªstandard procedure to mark her as a purchased ve¡ªPyris raised his hand.


    "That won''t be necessary," Pyris said sharply, his gaze locking onto the man''s. The coldness in his eyes left no room for argument. He had no intention of enving the girl. He wanted her to be free.


    Signing the papers meant branding the young girl as a ve and ultimately a cor or sign of very.


    The vekeeper''s face twitched in confusion but quickly masked his surprise with a bow. "As you wish, my lord. And no ve seal will be ced on her."


    ____


    The process of bringing the girl out of her room was quiet and orderly.


    The ss door slid open with a faint hiss, the young girl sat cross-legged on the floor, tinkering with a small, intricate device¡ªa miniature holographic projector she seemed to be assembling from scratch.


    Her white hair was tied in a messy ponytail, her elven ears twitching slightly as she concentrated, oblivious to the people entering her space.


    The moment she looked up and saw Pyris, her wide eyes sparkled with surprise. Her small face flushed, her chubby cheeks tinted pink as she gazed up at the handsome figure before her, his warm smile gentle but striking.


    "Handsome brother..." the girl whispered, her voice filled with innocent wonder. She observed him as though scrutinizing him, she seemed to see through him but that was her thing, her way of juggling Pyris.


    She tugged gently at the sleeve of Pyris'' coat, her eyes glittering with hope. "Are you the one who bought me?" She was eager almost, as if she had found her lucky charm.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris knelt down to her level, his expression softening as he looked into her moonlight-colored eyes¡ªa radiant white that glowed with a purity only moon elves possessed. "Yes, Elsa," Pyris said, his voice soothing. "Big brother is here to take you from this ce. You''ll love it at home."


    He reached out and caressed her cheek gently, his touch warm and reassuring.


    For the first time, Mira saw a side of Pyris that she had never witnessed before¡ªthe soft, protective side that he usually reserved only for his family.


    A genuine affection radiated from him, and it took Mira by surprise.


    "To think this young dragon loved children so much," Mira whispered in amusement, her usualposure slightly shaken.


    Elsa''s eyes widened, and a beaming smile spread across her face. "Awh, big brother, you''re amazing! You even know my name!" Her excitement bubbled over, her hands pping together in glee.


    Pyris chuckled, his heart warming at the sight. "Of course, Elsa. How would I be your big brother if I didn''t know your name?"


    He half-hugged her, pulling her close as his hand stroked her soft white hair, a tenderness in his touch that made the young girl''s eyes water. Tears welled up in Elsa''s eyes as she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, her emotions spilling over.


    The vekeeper stood frozen, a puzzled expression on his face. ''How did he know her name?'' he wondered. He hadn''t shown any paperwork to Pyris yet. The moon elf''s identity had been kept a secret, even in the listings.


    "Don''t put your eyes where they don''t belong, weakling," Mira warned with a cold, icy tone, her eyes cutting into the shopkeeper like a de.


    The man stammered, quickly averting his gaze, sweat trickling down his forehead.


    Pyris rose from his crouch and smiled down at Elsa. "Shall we go now, Elsa?"


    The young girl nodded enthusiastically, her ponytail bouncing with her movement. Pyris couldn''t help butugh at her eagerness, the pure joy on her face lifting the mood.


    As they began to leave the room, Elsa tilted her head curiously. "Where does big brother stay? Are you a big shot?"


    Pyris let out a soft chuckle, amused by the girl''s straightforwardness. "I suppose you could say that."


    Elsa''s eyes wandered over to Mira, who stood silently at Pyris'' side. Her little finger pointed toward the phantom. "Is that big sister over there your wife?"


    Pyris'' deepughter filled the room as Mira''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Hahaha, no, no. Mira is my most trustedpanion."


    Mira''s expression remained impassive, though her eyes flickered with embarrassment. Pyris, sensing the opportunity to tease the girl, leaned in close to Elsa and whispered conspiratorially, "She''s quite cute isn''t she? And she''s powerful as well, If anyone bullies you¡­" He made a shing motion with his hand on his neck.


    Elsa gasped, her small eyes widening in shock as she tugged at Pyris'' sleeve. "So, if someone bullies me, will she¡­?" her voice quivered.


    Pyris smirked, ruffling her hair. "Of course, no one would ever hurt you, Elsa with her or me around."


    Mira coughed lightly, trying to regain herposure. "Young Lord¡­" she called, her voice tinged with embarrassment. The tease about being his wife still lingered in her mind, the images of hia sex with Ammit vivid in her head, especially after the size she had witnessed.


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    "You embarrassed her," Elsa said with a giggle, looking up at Mira with wide eyes. "Isn''t she cute?"


    Mira''s cheeks flushed a deeper red, her usual calm demeanor faltering under the gaze of the innocent moon elf child. "She''s so scary," Elsa dered, shaking her head in denial.


    Pyris couldn''t help butugh again, finding the entire exchange endearing. He picked up Elsa, effortlessly lifting her onto his shoulders. The young girl squealed with delight as she settled into her new perch, her hands grabbing fistfuls of his hair yfully.


    ____


    As Pyris, Mira, and Elsa stepped out of the ve shop, heads turned, and whispers rippled through the crowd. The sight of the aristocratic man with a young moon elf girl perched happily on his shoulders drew stares of surprise. In a city where ves were treated as property, it was almost unheard of to see such a bond between master and ve.


    But Pyris didn''t see Elsa as a ve. She was family, as far as he was concerned. He marveled at how quickly the young girl had epted him, how naturally she had taken to calling him big brother.


    "She said she had a unique talent for judging character on sight," Pyris thought to himself. He couldn''t help but be impressed by the intuitive gift the girl possessed.


    He knew, from the moment he saw her, that she was special¡ªnot just for her talent in technology, but for the way she connected with others.


    Elsa''s clothes were simple¡ªa white cotton dress that matched the pale glow of her eyes. Her small form was delicate, but there was a fire within her, a sharp intelligence that had been nurtured in the most unexpected ce¡ªa ve shop.


    Pyris could already see her potential, the ways in which he could shape her future.


    ____


    Soon, they arrived at the hidden base Pyris had established, and as they entered, Elsa immediately spotted two women waiting for them¡ªAlexa and Aurelia.


    "Now these are my wives," Pyris said with a grin, introducing Elsa to the women.


    Elsa''s eyes widened again, a look of pure awe filling her expression. "Big brother, you have two wives?" she whispered, her voice filled with the kind of innocent wonder only a child could have.


    Pyris smiled warmly, the beginnings of his new family falling into ce.


    ******


    A~~~ finally she''s here, Elsa. Just you wait!

 Chapter 183 Emberlys Response!

    The air in Emberly Obsidian''s study was still thick with tension from the assassination attempt just days before. The cold, frosty remnants of her magic still clung to the room like a thin veil, the reminders of that deadly encounter evident in the sharp chill that never quite dissipated.


    She sat at her desk, calmly reviewing documents, her golden eyes focused, yet somewhere deep within, the storm of recent events brewed.


    And she missed the presence of her son...


    Suddenly, a shadow shifted in the corner of the room, breaking the stillness.


    Song crept forward, his presence as silent as death. Even though Song was always around, moving through the shadows of her estate, this time felt different¡ªurgent.


    "Mistress," Song whispered, his voice a low, reverent hum as he materialized from the darkness.


    Emberly nced up, her icy demeanor unwavering despite the growing tension. "Speak, Song."


    He stepped closer, his figure looming in the dim light of the room. "We''ve just received a report¡­ Ss is organizing a rebellion against Obsidian businesses in the Vampire Empire."


    Emberly''s expression did not falter. Her sharp gaze remained locked on Song, though the weight of his words hung between them like a thick fog.


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    The phantoms, spread across every corner of the mortal realm, kept a constant watch, theirwork extensive and far-reaching. They reported directly to Song or Mira, depending on the situation.


    It was no wonder Emberly could weave through anything in the mortal realm bringing her family, although small now to the top 1% almost on the same level with royal families.


    Anyway, Emberly had made one thing clear¡ªunder no circumstances was Pyris to be informed of Ss'' movements.


    Mira, always protective of Pyris, had made sure that their young lord remained oblivious to the growing storm back home. Even the attack on Obsidian Tech, which had been the subject of countless news articles and online chatter, had been kept from him.


    Since Pyris didn''t keep so much on the ongoings in the inte while handling the delicate matters in the Sunstone Empire, it was easy to keep things from him, at least for now.


    ____


    "On what basis?" Emberly asked, her voice calm, cold, and deliberate.


    There was no panic, no outward sign of the fury building beneath the surface. If anything, her demeanor became even more controlled.


    Song hesitated for a fraction of a second. "He''s using Vorath."


    A stillness settled in the room. Emberly didn''t need further exnation.


    The moment Vorath''s name was mentioned, the gravity of the situation became crystal clear. Vorath was not just any vampire¡ªhe was Drac''s uncle, the oldest living vampire, and a name that sent chills down the spine of even the most powerful vampires.


    Mentioning Vorath stirred not only fear but paranoia. Vampires were sensitive to any news involving him, and Ss was ying that card perfectly.


    Emberly''s hands tightened ever so slightly around the edges of her desk, her mind racing.


    She knew the Vampire Empire had always not been delicate power bnce between Drac and the various noble houses as Drac had always kept them at bay no matter rebellious they were.


    But Vorath, who had spent centuries opposing Drac''s rule, remained a figure of legendary power¡ªa wild card that could tip the scales of vampire politics with just the mention of his name.


    "Ss, you clever, reckless fool," Emberly whispered to herself, her voice like ice cracking. She knew what this meant.


    Ss wasn''t merely attacking the Obsidian businesses; he was stirring chaos. He had nted the seeds of distrust in the Vampire Empire, and worse, he had used Vorath''s influence to do it.


    To this point Emberly realized something, Ss''s n ran deeper than his obsession with destroying her family, he wanted to control everything and with her family out of out of picture, he will be the sovereign of technology.@@novelbin@@


    Emberly leaned back in her chair, her fingers tracing the air with slow, deliberate movements.


    Frost began to form, little crystals of ice swirling in the cold breeze she summoned.


    Her mind worked through the implications. If the vampire nobles believed even for a moment that the Obsidians were working with Vorath, their entire business foothold in the Vampire Empire would be in jeopardy.


    Ss was leveraging fear, and fear was the sharpest weapon in vampire politics.


    "Song," Emberly said, her voice calm, but there was a glint of steel in her eyes. "We cannot allow this rebellion to grow unchecked. Ss is gambling with the Vampire Empire''s future, and he''s using our family as his bargaining chip."


    Song stepped forward, his dark eyes gleaming with intensity. "Mistress, the Vampire Council has been flooded with whispers of Vorath''s supposed alliance with your house. The lesser nobles are gathering support to vote on expelling Obsidian businesses from the empire."


    Emberly''s eyes darkened as she processed the information.


    Expulsion from the Vampire Empire would cripple their business ties, and worse, it would embolden Ss and those working with him. Their entire foothold in the Vampire Empire was vital not only for trade but for influence across multiple empires.


    Losing it would be disastrous.


    "And Ss is behind this," Emberly murmured to herself, though she already knew the answer.


    This rebellion was a carefully crafted maneuver, one that had been nned and executed with precision. Ss was ying with fire, and he had no intention of stopping until he burned the entire empire down.


    "What is our next move, Mistress?" Song asked, his voice steady but filled with an edge of concern. He knew how delicate the situation had be.


    Emberly closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. Then, when she opened them, there was a dangerous calm in her gaze. "We will not allow Ss to dictate the future of this empire, nor will we allow him to paint us as Vorath''s allies. We will fight fire with ice."


    Her gaze shifted to Song, her tone cool but sharp. "I want phantoms monitoring every vampire noble connected to Ss. I want to know who is backing him, who is nning to vote against us in the Vampire Council. Ensure that their darkest secrets are at our disposal when the timees."


    This was to wait for Pyris'' return, as the leader of their businesses, he will have to make a decision of his own, if they didn''t suit her, she will then present him with her idea.


    Song bowed, his dark figure barely shifting in the dim light. "Consider it done."


    "And as for Ss¡­" Emberly''s voice lowered, cold as frost. "He is ying a dangerous game, and one he has no hope of winning. We will cripple his rebellion, not just through politics, but through his alliances. I will not tolerate this insult any longer."


    Pyris better have a better idea lest she will go berserk with Ss and that wouldpletely cripple their rtionship with the Drac.


    As Song melted back into the shadows to carry out her orders, Emberly remained at her desk, her mind calcting the next moves. Ss was using Vorath as a boogeyman, the specter of an ancient vampire rebellion to sway public opinion.


    But Emberly knew how to counter such tactics.


    Her fingers traced along the edge of her desk once more, ice forming at her touch. "You may think you have the upper hand, Ss," she murmured, her eyes glinting dangerously. "But you''ve underestimated me."


    With a flick of her wrist, the frost around her melted away as she stood, her elegant gown trailing behind her like a shadow. The game was on, and Emberly Obsidian would not lose.


    *****


    Vth??? Rings a bell?

 Chapter 184 Lords Of Sunstone Empire!

    Pyris entered the hidden base with Elsa perched happily on his shoulders, her small hands tangled in his hair as she giggled with innocent joy. The base was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside, but inside, the warmth of family awaited.


    As they entered the main hall, Alexa and Aurelia were already waiting, their eyes lighting up at the sight of Pyris. But it was the little girl on his shoulders that drew the most attention.


    Elsa, with her wide, sparkling moon-colored eyes and messy ponytail, immediately caught the women''s curiosity.


    "Now these are my wives," Pyris said with a grin, introducing Elsa to the women.


    Elsa''s eyes widened again, a look of pure awe filling her expression. "Big brother, you have two wives?" she whispered, her voice filled with the kind of innocent wonder only a child could have.


    "Is that the new member of our family?" Aurelia teased, her voice yful as she crossed her arms, raising a brow at Pyris.


    Pyris gently set Elsa down, ruffling her hair as he introduced her. "This is Elsa, and she''ll be staying with us from now on. Treat her well."


    Before Alexa or Aurelia could respond, Elsa stepped forward, her hands on her hips, eyes gleaming with mischief. "So, you two are big brother''s wives, huh?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent curiosity but tinged with yful teasing.


    She stared up at them with her bright eyes, making both women slightly ufortable in a way only a mischievous child could.


    Alexaughed softly, crouching down to Elsa''s level. "I suppose you could say that," she said with a warm smile. "And who told you that?" She teased.


    Elsa shrugged casually, her lips curving into a grin. "I just knew. Big brother''s too handsome not to have two beautiful women as his wives!"


    Aurelia let out a low chuckle, her hand resting on her hip as she nced at Pyris. "She''s sharp. I like her."


    Pyris smirked, clearly enjoying the yful banter between the women and Elsa. But Elsa wasn''t done.


    She looked between Aurelia and Alexa with the bright-eyed innocence that only a child could pull off. "So, which one of you is the boss of the two?" she asked, blinking up at them as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.


    The women exchanged amused nces, but before either could answer, Pyris stepped in, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "They''re both equally important, Elsa. Don''t stir trouble."


    Elsa giggled, clearly enjoying herself. "I''m just checking, big brother! You never know with these things."@@novelbin@@


    Alexa ruffled Elsa''s hair affectionately. "You''re going to keep us on our toes, aren''t you?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.


    Elsa nodded eagerly. "Yup! But don''t worry, I won''t tease you too much. Just a little."


    _____


    As the banter continued, the mood in the room shifted. The door to the base opened once more, and Ammit, the demoness who had been hiding behind the illusion of the Sunstone General, stepped in, her presencemanding immediate attention. Discover more stories at empire


    Her beauty and aura were undeniable, and the atmosphere became tense for a brief moment as she surveyed the room.


    Elsa blinked in awe, staring up at Ammit with wide eyes. "Big brother, is that another wife?" she whispered loudly, breaking the silence causing both Alexa and Aurelia to stifle theirughter but Pyris could feel their burning eyes for an exnation.


    Pyris chuckled but didn''t respond, focusing on Ammit instead.


    He walked toward her, his eyes locking with hers. The air between them seemed to shift, an unspoken understanding passing between them.


    "Ammit," Pyris said, his tone formal yet filled with respect. "These are mypanions¡ªAlexa and Aurelia. And this little one here is Elsa."


    The women exchanged polite nods, though both Alexa and Aurelia were clearly curious about the powerful figure standing before them.


    "Pleased to meet you," Ammit said, her voice smooth and velvety. She radiated the confidence and strength of someone who had navigated the darkest corners of power.


    _____


    After the introduction,ter in the evening!


    Pyris sat at the head of the long table, hispanions, Mira, Alexa, and Aurelia, seated beside him.


    Across from them was Ammit, her presence radiating quiet confidence. The base was quiet, the air thick with anticipation. Pyris knew they were all on the cusp of something far greater than any one of them had originally nned.


    Elsa had already fallen asleep, curled up in one of the nearby rooms, leaving the adults to focus on the pressing matters at hand.


    They were building something, but to secure his foothold in the Midnight Dominion and ultimately the Sunstone Empire, Pyris needed to know who the real power yers were.


    "Now that we''ve settled things with the general, who else controls the real influence here?" Pyris finally asked, his voice steady butced with curiosity.


    Ammit leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms as she considered the question. The demoness had been the key to his initial sess, but there were always other forces in the shadows.


    Pyris knew the general''s death had only opened a power vacuum that others would want to fill the moment the general was announced dead.


    "Three figures hold significant sway over the Sunstone Empire," Ammit said, her voice calm but edged with importance. "If you want true full control, you''ll need to deal with them."


    Pyris nodded, leaning forward slightly. "Tell me about them."


    Ammit met his gaze, her dark eyes sharp. "The first is Vicar, the merchant lord. He controls the ck markets and nearly every underground trade in the Sunstone Empire. Weapons, artifacts, and even information¡ªeverything flows through hisworks. He thrives on wealth and power, and while he has no love for the imperial family, he won''t make a move unless it benefits him."


    Alexa''s brow furrowed slightly as she spoke up. "So, money could easily buy his loyalty?"


    "Not just money," Ammit corrected, "but the right opportunity. Vicar sees every deal as a step toward consolidating his own power. Offer him the right partnership, and he''ll align with us."


    Aurelia leaned back in her chair, tapping her finger thoughtfully against the table. "We could easily offer him some of the technology from Obsidian Tech. He would be interested in control over something no one else has ess to."


    Pyris nodded but remained silent, processing the information, but why would he offer an alliance? Anyway...


    Ammit continued, her voice steady. "The second is Zareth, a magus who controls the flow of arcane artifacts and forbidden and all kinds of magic. He''s unpredictable, dangerous, and only respects raw power. He has little interest in alliances unless they provide him with something he can''t get on his own."


    Mira''s eyes gleamed as she spoke. "Then we''ll need to show him that we have ess to something he values. Forbidden magic, artifacts, perhaps even research he''s been after for decades."


    Pyris looked to Ammit, while they can give their opinions, Pyris had a final call for the three figures and he doubted an equal alliance was part of his call. "And the third?"


    Her gaze darkened slightly as she spoke. "The third is Eldris, a warlord who was once the right hand of the general. He controls a vastwork of assassins, mercenaries, and rogue soldiers. He''s loyal only to strength and will be the hardest to sway. He''s been waiting for a chance to rise to power, and with the general dead, he''ll be making moves."


    "So, the general''s death created a vacuum, and now these three will be fighting to fill it," Alexa said quietly, understanding the situation.


    Aurelia nodded. "Exactly. And we''ll need to secure alliances with them before anyone else does."


    The room fell into a brief silence as Pyris considered his next steps.


    The three lords each held a unique piece of the puzzle, and Pyris would need to approach them carefully. Vicar, Zareth, and Eldris¡ªeach one a potential ally or an imcable enemy.


    "If I can offer them more than anyone else, they''ll fall in line," Pyris said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "But if any of them choose to oppose me¡­"


    "We''ll crush them," Aurelia finished, her voice as sharp as a de.


    Mira smirked from the shadows, her eyes glinting with dark amusement. "You''re learning quickly, Young Lord."


    Pyris turned to Ammit, his eyes sharp. "Can you arrange the meetings?"


    Ammit smiled faintly, a look of satisfaction crossing her features. "Consider it done."


    ____


    In the Demon Empire a stir of the Divine was happening!

 Chapter 185 Tying Up Loose Ends!

    Pyrisy on the bed, his mind swirling with the events that had transpired in the Sunstone Empire.


    The weight of everything back home had been growing on him for days now, and there was no more room for denial. Hispanions, Mira, Alexa, and Aurelia, were still in the other room, bonding with Ammit. The demoness had integrated herself seamlessly into his growingwork, solidifying her role not only as a formidable ally but also as a powerful presence in this new dominion.


    [I think you''ve made up your mind now. For days, you have known what''s happening at home,] Lia whispered in his mind. [I also agree it''s time we addressed it.]


    Pyris sighed, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. "I know. The Sunstone Empire has a lot to offer, and I would''ve liked to see it through to the end, but it''s no longer necessary."


    He had already touched the ruling forces in the empire, and with Ammit acting as the new general, everything was in ce to move forward. The king, despite his title, was nothing more than a pawn now.


    Ammit''s strength and influence would ensure everything flowed seamlessly, and there was no reason for Pyris to linger any longer.


    Reaching for the Eclipse Syndicate card, Pyris activated themunication channel. The card shimmered, and a few momentster, the cold, disembodied voice of the Eclipse Syndicate contact came through.


    "You have news, Petne Chaos?"


    "The mission isplete," Pyris said firmly. "The general is dead. I''ll bring the proof to the discreet exchange point."


    "Understood. We''ll verify and have your reward ready for pickup."


    The connection faded, and Pyris sat up. The Blood Chalice, the very thing he sought, was almost within reach. After all of this, after securing the Sunstone Empire, the next step in his grand n would begin.


    ____


    Pyris frowned as he considered the next step. Using the telepathic link he had with Ammit was one thing, but sharing such a connection with the king? That was something else entirely.


    Pyris was notfortable with the idea of linking his mind to a man, especially one like the king¡ªa mere puppet in his game. No, a phone call would suffice for now.


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    He dialed the king''s number, his thoughts already moving ahead to the next phase. The line barely rang once before the king answered, his voice filled withplete servitude.


    "Master," the king''s voice trembled slightly, no longer the arrogant tone Pyris had once heard. "What is your will?"


    Pyris couldn''t help but feel a smirk tug at his lips. The king knew his ce now. "Announce the general''s death to the empire, but only after the Eclipse Syndicate has confirmed the kill with you first. Once they have contacted you, make the announcement public immediately. You will say that you orchestrated his death yourself and that your new general, the one who killed him, is Ammit."


    There was a pause on the other end before the king responded, his voice filled with obedience. "As youmand, Master. The moment they contact me, the announcement will be made."


    Pyris continued. "Make it a grand spectacle. Let the empire know that this is a victory under your reign. And make it clear that any who defy your new general will meet the same fate as thete general."


    The king''s tone became even more reverent. "Yes, Master. It will be done as you say."


    Satisfied, Pyris spoke his final words. "Good. I will handle the syndicate. You ensure the rest. Remember your ce."


    "Of course, Master."


    Pyris ended the call, already nning his next move. Everything was falling into ce.


    The king would make the announcement once the syndicate confirmed the kill, and Ammit would officially be appointed as the new general of the empire. But in truth, the Sunstone Empire now belonged to Pyris, and the king was nothing more than a puppet on strings he pulled.


    _____


    Ammit and Mira had already been busy in the background. With Pyris'' orders in ce, they had moved swiftly to consolidate power.


    The first step had been to bring the three lords to their knees.


    The first to fall was Eldris, the warlord who had been the general''s right-hand man. He had resisted, of course¡ªhis pride and ambition blinding him to the inevitable. Ammit had offered him a chance to submit, but when he refused, Mira had killed him swiftly, his death serving as a message to the other two lords: obey or die.


    When the other two lords, Vicar, the merchant lord, and Zareth, the magus, saw what had happened to Eldris, their defiance quickly turned to submission. They understood the power dynamics at y.


    Pyris, through Ammit, controlled the Sunstone Empire now, and to go against them would be suicide.


    Ammit had been ruthless but calcted, ensuring that Pyris would not have to concern himself with any further resistance from the lords. They had been brought to heel, and the power structure of the empire now rested firmly in their hands.


    With the lords under a witch contract which in which they had to work for Ammit and the King as surbodianates than equals, the loose ends had been tightly tied not to open ever.


    ______


    With the Sunstone Empire ruling forces firmly in their grasp and the final pieces of the mission falling into ce, it was time for Pyris and hispanions to leave. His mind, though satisfied with the progress they had made here, was already drifting back to the Dragon Empire.


    There were bigger threats looming at home, and Pyris knew that his family needed him now more than ever.


    Pyris sat on the bed, his expression hardening with determination.


    He would meet with the Eclipse Syndicate to retrieve the information on the Blood Chalice, but after that, his time here in the Sunstone Empire was over.


    His eyes flicked to the door as his women finally entered the room, their faces a mix of relief and curiosity. Ammit, too, walked in, her posture asmanding as ever, though a faint smile yed on her lips.


    "It''s time we prepare to leave," Pyris said, his voice cutting through the air. "Ammit, you''ll stay behind to ensure that everything runs smoothly."


    She nodded. "The Sunstone Empire is under control. Vicar and Zareth have agreed to work with us. The empire is yours, Pyris."


    "Good. Then I''ll retrieve what I need from the syndicate and head back to the Dragon Empire." He nced at hispanions. "We''ve done enough here. Let''s get ready."


    The day was set. Pyris and hispanions would soon leave the Sunstone Empire, their missionplete, and head back to face the storm that awaited them at home.


    As the weight of their aplishments settled on them, there was a sense of calm before the next storm.@@novelbin@@


    But Pyris knew¡ªjust as Lia had hinted¡ªthis was only the beginning.


    The Sunstone Empire had been a stepping stone, and now, with their business growing and new allies in ce, the future was looking brighter. But darkness loomed in the form of Ss and the troubles brewing back home.


    There was much to be done. And Pyris, now more prepared than ever, was ready to face it head-on.

 Chapter 187 First Foursome!**

    The Lust Dragon, Pyris, held Alexa firmly with one arm, while the other worked its way between her legs. His fingers disappeared into the warm, slick folds of her pussy, sliding in and out, causing her to moan softly as she shifted her hips to meet his touch. Her breath was ragged as she pressed her lips to his neck, sucking gently, while his mouth alternated between her breasts, savoring each nipple with slow, deliberate sucks.


    "Ooh~ You''re so...e-enthusiastic today anh~~" Alexa moaned.


    He nced down, taking in the sight of two naked beauties¡ªAurelia and Ammit¡ªkneeling before him, their delicate hands wrapped around his throbbing cock.


    Ammit was the first to take control, her small, soft hands stroking his lengthy cock, feeling it twitch in response to her touch.


    Aurelia, the one he thought would be more reserved, surprised him as she lowered her lips to the head of his cock, teasing the sensitive tip with her tongue, swirling it around the opening.


    "Oh~" Pyris grunted, the pleasure overwhelming him as both women worked in unison. Ammit''s hand pumped his shaft, while Aurelia''s tongue danced skillfully along the head, sending jolts of pleasure through him.


    Their tongues asionally met as they focused on him, sharing in the task of pleasuring him as their mixed saliva made his cock glisten under their attention.


    "Ahn~ Pyris, they''re crazy... oooh~" Alexa managed to moan between breaths, but Pyris silenced her with a deep kiss, though even he had to admit the sensation of Aurelia and Ammit''sbined efforts was staggering.


    Sluurrppp~ Sluurrppp~


    Both women shifted their attention, now giving him a synchronized blowjob. Their lips and tongues moved rhythmically along his length, leaving his cock shining with their saliva, each stroke sending waves of bliss through him.


    Pyris, overwhelmed with their attention, guided Alexa to the bed and thenid on his back, the girls following his lead.


    He pulled Alexa closer, positioning her pussy over his face as she straddled him, and he buried his mouth between her legs. His tongue expertly explored her folds, drawing moans of pleasure from her as her body trembled with each flick of his tongue.@@novelbin@@


    Her hands reached up to cup her breasts, her fingers teasing her own nipples as the pleasure built inside her.


    "Haaaaa~~~"


    Meanwhile, Ammit and Aurelia knelt on the bed, continuing to stroke his cock, their bare asses now facing Pyris.


    His hands found their way between their legs, his fingers slipping into their wetness as he toyed with their pussies in tandem with his oral attention on Alexa.


    The room filled with the sounds of their moans, the echoes of their pleasure bouncing off the walls, as his hands and mouth worked in perfect harmony.


    "Pyris~~ I''m so close... Ahhh~" Alexa moaned, her voice trembling as she neared the edge of her climax. But just before she could tip over, Pyris stopped, a silent signal that the roley was shifting.


    Alexa slid backward, her pussy dripping with anticipation, positioning herself just above his throbbing cock.


    Both of them prepared for what was toe next, their eyes meeting in silent understanding.


    "I want to be inside you!" It was amand she obliged to.


    Alexa hovered just above Pyris'' cock, her breath hitching as she felt the heat radiating from him. Her body was trembling, still reeling from the denial of her climax, every nerve screaming for release. She locked eyes with him, her gaze full of need and anticipation, and in a slow, deliberate motion, she lowered herself onto his throbbing length.


    "Haaaaaa~~~ so full..." The moment his cock slid inside her, a moan escaped her lips, her body responding instantly to the sensation of being filled. Pyris grunted in satisfaction as her tight warmth enveloped him, the slickness of her arousal making every inch of him throb with pleasure.


    Alexa''s hips moved in slow, deliberate circles at first, savoring the fullness of him inside her, her hands bracing against his chest as she found her rhythm.


    Behind them, Ammit and Aurelia were far from done. The two girls, still kneeling with their asses in the air, nced at each other before moving to nk Alexa. Aurelia''s hands found her breasts, kneading them gently, while Ammit leaned forward, her tongue trailing along the curve of Alexa''s back, sending shivers down her spine.


    Pyris, his senses overwhelmed, let his hands roam freely over Ammit and Aurelia''s bodies, fingers sliding between their legs once more, finding their slick folds.


    "Honey~~" The girls moaned in unison as his fingers moved with practiced precision, their hips grinding back into his touch as he yed with their pussies.


    Pah! Pah! Pah!


    "Ohh~ yessssh... Anh fuckkkk, you''re filling me, anh~~ up!"


    Alexa, lost in the heat of the moment, began to ride him harder, her hips rising and falling with increasing urgency. The wet, erotic sounds of their bodies colliding filled the room, mixing with the symphony of moans and gasps that echoed around them.


    Pyris could feel his climax building, but he held back, determined to prolong the pleasure for as long as possible.


    Aurelia, not content to be a mere observer, moved lower, her tongue finding the ce where Alexa''s body met Pyris'' cock. She licked along his shaft, tasting theirbined arousal as Alexa continued to ride him, the added stimtion causing Alexa''s moans to be even more desperate.


    "Oh, you will pay... Haa~ for this Aurelia~ oh fuck~!"


    Ammit, too, wasn''t idle¡ªher fingers found her own clit, rubbing it in time with the movements of her hips, her breathing ragged as she watched the scene unfold.


    "Pyris~¡­ I can''t¡­" Alexa gasped, her body trembling violently as she felt herself teetering on the edge of release once again.


    "Thene for me," Pyris growled, his voice low andmanding.


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    The words were all it took. Alexa''s body tensed, her nails digging into Pyris'' chest as a wave of intense pleasure crashed over her. She cried out, her pussy tightening around his cock as she came, her entire body shaking with the force of her orgasm.


    Pyris gritted his teeth, the sensation almost too much to bear, but he the held back, waiting for the perfect moment.


    As Alexa''s climax subsided, she copsed onto his chest, panting heavily, her body still trembling, he filled her with his essense before she drifted.


    Pyris shifted his focus, grabbing Ammit and Aurelia and pulling them closer. "Now it''s your turn," he whispered, a wicked smile spreading across his face.


    Without hesitation, the two positioned themselves on either side of him. Ammit straddled his waist, her pussy already soaked with arousal, and slowly lowered herself onto his cock, her moan echoing through the room as she took him inside her.


    "Yesss~~ fuck I waited for this, ahhh~~"


    "Mmmm~~~" Aurelia, not to be left out, moved closer to his face, her hands guiding his head between her legs. Pyris immediately responded, his tongue sliding into her wet folds, tasting her sweetness as she gasped and clutched at his hair.


    Pah! Pah!


    "Your cock is so big honey~~"


    Ammit began to ride him, her hips grinding against him in a slow, deliberate rhythm, her hands braced on his chest as she worked herself on his cock. Each movement sent waves of pleasure coursing through them both, her moans growing louder with each thrust.


    Meanwhile, Aurelia, above him, was lost in her own pleasure as Pyris'' tongue teased and explored her with expert precision.


    The room was filled with the sounds of pleasure¡ªAlexa''s soft panting, Ammit''s deep moans, and Aurelia''s sharp gasps as Pyris brought them all to the brink of ecstasy. His body was on fire, every touch, every moan pushing him closer to his own release.


    But not just him...


    Ammit''s pace quickened, her movements bing more erratic as she neared her own climax. "Pyris~¡­ I''m¡­ so close¡­" she whimpered, her body trembling as she rode him faster.


    Pyris could feel the tension building inside her, and with a final thrust, he pushed her over the edge. Ammit cried out, her body convulsing as she came, her pussy tightening around his cock, as if wanting to milk him for everything he had.


    "Oohhh, little brother~~"


    Aurelia wasn''t far behind. The sensation of Pyris'' tonguebined with the sight of Ammit''s climax sent her tumbling into her own orgasm. She moaned loudly, her body quivering as her release washed over her, her hands gripping his hair as she rode out the waves of pleasure.


    Pyris, overwhelmed by the intensity of their pleasure, could hold back no longer.

 Chapter 188 Delicacy, Sister and Demon~**

    The sensation was overwhelming, his vision blurred as the pleasure consumed him, his mind lost in the bliss of the moment.


    The echoes of their pleasure lingered in the air, the room filled with the scent of sex and satisfaction.


    As the room pulsed with heat and the sounds of heavy breaths, Pyris felt his body quiver, on the brink of exploding.


    Ammit, still straddling his cock, trembled with the aftershocks of her orgasm, her body slick with sweat. Her hips moved slowly now, savoring thest moments of her climax, every roll of her body pushing him deeper into bliss.


    But Pyris wasn''t finished¡ªnot yet.


    Aurelia, panting above him, looked down with lust-filled eyes.


    She slid down his body, her wet folds brushing against his chest as she settled between Ammit''s legs, her tongue darting out to taste where their bodies were joined.


    "You like this Aurelia, don''t you?" Pyris asked amused.


    The sensation was electric. He didn''t know his sister had this wild side to her.


    Ammit''s moans grew louder as Aurelia''s tongue worked its way over Pyris'' cock and her swollen clit, licking up the mixed fluids of their shared pleasure.


    "Fuck... I can''t hold back," Pyris growled, his voice thick with lust. The sight of the two demonesses pleasuring each other on top of him was almost too much to bear.


    He gripped Ammit''s hips tightly, thrusting up into her with renewed vigor, making her cry out in pleasure.@@novelbin@@


    Ammit''s body responded immediately, her pussy clenching around him as another orgasm built inside her, the pressure almost unbearable.


    "It''s so good~~"


    Her back arched as she screamed in ecstasy, her juices flowing freely as she came once more, the sensation sending a shockwave of pleasure through Pyris.


    Aurelia wasn''t far behind. She pressed her mouth against Ammit''s pussy, her tongue flicking wildly as her own hand slid between her legs.


    Pyris could feel the vibrations of her moans through Ammit''s body as she brought herself closer to release, her fingers working furiously on her clit.


    The room was filled with the scent of their arousal, the air thick with the sounds of wet skin pping together and desperate moans.


    Pyris'' body was on fire, the pleasure so intense that he could barely think straight. His hands slid down Ammit''s back, gripping her ass as he thrust up into her onest time, driving deep into her as his climax finally overtook him.


    With a low, guttural growl, Pyris came hard, his cock pulsing as he spilled deep inside her. The sensation was overwhelming, his body shaking as waves of pleasure coursed through him, every nerve on fire.


    "So hoootttt~" Ammit''s body quivered as she felt him fill her, her own orgasm still lingering as she copsed onto his chest, utterly spent.


    Aurelia, panting heavily, moved to his side, her body still trembling from her own release. Discover exclusive tales at empire


    She curled up next to him, her fingers trailingzily over his sweat-slicked skin as she caught her breath.


    For a long moment, there was nothing but the sound of their ragged breathing, the room still heavy with the afterglow of their shared pleasure. Pyrisy back, his arms wrapped around the two women who nowy draped over him, their bodies warm and soft against his. The intensity of the moment still lingered in the air, a heady mix of lust and satisfaction that left them all breathless and content.


    He held his sister, it was her turn now.


    As the tension in Pyris'' body mounted, he turned his attention to Aurelia, her body already trembling in anticipation. Her breath hitched as his hands wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer, their eyes locking for a moment that seemed to stretch on forever.


    There was an electric charge between them, and she could feel the intensity radiating from him, growing with each passing second.


    Pyris moved with a slow, deliberate force, not rushing but allowing the tension to build between them like a storm about to break.


    He liad her on the bed his cock sliding into her pussy!


    Aurelia''s body responded instinctively, her skin flushed as she pressed closer, the connection between them palpable. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breathing in ragged gasps, every fiber of her being alive with anticipation.


    Each movement he made was purposeful, abination of control and raw passion. His hands explored her body, taking in every curve, while the heat between them grew unbearable.


    His sister gripped his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin, overwhelmed by the sensations flooding her as his strength and intensity pulled her deeper into the moment.


    The tension peaked, and Aurelia''s soft moans turned into gasps, the intensity too much to contain. She felt her body tremble, her mind spinning as she was caught between the overwhelming pleasure and the sheer power of his presence.


    In the heat of the moment, Pyris moved with a deliberate,manding pace, holding Aurelia firmly in his grasp. Every touch sent a shiver through her body, the intensity between them growing with each second. Her breath hitched, and a soft moan escaped her lips, "Mmm..."


    He pulled her closer, their bodies perfectly aligned, and the tension that had been building finally began to unravel.


    Aurelia arched into him, unable to resist the force of his presence. "Ohhh... Pyris¡­" she gasped, her voice breathy and trembling as he continued, each movement more intense than thest.


    His touch was firm, powerful, yet filled with a passion that overwhelmed her senses. She gripped his arms, her nails digging in as she felt herself nearing the edge. "Ahh... yes¡­" she moaned softly, her body trembling in response to his unrelenting force.


    The room was filled with the sound of their shared breath and the rising heat between them. The intensity reached its peak, and Aurelia could no longer hold back. "Pyris... I¡ªahh...!" she cried out, her voice breaking as the final wave of pleasure crashed over her.


    "Big sister~" Pyris grunted as he climaxed into his big sister''s pussy.


    In the end, theyy there, breathless and spent, their bodies entwined, the air around them still heavy with the afterglow of their passion.

 Chapter 189 Black Scroll.

    The early sunlight of the Midnight Dominion bathed the room in a soft, golden glow, casting long shadows over the bed where Pyrisy.


    The night had been intense, filled with connection and passion, and as dawn filtered through the thick atmosphere of the city, Pyris foundfort in the warmth of the women surrounding him. Ammit, Alexa, and Aureliay peacefully, their bodies bathed in the morning light, their ranks strengthened after the events of the night before.


    Carefully slipping out of bed so as not to wake them, Pyris refreshed himself and made his way to the living room.


    There, seated cross-legged in the couch, was Elsa, her bright eyes glued to the technology news channel on the television.


    The screen shed with stories of new inventions, thetest advancements, and the pendingunch of ARGO VRMMORPG¡ªthe very game hispany was preparing to release.


    Pyris leaned against the doorway, a small smile ying on his lips as he watched the young moon elf absorbed in her favorite topic.


    He crossed the room and gently ced a kiss on her forehead. "Good morning, Elsa," he said softly.


    She beamed up at him, her face lighting up with a grin. "Good morning, big brother!" she giggled, yful as always. He scooped her up into his arms, making her squeal with delight as they bothughed.


    "Watching more tech news?" he teased, carrying her toward the dining table.


    "Of course!" Elsa said, her voice filled with excitement. "They''re talking about the ARGOunch! It''s going to be huge!"


    Pyris chuckled. "How would you like to know something even cooler?" he asked, his tone conspiratorial.


    Elsa''s eyes lit up with curiosity, her small hands gripping his arm eagerly. "Tell me!" she urged.


    Pyris leaned closer, lowering his voice. "My real name isn''t Petne Chaos."


    She blinked, staring at him in surprise for a moment before bursting outughing. "I know!" she giggled again, clearly amused. "I was waiting for you to tell me!"


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "You knew?"


    Elsa nodded proudly. "Of course! I figured it out the moment I met you. You''re Pyris Obsidian, aren''t you? I just didn''t say anything because I wanted to see when you''d tell me. As a technology enthusiast, she had recognized Pyris when he discarded his Petne Chaos persona."


    Pyris shook his head in disbelief,ughing softly. "You''re sharper than I gave you credit for."


    Elsa grinned, clearly pleased with herself as Pyris set her down at the dining table. "You''re even cooler than I first thought, big brother!"


    Their yful banter drifted through the house, soon stirring the others awake.


    Ammit, Alexa, and Aurelia joined them at the table, their expressions softened by the warm, familial atmosphere. Breakfast became a casual and joyful affair, filled withughter and teasing, especially from Elsa, who mischievously poked fun at Alexa and Aurelia, calling them Pyris'' "wives."


    The women yed along, amused by Elsa''s antics, while Mira, ever the silent watcher, hovered nearby with a slight smile on her face.


    Pyris marveled at how easily the young moon elf had bonded with the group, fitting seamlessly into their growing family. After breakfast, the group lingered for a moment, savoring the rare sense of peace. Explore more at empire


    ____


    With breakfast finished and the morning progressing, Pyris prepared toplete his mission. He gathered the proof of the general''s death¡ªthe head of the general, carefully preserved, and the arcane gauntlets, which Pyris had copied using his system.


    The real gauntlets were safely stored away, while the replica would be handed over to the Eclipse Syndicate as part of the exchange.


    They won''t see thising!


    Dressed in a simple cloak, Pyris headed out into the bustling streets of the Midnight Dominion, the chaos of the city as vibrant as ever. He moved with purpose, making his way to the designated drop-off point¡ªa secluded alley, hidden from the prying eyes of the city''s underworld.


    The alley was dimly lit, thick shadows obscuring most of the details.


    Pyris arrived alone, his face concealed beneath the hood of his cloak, just as the Eclipse Syndicate had instructed. Anonymity was crucial in dealings like this; neither party was to reveal their true identity.


    A figure stood waiting at the far end of the alley, shrouded in darkness, their form hidden beneath a long cloak simr to Pyris''. Neither of them spoke as they approached each other, both aware of the delicate nature of the exchange.


    The silence between them was heavy, the air thick with tension.@@novelbin@@


    Without a word, Pyris produced the proof of the mission. First, he revealed the general''s head, contained within a specially sealed box to preserve it. He then handed over the replica gauntlets, which shimmered faintly in the dim light.


    The agent from the Eclipse Syndicate examined the items carefully, taking extra time with the arcane gauntlets, although the head of the general was an important proof, the gauntlets held much importance.


    The syndicate knew what these gauntlets were capable of and their origins and ces much importance to them that they were willing to hand over the information about the Blood Chalice just to get them.


    Ther agent examined them for minutes before he nodded to the empty darkness afar from the alley.


    Pyris remained still, watching with calcted calm as the agent nodded in satisfaction. The exchange wasplete. The system''s copy was so perfect matching everything to perfection even the energy and the presence, everything was real to even raise any suspicious.


    In return, the agent handed Pyris a small ck scroll, the promised reward. Inside the scroll was the information Pyris had been after¡ªthe location and details about the Blood Chalice.


    No words were spoken between them. The Eclipse Syndicate agent vanished into the shadows, leaving Pyris standing alone in the alley, the scroll now clutched in his hand.


    The entire transaction had been conducted with a professionalism that suited both sides.


    As Pyris made his way back to the hidden base, his mind was already racing with new ns. The Blood Chalice was now within reach, and with the Sunstone Empire firmly under control, his next moves could shift his focus back home¡ªto the Dragon Empire.


    The pieces were falling into ce.

 Chapter 191 Viper In Nest Of Vipers!

    Mira, who had remained quiet, finally spoke. "His influence is strong in the Vampire Empire. Drac can barely keep him contained. If Ss has stirred him, then the vampires could face a serious civil war. And that could spread."


    Esmeralda stepped closer to Pyris, her tone more measured now. "Ss has been rallying support from several noble houses, using the threat of Vorath to destabilize their faith in Obsidian Tech. But I''ve already reinforced our hold on the Dragon Empire. No matter what Ss is scheming, he won''t take us down that easily."


    Pyris smiled, a cold, confident smirk. "Ss thinks he can undermine us by sowing fear and doubt in the Vampire Empire, but he''s forgotten one thing." His eyes gleamed with power, thetent energy from his recent Void journey still pulsing within him. "We''re more than just a business. We''re a force. And I don''t n to let him continue his little game for much longer."


    Elsa, who had been exploring the room, tugged on Pyris'' sleeve. "Big brother, what''s going on? Are we going to fight bad guys?" Her fist was raised ready to "strike"!


    Pyris smiled down at her, his hand ruffling her messy white hair. "Something like that," he said, his voice soft. "But first, I have to deal with a few things."


    Suzie leaned back, her arms crossed. "What''s the n then? We can''t ignore what''s happening with Ss, but we also have theunch of ARGOing up."


    Pyris nced at Esmeralda, then at Mira. "I''ll deal with Ss in due time. For now, I want all security measures doubled for the ARGO VRMMORPGunch. We can''t let Ss or any of his allies disrupt what we''ve built. If the Vampire Empire is stirring, we''ll crush any attempts to sabotage us. We move forward with ARGO no matter what."


    Esmeralda nodded sharply, her magic ring slightly as she absorbed his words. "Consider it done. But be careful, Pyris. Ss may be reckless, but Vorath is another story. He''s a creature of power, beyond even what most of us have faced. If he decides to step in, this could turn into more than just a corporate battle."@@novelbin@@


    The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air. Pyris turned away from the group, looking out over the Dragon Empire''s bustling city.


    He knew Vth won''t step in these "little" games of business, if he''s target was the Vampire Empire and other empires atrge, the ancient vampire will onlye out if other powerhouses like Drac himself stepped in and that with physical force than anything else.


    [That too, only if Drac was uprooting the hidden minions of Vth!] Lia would say as Pyris turned silent.


    _____


    The moment hung heavy in the air, a quiet calm before the storm.


    Pyris stood by therge windows of his office, watching the city of the Dragon Empire as it pulsed with life far below. Yet behind that calm exterior, the currents of power and chaos swirled around him, invisible to most but palpable to those who understood the weight of influence.


    The return to the  empire should have brought himfort, but the news of Ss'' treachery and his alliance with the ancient vampire Vorath clung to him like a dark cloud.


    His mind raced through possibilities, strategies forming like lightning behind his calcting eyes. Ss had dared to strike in the shadows, but what Ss didn''t realize was that Pyris had be something far greater than the man he once knew.


    Behind him, the office was alive with magical energy. The women who had loyally served him¡ªLizzie, Suzie, and Esmeralda¡ªgathered closer, their own powers humming just beneath the surface. Mira, ever the silent guardian, lingered in the shadows, watching with those cold, calcting eyes of hers.


    Her presence whispered through the room, a constant reminder of the unseen power she wielded.


    As Pyris looked out over the empire, his reflection flickered in the ss, and for a moment, he imagined the looming presence of Vorath watching him, the ancient vampire''s power reaching across empires.


    He was as if could feel it¡ªthe old, primal energy of a being who had lived countless centuries, a force of nature that even Drac feared. Vorath wasn''t just another noble or warlord. He was a creature whose existence predated the rise of most empires, a being forged in blood and darkness.


    "Vorath¡­" Pyris muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. He didn''t have any grudge on the old monster and so he will not to try to create one, unless when the ancient brought the trouble directly his way.


    Esmeralda, who had been studying him closely, stepped forward, her eyes sharp with concern. "You''re nning something. I can feel it."


    Pyris turned feasting on her gorgeous body, a dangerous smirk on his lips. "Of course, I am. Ss has overyed his hand. He thinks aligning with Vorath will give him power, but he doesn''t understand the forces at y." Continue your adventure at empire


    Lizzie, ever practical, spoke up. "Vorath is dangerous, Pyris. He''s not like the others. If he steps in, it won''t just be a battle for control¡ªit''ll be a war."


    Suzie nodded in agreement, her elemental aura sparking slightly with agitation. "The vampire nobles are already shaken. If Vorath makes his move, the Vampire Empire could fall into a civil war."


    Pyris said coldly, his voice like ice. He strode back to his desk, cing his hands t on the smooth surface. "The empire isn''t weak because Drac has let it fester on purpose. The nobles maybe corrupt, and Ss is only stirring up chaos to cover his own inadequacies, but Drac still has everything in his control!"


    He paused, his eyes shing with resolve. "He could let Vorath make his move. And when he does, he''ll try to take the empire from the inside out."


    The room fell silent, the weight of Pyris'' words sinking in. It was a bold n, one that could easily tip the scales of power in their favor¡ªor plunge the empire into anarchy.


    Mira, who had remained quiet all this time, finally spoke, her voice soft but deadly. "And what of Ss? He''s not just a pawn in this. He''s cunning and he''s working with Vorath, he''s aiming for more than just Obsidian Tech." Vth was the entity behind Ss.


    This was no longer some bussines battles, this was an all out struggle they were trying to press onto the Obsidians, why? No one knew but it was all done through Ss who had a long history of grudge going on with House Obsidian.


    Pyris turned to her, his eyes hardening. "Ss has always wanted more power than he can handle. He''s just a viper in a nest of vipers, trying to strike before anyone notices. But he''s forgotten who he''s dealing with. But I wouldn''t care about his ambitions as long as he doesn''t y with my business which he did."


    He clenched his fist, dark energy swirling around it. "I''ll deal with him personally."


    Esmeralda frowned, crossing her arms. "You can''t just storm the Vampire Empire and expect to walk away unscathed and Vorath''s influence is some much everywhere there, and if you''re nning on making moves in this territory, you need a strategy."


    "Who said anything about going there!"

 Chapter 192 Uncle Dracula

    Pyris smiled, the coldness of it sending a chill through the room.


    He wasn''t going to deal with Vorath nor Ss directly; no, the key to weathering the storm brewing in the Vampire Empirey elsewhere. Ity with the only man capable of quelling the chaos: Emperor Drac II.


    Pyris understood the stakes well. Ss had seized on the opportunity created by the rift between the Obsidian and Ragna families, capitalizing on the growing unrest.


    With the nobility in the Vampire Empire running rampant, Drac had chosen to sit back and let them unleash their fury on the Obsidian businesses. It wasn''t that Pyris''pany was powerless in the empire¡ªit was that the emperor''s silence had allowed it to happen.


    Still, Pyris knew Drac better than most. Despite their fallout, there was always a way to sway him: power.


    The Blood Chalice was legendary, something that could increase Drac''s strength and bolster his already impressivemand of the Vampire Empire. Pyris didn''t have the Chalice in his possession yet, but Drac didn''t know that.@@novelbin@@


    And with the emperor hungry for more influence, Pyris could offer just enough bait to keep him interested while buying time to secure the Chalice.


    "Suzie," Pyris called out after calcting his next move, his mind already spinning with possibilities. "Inform the Vampire Castle that I ''humbly'' request an audience with Emperor Drac II."


    Suzie nced at him, slightly raising an eyebrow but nodding obediently. She activated themunication device, and within moments, the room was filled with the dark, cold energy that always apanied any interaction with the Vampire Emperor.


    The screen flickered to life, and the image of a shadowy silhouette appeared, Drac''s powerful presence looming but hidden. Pyris could feel the weight of the emperor''s gaze even without seeing his face.


    "Pyris Obsidian," Drac''s voice boomed through the connection, restrained but brimming with ancient power. "You dare seek an audience at a time like this?"


    ''Intimidation, right away?'' Still Pyris remained calm, his smirk unshaken by the emperor''s icy tone. "I do, Uncle. And I''m d you epted my request. I have a request, Uncle!"


    There was a moment of silence on the other end before Drac spoke again, his tone a mix of curiosity and skepticism. " I have less time. Why should I entertain your demands when my nobles are already about enjoying their fun with your family''s businesses?"


    Pyris didn''t miss a beat. He knew Drac well enough to understand that words would be key. "This uprising helps you in no way," Pyris began, his voice measured but firm. "It might entertain your nobles, but it hurts your empire''s economy, even if by a fraction. That fraction growsrger every day. And all for what? Petty rebellion against a business that, frankly, benefits your empire as much as my family."


    Drac''s shadowy silhouette remained still, though Pyris could sense the emperor''s intrigue.


    "You are bold, little Pyris," Drac mused, his voice cold but curious. "What do you want?"


    "I''ll cut to the chase, Uncle," Pyris said, leaning in slightly. "I have something you want¡ªsomething far more important than a few merchants and nobles squabbling for power. You know the Blood Chalice, don''t you?"


    The air in the room seemed to freeze, and for the first time since the call began, Drac''s presence became truly tangible. Pyris could almost feel the shift in the emperor''s demeanor.


    "Continue," Dracmanded, the curiosity in his voice now undeniable.


    Pyris smiled. "I''m in the process of acquiring it. But here''s what I can offer you as long as you agree to¡ªan opportunity to calm the nobles. After that you will secure your empire''s power, and gain something no other vampire can rival."


    Drac didn''t respond immediately, but Pyris knew the emperor was calcting. He pressed on.


    "Uncle, look here," Pyris said, using the familiar title Drac had once weed when their families were close. "This rebellion might be a game for the nobles, but it doesn''t serve you. In fact, it weakens your grip on the empire. The Blood Chalice will change that. With it, I can create something for you, something that will boost your power beyond what even the nobles can dream of. All I need is time, and for you to calm the vampires. Let them know the emperor watches over them."


    The shadowed figure on the screen remained silent for a long moment before Drac''s deep, rumbling voice returned. "You think I would halt their fun for the promise of power?"


    Pyris grinned. "You won''t need to trust my word alone. I''ll create for you what you asked my mother and me for years ago and with the Blood Chalice, "it" will be even more powerful!"


    Drac''s sharp intake of breath was audible even through the connection, his restraint faltering for a brief moment. "You will?"


    "Yes," Pyris said, his confidence unwavering. "And I''ll deliver it myself. You''ll be the first to test it. But I need you to rein in the nobles long enough for me to finish. Do this, and I promise you''ll gain something far greater than what you''re letting them y with now."


    Drac''s voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "And what is the catch?"


    Pyris shrugged, his expression calm. "It''s nothing you need to concern yourself with. Either way, you win. The intel I have on Vorath''s next move will ensure that, and with the Blood Chalice, no one will dare question your supremacy. Not even the old monster!"


    The silence stretched on, but Pyris could sense Drac''s interest growing. The emperor was tempted¡ªhe could feel it.


    Finally, Dracughed loudly before he spoke, his voice filled with restrained power. " Hahaha. Very Well. Very well, Pyris. I will calm my angry hounds of nobles for now. But if you fail to deliver, not even your mother''s influence will protect you from me."


    Continue reading on empire


    Pyris smiled again, this time more genuine. "I wouldn''t expect anything less. You''ll have what you desire, Uncle."


    With that, the call ended, and the shadowy image of Drac vanished from the screen.


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, letting out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. His gamble had paid off, and now, with Drac''s influence, the vampire nobles would fall in line¡ªat least long enough for him to secure the Blood Chalice and push Ss further into the shadows.

 Chapter 193 Charming Suzie*

    Pyris sat back in his chair, letting out a slow breath as the weight of the call settled over him. The faint glow from the screen in front of him still buzzed with the energy of the Emperor''s presence, a force that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.


    He had won the first battle, securing Drac''s tentative agreement, but now came the real work¡ªdelivering on his promises. There was no turning back now.


    Esmeralda, still leaning against the doorframe, crossed her arms and grinned. "Uncle Drac, huh? You sounded like you were right at home, calling him that."


    Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    Pyris smirked, shaking his head. "I grew up with it. Addressing him like that makes it easier to forget he''s one of the most dangerous beings in existence, in the mortal realm at least."


    "Doesn''t make him any less terrifying," Suzie added, stepping closer. Her eyes were wide, though her posture tried to hide the nervous energy bubbling inside her. "That was... intense. I thought for a second he''d reach through the screen and snap us in half."


    Pyris chuckled softly, though his eyes darkened with the weight of responsibility. "He could, if he wanted." He joked" But that''s why we''re ying this carefully. He''s the key to keeping Ss and his noble pets at bay."


    Lizzie had already begun packing up documents from the table, moving quickly but precisely as she often did, her mind already focused on the next steps. "This will buy us time," she said, "but how long do you think we have before Ss realizes what you''re up to?"


    Pyris narrowed his eyes, thinking. "Not long. Ss is sharp, but I doubt he expects me to go directly to Drac this soon. He''ll be preupied managing the chaos he stirred up, and if we y our cards right, by the time he knows what''s happening, it''ll be toote."


    The room fell into a brief silence as the gravity of the situation settled in. They were threading a dangerous needle, one that could either solidify their power or shatter everything they had built.


    Esmeralda, finally serious, pushed off the doorframe. "We need to elerate theunch of ARGO. If we''re going to pull this off, it has to be perfect. No room for error."


    Pyris nodded. "You''re right. I''ll double-check the designs tonight. We''ll need a team ready to move for the vampire empire, as soon as we have the Emperor''s backing."


    Suzie let out a sigh of relief. "That gives us enough time to stabilize everything. With ARGO''sunch so close, we need every advantage we can get."


    Esmeralda smiled, the tension finally easing from her shoulders. "You''ve pulled us back from the brink once again, Pyris."@@novelbin@@


    Pyris returned the smile but kept his thoughts hidden. He had indeed bought them time, but the true challengey ahead.


    The Blood Chalice was still out there, waiting to be imed. And even though Drac was temporarily appeased, Pyris knew that the emperor''s hunger for power was far from sated.


    Esmeralda gave him a teasing look as she stood. "Well, if you''re done charming vampire emperors, I''ve got work to do. Lizzie, let''s get moving."


    Lizzie nodded, following her out of the office, leaving just Pyris and Suzie behind.


    The room fell quiet again, but Pyris couldn''t help but feel the weight of everything that had just transpired. The stakes had been raised, and the path ahead was dangerous, but he wouldn''t stop now. Not when he was so close to iming the Blood Chalice and turning the tides in his favor.


    The soft click of Suzie''s heels caught his attention as she approached. She sat in the chair opposite him, folding her legs under her. "Pyris, you really think Drac''s going to keep his word? I mean... this is Drac we''re talking about."


    "No, Suzie, not business right now!" He closed the distance between them pulling his chair closer to her''s, Suzie smiled at that.


    "Double-checking designs, huh?" She teased him with his own words, but didn''t resist the pull, she left her hair to sit on hisp circling her legs around his waist.


    "Well, I wasn''t entirely lying, was I?" No other words were said said as he pulled her into a kiss, she was aggressive than her remembered, her tongue invaded his mouth as if it was the first thing yo cross her mind.


    He didn''t resist the battle to their tongue but only increased the tension with his hands loaming her perfect body until her ass.


    "Mmm~" she started unbuttoning his shirt expose his chest. She kissed his chest by breaking their kiss.


    "You''re aggressive today, did you miss our little romance while I was away~" Suzie nodded, a message he wanted to know.


    He hands found their way to her thighs pulling her skirt higher untill her waist. She was left in just her ck panties.


    He traced he with both both hands with some squeezing of my her soft bottom. Her heat rose pressing her upper body into his, her plush breasts squeezing his chest.


    He didn''t try to resist the lust rising in him.


    The dangerous game of this office romance was amazing for both of them.


    Ahhh~ she would moan as he applied some more force, his aura dangerously into the forbidden.


    "What will you tell Lizzie if she found us!" He squeezed her more as he asked, her lust seemed to have rose when she considered his question.


    "You''re... Ahh~ the boss you should be worried not me!" She bit on his neck feeling his other hand entering her inner thighs with dangerous waves of swiftness and pleasure.


    "That''s one way to put it!" He nodded. His hands reached, with one finger he opened a small space in her tight pant, his other finger touched her pussy, it throbbed in delight.


    Touching the folds, he could already feel her juiceing out.


    Suzie started moving her waist to rub her pussy on her pussy, his finger finally was "forced" to enter...


    "Aahhhh~~" she moaned loud.


    "You''ve be tighter thanst time Suzie..." He noted.


    "Ahahaha~~ it was for daddy, I hope daddy likes it, oghh~~"


    "I do Suzie~!"

 Chapter 197 Taking Mother*

    Before she could finish, she stumbled forward, right into his chest. Pyris had moved fast and caught her effortlessly, his hand sliding around her waist, pulling her close. His other hand gently cradled the back of her head, his touch both tender and possessive.


    "Mother~" Pyris'' voice was a whisper now, and Emberly felt herself shudder against him, her resolve crumbling.


    Her expression softened, her body losing any sense of pulling away, betraying her mind that was screaming for her to get a hang of herself.


    Despite being his mother, their posture was anything appropriate for a mother and son no matter what bond the two shared, yet despite all the rationality, her mind was screaming at her; her body wanted something else entirely.


    Once again, like back then, she felt herself unable to resist his charms; she found herself being attracted to her Pyris.


    As she battled between her rational mind and her desires, his touch lingered on her skin, making it crawl with an unknown intensity that made her feel out of breath. Pyris just watched amusedly.


    The lustily, irritable aura hit Emberly like tidal waves; her cheeks flushed, losing all sense of pulling away from Pyris.


    She looked up at his face; a gentle smile, yet a teasing one, hung on his face as if daring her, mocking her to see how far she could go to realize the dark fantasies she had had for long from the moment he became a man.


    "Mother~" his voice again was tender, filled with affection and want that dripped into the defenses she had built. Slowly, his thumb caressed the back of her neck, lust fingers inducing desires into her, the work of his lustful body few, if not no, women could resist.


    The walking temptation.


    He pulled her even closer; she fell in his chestpletely, with the only defense being her hands that rested on his chest, a defensive wall she wanted to crumble.


    Their very breaths were so close as they intimately intertwined with each other, his lust working magic with her desires.


    Pyris, just like Emberly, had wanted this woman for so long, from the moment he set his eyes on her, from the time she had arrived in the living room back then as she walked down the staircase exuding her grace and beauty.


    But he never got an opportunity like this, being so close to her, so close to unleashing their hidden desires.


    Powerful, Emberly was powerful and she could feel every fabric of hidden desires Pyris had for her now, now that he was so close, as he pulled her into his arms, closer.


    The hand around her waist became firmer yet so gentle and subtle caressing her waist dangerously.


    She could now feel it, the bulging of the divine cock in his pants; she gasped silently at the sheer size she could feel pressed on her, just above her womanhood.


    Little did she know, the mes of forbidden desires in her increased tenfold as sex pheromones walked their way into her, more freely.


    He knew some of his lust abilities were making things smoother, but that was not something Emberly didn''t want; she didn''t try to pull away from this, letting the effects of Lust Viin, his ability that worked most in mature women, take a root in her body.


    Even as she touched him, Emberly could already feel her resistance slipping away, driven and attracted to the Lust Body of Pyris.


    Pyris was the first to make a move; she watched as his face closed into hers, ''s. Their breath became more mingled, and she found herself tilting her head to allow his advance.


    In a slow and deliberate, soft and gentle, calcted yet filled with desires, Pyris took her lips into his.


    Their kiss melted away any little bit of denial that would have shackled them.


    Pyris kissed her lips slowly savouring the sweet taste of the mature dragon.


    "Mmm~" Emberly moaned softly as she drifted away, her arms closing behind his neck, pulling him closer; she tiptoed slightly to match his height.


    A shiver went down his spine. Emberly kissed him so passionately, her every move indicating how much of an experience she had.


    Urging her closer with a hand on her neck, their kiss deepened their tongue, finding their way into a battle of dominance that none of them seemed to be eager to win.


    Read exclusive adventures at empire@@novelbin@@


    He loomed her back slowly the deeper their kiss went, wet sounds filling the study room, the soft fabrics of her dress offering no defense between his touch and body.


    With every move of his hand, Pyris could feel his desire for her increasing the more Emberly moaned.


    She pressed her body so much into him but there was so much she could do that.


    Her back felt good to touch, and it felt like he was with a goddess in his hands; Pyris always was the one to be greedy, wanting more.


    "Anhhh~" Emberly broke the kiss with a sharp gasp; her head buried in his neck, her body lifted following his movements as he squeezed her ass.


    ''No panties, huh?'' Pyris smiled.


    The hand on her neck joined the battle working together, he slowly but firmly squeezed her ass, the softness filling his palms, soft yet plump.


    ''She''s so thick!'' Emberly felt like no one Pyris had ever been with. Her body was so well developed offering extra sensations.


    "You''re... So fast... Ahhh~~" She bit down on his neck, causing a stir in his spine, and he shivered slightly.


    Pyris grinned, watching Emberlye undone against him, her once unshakable grace now faltering in the face of her desires.


    His hands continued their exploration, gliding over her soft skin, his touch deliberate and intense. The gasp she let out when he squeezed her ass firmly was like music to his ears.


    "You like that, don''t you?" Pyris teased, his voice low and dripping with that familiar, dangerous charm, his hands digging deeper into the softness.


    He could feel the tension in her body melt as she gave inpletely, her face buried in his neck as she trembled with every subtle movement of his hands.


    "Mmmm~~, Anhhh~~" she whimped.


    Emberly''s breath was ragged now, each inhtion shaky as her body responded without hesitation. She was no longer the powerful matriarch of House Obsidian but a woman sumbing to the raw, primal pull of desires between her and her son, the youngest of her children.


    ''C''mon Emberly you can stop!''


    Her rational mind screamed at her to stop this, to regain control of herself, but her body was too far gone¡ªtoo consumed by the Lust Aura Pyris exuded like a siren''s call.


    *****


    Hehe, ~ guys,e on, don''t be stingy; I deserve something for this chapter~ Mhmm, Don''t you think?

 Chapter 198 My Sex Deprived Mother**

    "Ahh~ Son...you''re... ying a dangerous game with m-mmm~ mother..." Emberly gasped, her voice breaking into a soft moan as Pyris tilted her chin up with a gentle,manding hand, forcing her to meet his eyes.


    The fire of lust burning behind them was undeniable.


    "I''ve never been one to y it safe," Pyris whispered against her lips before capturing them once more. This kiss was different from the first¡ªdeeper, hungrier, more demanding. His tongue devoured her, winning the battlepletely.


    As he pulled away, a sliver line connected their lips, she looked at him with her eyes begging, begging for more!


    "C''mon mom... You can say it, beg me!" His voice wasmanding.


    His hands roamed her body freely now, and Emberly responded with equal fervor, pressing herself closer to him, her fingers digging into his back.


    The feeling of his hardness pressing against her only fueled the tension, the undeniable proof of how much he wanted her.


    And, gods, she wanted him too¡ªhad for so long.


    Her fantasies had danced dangerously close to this moment, but now that it was happening, reality far surpassed anything her imagination had conjured.@@novelbin@@


    "Pyris~~" Her voice was barely audible between the heated kisses, her body aching for more. She couldn''t deny the chemistry, the tension that had been building for so long.


    Pyris'' grip on her waist tightened, "Yes, Mom, I want you... I want you to say it!"


    Pulling her impossibly closer, his lips now trailing down her neck, eliciting a shiver that ran down her spine.


    "Ohhh~~ son, ohh yes I want you so bad, take me ahhhh~~," Emberly gasped, her fingers threading into his hair as she tilted her head back, giving him better ess. Every kiss, every bite, every stroke of his hands made her feel more alive, more wanted than she had in a long time.


    "I''ve waited so long for this," Pyris murmured against her skin, his voice sending sparks down her body. "You have no idea, mother. Your son will make you his!"


    "Uhh~~" His words pulled a soft whimper from her lips as her body trembled under his touch.


    She wasn''t sure what was happening anymore¡ªwhether it was her desire or his overwhelming aura driving her wild.


    All she knew was that she couldn''t get enough.


    "Anh~ yes son, take me, make me yours~~!"


    Her rational thoughts had long since left her, reced by a raw, burning need that she could no longer suppress. She arched into his touch, her fingers trailing down his chest, feeling the heat of his skin beneath his clothes. Every inch of her was on fire, her senses heightened in a way she''d never experienced before.


    And Pyris¡ªPyris reveled in it. He could feel her unraveling in his arms, the tension melting away as she surrendered to himpletely.


    "You''re so beautiful tonight, Mom. Did you expect this to happen?" He knew this was dangerous, that crossing this line could change everything between them, but he didn''t care. He wanted her, and he was done pretending otherwise.


    "Mmm~~ don''t tease mommy so much, ahhh~~" he caught her lips again squeezing her tight by her ass.


    With a sudden, fluid motion, Pyris lifted her onto the desk, his body pressing into hers as he kissed her deeply, his hands gripping her thighs possessively.


    "I want you tonight, Mom," Pyris dered.


    Emberly moaned into his mouth, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, pulling him closer as their desires ignited in a way neither could control.


    Her arms tightened around his neck...


    "So big~" she let out unintentionally, feeling the bulging cock again from this position; it was not subtle; it was raw, brimming with a confidence of a god conquers; she could feel it, ready to conquer her territories, her pussy twitched at contact.


    "Anh~~~" she broke the kiss, biting hard into their neck; she inched her body closer; now it was no longer contact, her pussy, and his cock, pressed hard on each other.


    "Do you love Mom ¡ª my cock~" Pyris grunted in pleasure. Emberly didn''t have anything inside; his cock was only blocked by the thin fabrics of his trouser.


    "P~~" She pressed her body closer; his dickhead threatening to enter inside the closed foldings of his mother''s pussy.


    Her hand moved without her knowledge going for the cock that teased her pussy.


    But just as the moment threatened to spiral further, Pyris pulled back, his breath hot against her skin as he gazed into her eyes, their foreheads pressed together.


    "Do you want me to stop?" he asked, his voice rough, but there was a softness in his tone, a sincerity that made Emberly''s heart skip.


    ''Even if I wanted to Pyris, I can''t... I can''t stop you, I can''t stop myself from wanting you, please...'' Emberly had already decided she would let him; she would let her son take her ¡ª make her his woman, forever, for eternity.


    ''I give my heart to you Pyris dear son!'' she had made her decision.


    Her eyes fluttered open, her breathing in short gasps as she met his gaze, her mind spinning, her body aching for more. And as she looked into his eyes, saw the desire, the need reflecting her own, she knew had made the right decision.


    "No..." she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation. "Don''t stop..."


    Pyris'' smile was a dangerous thing, filled with triumph and lust. He leaned in, capturing her lips once more; he knew, and so she did; they had closed the line, and there would be no going back!


    Emberly replicated in an even wilder manner, pulling him forcibly by the shirt; she held his cor tight, kissing him wildly. Their mouth fluids mixed, giving birth to a different kind of taste.


    Pyris broke their fierce kiss, sucking her neck crazily, leaving trails of hickeys behind.


    "Ahhh~~~" her back arched back as she moaned, her long moan breaking the silence of the quiet room.


    "Mom~ they''re so beautiful and firm but above all..." He kissed her neck again, but his hand went for her breasts, "they''re big and so erect mom!"


    Before Emberly could respond, Pyris arched his back kissing her breasts through the fabric of her dress.


    "Mmmmm~~~ Haa~ Pyris~~" she pressed his head deeper, "Haaaaaaa~~~~" she gave a long moan as Pyris sucked hard on her erect nipple massaging the other.


    "Pyris... Fuck me, now please~~~" Emberly begged.


    "Mother, Little Brother!!" The door was mmed open, and the voice of Anastasia came afterward, time seemed to have stopped for the three of them.


    "Annie, it''s not as you think!!!" Emberly''s eyes widened, they had been caught.


    ******


    Crazzzzzyyyyy

 Chapter 200 Witch...

    Pyris strode down the long hallway, the weight of his thoughts pressing against him. He was ready for whaty ahead, but the presence of the Abyssal Labyrinth loomed over his every step like a shadow waiting to pounce. Alera, as expected, was already in the room waiting for him. Her power could be felt even through the walls, a dark, ominous aura that seemed to suck the light out of the room.


    He chuckled quietly to himself. "How dramatic."


    But the truth was, her power was no joke. Alera had grown stronger by the day, and her connection to the Shadow Nexus made her a force to be reckoned with. As Pyris approached the doors to the room, he could feel the tension rising in the air, as if the shadows themselves were holding their breath.


    He entered with a smirk, his eyes locking on Alera, who was standing by therge table filled with maps and documents, her back to him.


    She didn''t turn, but the dark aura around her seemed to ripple at his presence, acknowledging him in its own twisted way. Pyris closed the door behind him, the heavy thud echoing in the vast room.


    "You know," Pyris began, walking toward her, "you really know how to make an entrance without even saying a word."


    Alera turned, her eyes sharp but with a hint of amusement dancing in them. "And you know how to fill a room with enough arrogance to choke a horse."


    Pyris grinned, walking over to the table, his fingers brushing the cool surface. "Well, horses aside, I think we''ve got a lot to discuss before we dive into that hellhole, don''t you think?"


    Alera''s lips quirked into a small smirk, but her eyes remained intense. "Oh, I''m more than ready, dear. The question is... are you?"


    Pyris leaned in closer, their faces only inches apart now. "Alera, you wound me. You know I''m always ready."


    The air between them crackled, tension brewing as their gazes locked. The palpable dark energy swirling around Alera seemed to grow thicker, suffocating even the shadows. Pyris could feel the power emanating from her, but he wasn''t intimidated¡ªnot in the slightest. His own aura began to re, the dragon magic within him responding instinctively.


    The tension was building fast, and in that moment, neither of them seemed interested in talking strategy.


    Without breaking eye contact, Pyris'' hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Alera''s breath hitched, but she didn''t resist. Instead, she leaned in, her fingers tracing a slow line up his chest. "You think you can handle me, Pyris?"@@novelbin@@


    Pyris smirked, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of challenge and desire. "I know I can."


    The room seemed to pulse with power as their lips met in a fiery kiss. Alera responded instantly, her hands gripping his shoulders as she pulled him in deeper.


    Pyris moved them quickly, pressing her against the table as their passion escted. Her dark aura wrapped around them like a cloak, intensifying every touch, every breath. For a few minutes, they were lost in the moment, the world outside the war roompletely forgotten.


    But just as quickly as it had begun, they pulled apart, both of them slightly out of breath but with grins stered on their faces. Alera adjusted her clothes, her usual sharp demeanor snapping back into ce.


    "We should probably talk about the Labyrinth now," she said, her voice low but still holding that yful edge.


    "Yeah," Pyris replied, straightening his shirt, "before we get too distracted."


    They both sat at the table, the seriousness of their situation settling back into the air. Pyris leaned forward, his fingers tracing the lines on the map of the Abyssal Labyrinth.


    "The Abyssal Labyrinth is no joke," Pyris began, his tone now more focused. "It''s filled with ancient traps, and it adapts. The more people it swallows, the more it learns, bing even deadlier, at least that what I heard."


    Alera nodded, her eyes focused on the map. "We can''t just rely on brute force. The Shadow Nexus will help us navigate some of the traps, but it won''t be enough to get us through the whole thing."


    Pyris tapped the map, pointing to a specific area. "This is where the Blood Chalice is rumored to be. But it''s deep inside the Labyrinth, past at least three of its strongest barriers."


    Alera tilted her head slightly, studying the spot. "And you''re sure about this? The Chalice being there?"


    Pyris smirked. "As sure as I can be without actually having seen it. But trust me, it''s there or not far from here. The information can be trusted."


    Alera leaned back, crossing her arms as her dark energy continued to pulse faintly. "Good. I''d hate to think we''re risking our lives for nothing."


    Pyris chuckled. "Don''t worry. We''ll be fine. Besides, you''ve got me."


    Alera shot him a mock re. "Yeah, and you''ve got me, so we''re even."


    They shared a quietugh before the seriousness of the mission set in again. Pyris could feel the weight of what was toe, but he also felt more confident than ever. With Alera by his side and the power they shared through the Shadow Nexus, he knew they could face whatever the Labyrinth threw at them.


    As the conversation wound down, Pyris stood, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright, I think we''re good.


    Pyris stood, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright, I think we''re good. Time to check on the little genius before I head out."


    Alera raised an eyebrow, still seated, adjusting her clothes. "You mean Elsa? The girl''s as sharp as theye. Can''t believe you found her in a ve shop."


    "Neither can I." Pyris grinned. "But that''s how life works, doesn''t it? Sometimes the best things are found in the strangest ces."


    Alera smirked, leaning back in her chair. "Sounds like you''re talking about more than just Elsa."


    Pyris chuckled, walking to the door. "Keep that thought. I''ll be back."


    ____


    The hallway was dimly lit as Pyris made his way to Elsa''s room. The soft glow of enchantednterns cast long shadows on the walls. He moved quietly, his mind drifting from one thought to another.


    The Abyssal Labyrinth was looming, and his encounter with Alera had stirred something in him¡ªnot just desire, but a renewed focus. Alera was strong, and their bond through the Shadow Nexus made them an unstoppable force.


    But he couldn''t afford to be distracted, not now.


    He reached Elsa''s door, the faint light of the room spilling out from the crack beneath it.


    Slowly, Pyris pushed it open, stepping inside. The room was quiet, the little moon elf curled up in bed, her white hair a tangled mess on the pillow.


    She looked peaceful, her small chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.


    But as Pyris sat down on the edge of the bed, Elsa stirred. Her small hands reached out instinctively, finding his leg and wrapping around it in a sleepy embrace.


    "Pyris..." she mumbled, her voice soft and full of sleep. "Big brother..."


    A warm smile tugged at his lips as he brushed a few strands of hair from her forehead.


    She looked so innocent, so fragile in her sleep, yet Pyris knew there was something powerful brewing inside her. Something he intended to nurture.


    He ced his hand gently on her forehead, his fingers glowing with a soft, warm light. A stream of knowledge flowed from him into her, magic and information intertwined.


    It wasn''t overwhelming; instead, it settled in her subconscious like a seed waiting to grow, he wasn''t worried that it might overwhelm her, after all her soul was...


    "Just a little more," Pyris whispered, watching as the light slowly faded from his fingers. Elsa''s grip on his leg tightened slightly before she rxed again, her body shifting deeper into sleep.


    "You''re going to be something special, little one," Pyris murmured, standing up carefully so as not to wake her fully. He looked down at her onest time before turning toward the door.


    There was a lot to do, and time was running short.


    ____


    As Pyris stepped out into the estate''s courtyard, Mira appeared beside him, her figure blending seamlessly from the shadows.


    "Ready?" she asked, her voice quiet yet filled with purpose.


    Pyris nodded, his eyes scanning the grounds. "I need to see Zara before we head out."


    Mira didn''t respond with words but instead dissolved into the void, reappearing at the estate''s gate.


    Pyris followed, the cool night air refreshing against his skin. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the estate as they stepped out into the quiet streets.


    The two of them moved through the city, their presence unnoticed as Mira expertly manipted the shadows around them. It wasn''t long before they arrived at Zara''s residence¡ªa grand, gothic-style mansion nestled on the edge of the city.


    It was fitting, given Zera''s reputation as one of the most powerful shadow users in the empire.


    Mira led the way, her figure flickering in and out of the void, her eyes alert for any potential threats.


    "You think Zara''s going to be on board with this?" Mira asked as they approached the mansion''s iron gates.


    Pyris smirked, his confidence unwavering. "She''ll be on board. She owes me a favor, and I n to collect."


    The gates creaked open with a heavy groan, and they stepped inside, the path ahead lined with dark trees that seemed to reach out with skeletal branches. Pyris walked with purpose, his mind focused on the conversation ahead.


    ******


    Another wild card, in fact there are two now! The gods should be ready!!!!

 Chapter 202 Elemental Fury: Zaras Challenge

    The shadowy forest came alive with movement, the illusionary creatures that Zara had summoned creeping closer, their twisted forms barely discernible against the dark backdrop of the warpedndscape. Their eyes glowed a sickly green, and they moved with an unnatural, jerking motion, their limbs long and spindly like nightmares pulled from the depths of someone''s deepest fear.


    Pyris stood still, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the approaching horde. "And here I thought we would y mind games, perfect!"


    He could feel the pulse of their dark energy, a chilling coldness that crept along his skin like ice, trying to worm its way into his senses, to slow him down. But Pyris wasn''t an ordinary man. He smirked as he let his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura re to life around him, his very presence bending the space around him, reshaping the forest.


    The first creature lunged-a swift, jerking movement that covered the distance between them in the blink of an eye. Its razor-sharp ws, dripping with some viscous, green fluid, aimed directly at Pyris'' throat, intending to end the fight before it began.


    But Pyris was faster.


    His body blurred as he sidestepped the attack, his hand already surging with elemental energy. A crackle of golden lightning danced across his fingertips, and with a swift, almost effortless motion, he thrust his hand forward.


    The bolt of energy shot from his palm, striking the creature square in the chest. The impact was immediate and brutal.


    CRACK!


    The creature''s torso exploded in a spray of ck smoke, its form disintegrating as the lightning tore through it like it was made of paper. Pyris barely had time to relish the kill before three more creatures followed suit, their limbs outstretched, jaws snapping hungrily as they closed in.


    This time, Pyris didn''t retreat.


    With a growl that echoed through the darkened forest, his Elemental Dragon Form erupted to life, this was going to be his first time trying it.


    His body elongated, his skin darkening as scales of pure elemental energy rippled across his arms and chest.


    From his fingertips, ws as sharp as des extended, shimmering with raw power.


    The first creature leaped, but Pyris was already moving. His wed hand shed through the air in a blinding arc, and the creature''s body was torn in two before it could even scream. ck ichor sprayed from the wound, sttering across the twisted trees as the creature''s body copsed in a heap at his feet.


    Pyris'' ws, enhanced by his Elemental Aura, shimmered with an ethereal glow as he swiped again, his movements fluid and precise.


    Each strike was apanied by a crackle of energy, as if the very air itself couldn''t keep up with his speed. Another creature lunged, its ws aiming for his back, but Pyris spun on his heel, ducking low as his tail whipped out, catching the creature across the jaw with enough force to shatter bone.


    The sickening crunch of breaking flesh and bone echoed in the clearing as the creature was flung through the air, its body crashing into the forest floor with a dull thud. It writhed for a moment before it dissolved into mist, joining the other fallen shadows.@@novelbin@@


    More appeared-dozens of them, crawling from the darkness, their forms flickering like candle mes in the wind. Pyris could feel the weight of their collective presence pressing in on him, trying to smother his aura, to overwhelm him. But the grin on his face only widened.


    "Is this it, Zara?!" Pyris shouted, his voice filled with mockingughter. "This is your test?"


    The creatures converged on him all at once, an overwhelming tide of twisted bodies and glowing eyes. They were fast- unnaturally so-but Pyris moved faster. His Elemental Sovereign''s Aura pulsed, warping the space around him.


    The very air crackled with power, and in an instant, Pyris unleashed a torrent of fire that shot from his mouth, engulfing the first wave of creatures in a wall of searing heat.


    The fire was unlike anything the forest had seen. It wasn''t just me-it was the essence of fire itself, an unstoppable, all-consuming force that reduced the creatures to ash in seconds. The trees surrounding Pyris began to smolder and burn, their branches curling in on themselves as the intense heat scorched the illusionaryndscape.


    But even as the fire consumed his enemies, more appeared, their dark forms undeterred by the destruction. They wed their way through the ashes, their movements even more frantic, more aggressive.


    Pyris growled, his eyes glowing with an intense golden light as he raised his hand, calling upon the power of wind. A massive gust tore through the forest, uprooting trees and sending debris flying in every direction.


    The force of the wind was so strong that the creatures were ripped from the ground, their bodies thrown high into the air, helpless against the raw elemental power.


    But Pyris wasn''t done.


    As the creatures tumbled through the air, Pyris leaped after them, his ws outstretched. In mid-air, he spun, his movements fluid and precise.


    His ws tore through the creatures one by one, ripping through their dark forms like a scythe cutting through wheat. Their bodies disintegrated upon contact, their forms evaporating into ck mist as they were torn apart by Pyris'' relentless onught.


    Each strike was brutal, efficient. His ws were coated in the remnants of the creatures, their dark energy sizzling against his skin as he continued to tear through them. The sounds of battle-the shrieks of the creatures, the crackling of mes, the howling wind-filled the air, but Pyris was a storm unto himself, untouchable and unstoppable.


    From the corner of his eye, Pyris spotted arger creature, its form more solid, its ws longer and sharper. This one radiated with a stronger aura, likely amander of sorts. It snarled, baring its fangs as it charged at him, its movements blurring with speed.


    But Pyris met it head-on.


    With a roar, Pyris mmed into the creature, his ws digging deep into its chest. The creature shrieked, its eyes wide with pain as Pyris twisted his ws, ripping through its torso with a savage, deliberate motion. ck ichor sprayed from the wound, coating Pyris'' arm as he tore the creature apart, its body falling to pieces at his feet.


    The ground beneath them trembled as Pyris'' aura expanded, the elements bending to his will. The air crackled with power, the earth shook, and the trees bowed under the weight of his presence.


    He stood amidst the chaos, his chest heaving, his body glowing with the raw power of his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura.


    In the distance, Zara watched, her eyes wide with shock and admiration. Pyris had torn through her challenge like it was nothing, reducing her carefully crafted illusions to rubble. She had known he was powerful, but this... this was something else entirely.


    "What kind of aura is that, it feels like... like it''s abination of all elements?" She wondered


    Pyris on the other hand, lowered his hands, his ws retracting as thest of the creatures dissolved into mist. The forest was silent once more, the only sound the crackling of the smoldering trees and the distant rustle of leaves.


    "That was almost too easy," Pyris muttered, his gaze shifting to where Zara stood, her face unreadable.


    But behind her calm exterior, Zara''s mind was racing. She had never seen anyone break her illusions so effortlessly, sopletely. Pyris wasn''t just powerful-he was a force of nature, someone who could bend the very fabric of reality to his will.


    *****


    The thrill. The thrill of theing adventures!

 Chapter 203 How To Trap a Witch...1

    Juat as he thought Zara was done, she did otherwise, outside the illusion, she flexed her hands slightly.


    _____


    The twisted forest stretched endlessly, with the oppressive shadows casting strange patterns on the gnarled trees.


    Pyris stood motionless for a moment, taking in the air that seemed to pulse with tension. His muscles coiled beneath his skin like a lion ready to pounce, his fingers curling and uncurling by his side, eager to unleash the elemental chaos that was his tomand.


    It felt like he hadn''t even fought at all.


    His breathing was steady, controlled, but the air around him felt anything but calm.


    At that  moment his power red, it was as if the entire forest had be aware of his presence. The leaves trembled, the trees groaned under the pressure, and the ground shifted slightly beneath his feet.


    Pyris'' eyes glowed faintly, a warning that the full force of his powers was close at hand.


    Without warning, a creature emerged¡ªa monstrous figure that shook the earth with each lumbering step. It was grotesque, twenty feet tall, and covered in spikes that glistened like wet stone. Pyris'' body reacted instantly, his muscles tightening, his posture shifting to one of readiness.


    The air crackled around him as his aura red¡ªa tangible pressure that caused the very earth to quiver beneath his feet.


    As the beast roared and charged, the earth shattered with its force. But Pyris was faster.


    His body moved like lightning¡ªswift, fluid, almost a blur. He ducked under the creature''s massive arm, his feet skimming the ground as he dodged the blow with inches to spare. The wind from its attack whipped past him, carrying debris in its wake, but Pyris didn''t slow.


    His hands lit up with elemental energy, and the ground beneath the creature suddenly froze over, ice spiraling outward in jagged formations. The beast''s foot mmed down, but it was toote¡ªit was trapped.


    The ice tightened around its ankles, cracking audibly as it held the creature in ce.


    The monster bellowed in frustration, thrashing violently, but Pyris was already moving, his muscles rippling as he pushed off the ground with the grace of a predator. His body was a blur of motion, moving with a speed that made it look like he was gliding through the air.


    As hended, golden lightning sparked in his hands, and he flung it forward with a flick of his wrist.


    BOOM!


    The bolt struck the beast''s chest with a sound like thunder, the sheer impact sending it stumbling backward. The shockwave rippled outward, shaking the trees and sending waves through the ground. Pyris stood tall, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as the creature''s charred body slumped to the ground, smoke rising from where the lightning had hit.


    But there was no time to pause.


    A serpent-like creature,rger than any Pyris had seen before, darted from the shadows, its sleek body twisting through the air with impossible speed. Its eyes glowed with malevolent intent, and its fangs dripped with a venom that sizzled as it hit the earth.


    Pyris'' body shifted again, instinct taking over. His feet danced across the ground as he evaded the serpent''s strike, each movement precise, each dodge as fluid as water. The air crackled around him with every step, his muscles alive with power as he wove through the beast''s deadly attacks.


    "Ice can''t stop this one," he muttered to himself, his voice a low growl.


    With a sharp exhale, Pyris'' aura red even brighter. Fire erupted from his hands, a torrent of mes that twisted and writhed like a living thing. The heat was intense¡ªso powerful that the air shimmered, and the very earth beneath his feet ckened.


    With a flick of his wrist, he sent the mes roaring toward the serpent.


    The beast screeched as the mes engulfed it, its body twisting violently in agony. Pyris didn''t stop. His fire intensified, roaring like a dragon''s breath, incinerating the creature until it was nothing more than a pile of ash.


    The ground beneath Pyris trembled with each release of power, and the atmosphere itself seemed to bend under the force of his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura. Every element bowed to his will, and the air itself seemed to hum with anticipation.


    Mira, watching from the shadows, nodded at his control. His every movement caused the environment to ripple, as though nature itself responded to his power.


    The air around Pyris crackled with golden lightning as he prepared for the next assault. His body, taut and brimming with energy, moved with such fluidity that it seemed as though time slowed for him.


    From above, a winged beast screeched, its talons asrge as des, diving toward Pyris with terrifying speed. Without hesitation, Pyris spun on his heel, his body twisting effortlessly. He leaped into the air, meeting the beast head-on with a surge of wind beneath him.


    The wind didn''t just carry him¡ªit obeyed him, lifting him with grace as though he were one with the element itself.


    With a snap of his fingers, razor-sharp gusts of wind sliced through the beast''s wings, sending it spiraling out of control. The creature screeched as it crashed into the ground, defeated before it could even touch him.@@novelbin@@


    Pyrisnded lightly on his feet, the earth weing him like an old friend. He was calm, his breathing steady, but the air around him still crackled withtent energy, like a storm waiting to be unleashed.


    He was like a battle crazed maniac, maybe he was craving a good battle all along.


    Outside the illusion, Zara''s brow furrowed, her breath quickening as she pushed more power into her spell. Her hands trembled as she summoned more creaturesrger, stronger, more fearsome than before. Rank 17, Rank 18¡ªthe strongest of beings she could conjure were pulled into the illusion, their forms solidifying as her magic twisted reality itself.


    Althoughpared to the real Rank 17 and 18 corrupted beasts, her''s were like children but still powerful.


    The air around her hummed with power, and the walls of the mansion creaked under the strain of her spell. But even as she poured more energy into the illusion, a knot of curiosity twisted in her chest.


    "This power... this aura... it''s more than just elemental control," she whispered to herself, her eyes locked on Pyris within the illusion. "How does he possess this? It''s something beyond anything I''ve ever seen. And he... He can control more elements that he should be!"


    She gritted her teeth, summoning her final challenge.


    The forest trembled, the trees shaking violently as something monstrous stirred beneath the earth. Pyris'' muscles tensed, his body instinctively shifting into a defensive stance as the ground split open before him.


    A towering figure emerged, its form so massive that it blotted out the sky. Rank 18. Its body was a grotesque fusion of all the previous creatures¡ªa monstrous amalgamation of flesh and power. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly fire, and the air around it warped as though reality itself bent to its will.


    The creature roared, a sound that sent shockwaves through the air, rattling Pyris to his core.


    But Pyris was undeterred. His eyes glowed with a fierce determination, his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura ring to life once more. The ground beneath his feet cracked as his power surged, and the air around him crackled with golden lightning. Every muscle in his body tensed, alive with energy.


    Pyris raised his hand, and the world responded. The ground trembled, the sky darkened, and the air itself seemed to bend to his will. The creature lunged, but Pyris was faster. His body moved like a blur, dodging the creature''s massive fists with a grace that defied belief.


    With a roar of his own, Pyris unleashed his full power.


    Golden lightning, fire, wind, and water¡ªeach element surged around him in a chaotic dance. The sheer force of it tore through the earth, ripping apart trees and sending shockwaves through the forest.


    "Gold lightning, again? That lost element, I thought it was a trick the other time?" Zara gasped.


    Pyris moved with a fluidity that made it look effortless, his body glowing with the energy of the elements.


    With a single, devastating strike, Pyris sent a bolt of pure elemental energy crashing into the creature. The impact was so powerful that the air itself seemed to scream in protest. The creature howled in agony, its massive form disintegrating under the force of Pyris'' attack, until nothing remained but ashes.


    Zara, stared in disbelief. Her body trembled, her breathing in shallow gasps as she watched the impossible unfold before her eyes.


    "That... was impossible," she whispered.


    But it wasn''t. Pyris stood tall, his body brimming with power, his eyes gleaming with victory. He turned toward Zara, his voice calm butmanding.


    "Is that all?"


    _____


    With the challengepleted, Zara was left speechless. The witch who had been so certain of her control now found herself questioning everything she thought she knew. The Elemental Sovereign''s Aura had intrigued her¡ªand now, more than ever, she wanted ess to that power.


    Pyris proved once again that there was no challenge too great for his ever-growing might.


    And he was bing sessful in trapping her, he''d used his elements for a reason!

 Chapter 204 How To Trap a Witch...2

    The illusion shattered like ss, dissolving into the ether as Pyris stood victorious in Zara''s mansion. The oppressive air of magic still lingered, heavy and thick, but the twisted forest, grotesque creatures, and dark trials she had thrown at him were gone.


    Pyris stood calmly in the middle of the room, his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura still pulsating around him, bending reality itself.


    Zara sat on her throne-like chair, her gaze locked onto him.


    For the first time since he''d known her, Pyris saw something in her eyes that hadn''t been there before: intrigue... and perhaps envy. She had witnessed firsthand the sheer, unrelenting power of his abilities.


    Her lips parted slightly, her eyes narrowing in both disbelief and curiosity. "Pyris, what... What exactly was that?" Zara asked, her voice holding a faint tremor, though she masked it quickly with her usual confidence. "I''ve never seen anyone wield power like that...  almost all elements under your control?" Readtest chapters at empire


    Pyris smiled faintly, his confidence unwavering. "It''s called an ability... it gives me power to all elements, briefly!" Of course he lied but the purpose had been served.


    Zara''s brow furrowed. She had heard of elemental masters, those who could control one or two elements to an impressive degree. But this... this was something else entirely. "All elements... at yourmand?" she whispered, more to herself than to him. "No one can wield more than six elements, let alone all of them. How...?"


    Pyris stepped closer, his movements calm and deliberate, yet his very presence made the air around them crackle with energy. "It''s more than just control, Zara. It''s absolute mastery." He knew her hunger for power knew no limits.


    Zara''s heartbeat quickened as she looked him over. She could feel the power radiating from him,It wasn''t just magic¡ªit was something far more primal, more elemental.


    She had seen powerful beings before, but none like this. Her mind raced, considering the implications of what he had just shown her.


    "This... Ability," she began, leaning forward slightly in her chair, her gaze never leaving his. "It''s not just an ability, is it? It''s a gift of dominion."


    Pyris nodded, his eyes locking onto hers with the kind of intensity that made the air around them tremble. "Exactly. It''splete dominion over the elements. No one else has it. And no one else will unless I allow it!" He said hinting he could gift this power to someone of his choosing.


    Zara exhaled slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. She didn''t want to show it, but the allure of that kind of power was overwhelming. She had never encountered anyone who could manipte reality so fluidly, so effortlessly.


    The idea of having ess to even a fraction of that power stirred something deep within her¡ªa hunger.


    "Anyway, what exactly do you want from me?" Zara asked, her voice now more guarded. She didn''t want to probe Pyris more than needed. She was a witch, after all and she knew...


    Nothing came on a silver tter. Especially not power.


    Pyris smirked, already knowing where this conversation was headed. "Simple. I need a permanent ally, someone I can trust my back with on this journey, this is how I want to collect my favor Zara"


    Zara raised an eyebrow. "You? Trusting someone with your back, someone not your family?" Her tone was teasing, but there was a sharpness to her words. "You''re not exactly known in my books for letting people in, Pyris."


    Pyris chuckled, shrugging. "True. But you''re different, Zara. Your skills in maniption, witchcraft, and cunning are unmatched. And we both know you won''t follow me out of loyalty alone. But..." He paused, letting the tension in the room build. "I can offer you something no one else can."


    Zara''s eyes gleamed with interest. "And what would that be?"


    "ess to the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura," Pyris said, his words slow and deliberate. "Work with me, not just as a temporary ally but as a permanent one, and I''ll grant will youter, I can''t tell a stranger my secrets now, can I?"


    Zara blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "You''re serious?" Zara asked, her voice more cautious now.


    Pyris stepped closer, standing only a foot away from her, his aura still crackling faintly. "Completely serious. But there''s a condition."


    Zara narrowed her eyes. "There''s always a condition."


    Pyris nodded. "A binding agreement. A permanent alliance between us like I told you! After that, only after this agreement can I tell you how to get my powers."


    Zara''s gaze flickered with both excitement and suspicion. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs slowly, as though weighing her options. "And how exactly do you propose we bind this... agreement? But after that we must talk about this ability of yours."


    Pyris smirked, knowing she would ask that. "In the way of a witch, of course. A contract, sealed by magic. No lies, no loopholes."


    Zara''s lips curled into a smile, but it was one filled with danger and mischief. "You want me to bind myself to you with a witch''s contract? That''s a bold request, Pyris."


    "Not as bold as you agreeing to have what you wouldn''t have been able to get," Pyris countered smoothly. "You want ess to this power, Zara. We both know you do."


    Zara''s fingers tapped against her chin as she considered his words. She knew whatever he was offering wasn''t something she could simply walk away from. It was an opportunity that would elevate her far beyond what she could achieve on her own.


    But she was no fool. She knew that once the contract was sealed, she would be bound to him. Still, the temptation was too great to ignore.


    "Very well, Pyris," Zara said after a long pause, standing up from her chair. "We''ll do this the witch''s way."


    She stepped forward, her presencemanding as her magic red around her. The air around them began to hum with energy, and the very room seemed to shift in response to her power. She extended her hand, palm up, and tendrils of magic swirled above it, coiling like snakes ready to strike.


    Pyris watched her closely, not flinching as the magic grew more intense. He knew what he was getting into. A witch''s contract wasn''t to be taken lightly, but Pyris wasn''t one to back down, not when there was something worthy to im.@@novelbin@@


    Zara''s eyes gleamed as she looked up at him. "This contract will bind us both. Once it''s signed, there''s no going back. Do you understand?"


    Pyris met her gaze, his expression calm broke into a wide grin, "No problem"


    With a sharp flick of her wrist, Zara conjured a glowing sigil in the air between them. The symbol pulsed with raw energy, its edges crackling with power. It was an ancient witch''s sigil, one that bound two parties to a magical contract¡ªunbreakable, irreversible.


    "ce your hand on the sigil," Zara instructed, her voice firm. "It will bind our magic together."


    Pyris raised his hand and pressed it against the glowing symbol. The moment his palm touched it, a surge of energy shot through his body, intertwining with Zara''s magic.


    The sigil red brightly, and for a brief moment, both Pyris and Zara felt their magicbine, blending together in a whirlwind of raw power.

 Chapter 205 The Binding Pact

    The air around Pyris and Zara shimmered with mana as the contract was sealed. The witch''s sigil red onest time before fading, leaving a lingering hum of magic between them. The witch''s contract wasplete¡ªan agreement forged, binding them both to the termsid out.@@novelbin@@


    This contract was simple and they could terminate it anytime they want after reaching an agreement.


    As the glowing symbol dissolved into the them, Pyris felt a familiar presence stir within his consciousness.


    [Ding! Quest Completed! The system announces: Eternal Witch Oath unlocked!


    LPs granted!]


    Pyris'' eyes narrowed slightly, hiding a smirk. But, this was just the beginning for what he had to do with the witch¡ªan eternal pattern. At least he wanted her to be one.


    [Just get every Wild Card!] Lia poured motivation and confidence in him.


    He could feel the weight of his reward pressing on his mind, the Eternal Witch Oath now essible to him swirling in his mana core, the depths knowledge it contained on his mind.


    Zara, however, still looked slightly smug. She twirled a strand of her long, dark hair between her fingers, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Well, Pyris, you''ve managed to hold your end of the bargain. I''ll admit, you surprised me. Not many people can navigate my illusions that quickly. Let alone... have me sign a contract?" She sounded impressed?


    Pyris simply smiled, his eyes gleaming with subtle amusement. "Don''t get too excited, this is just the beginning, Zara. We''ve made the contract, but there''s something else we agreed on "


    Zara tilted her head, intrigued but still cautious. "Oh I know and I can''t even forget. Now first show me that power, slightly hehe~" she was like a kid who would love to test their toys before buying.


    Pyris'' lips twitched but he still let his aura pulse slightly, the power of his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura stirring the very air around them.


    The ground beneath them seemed to hum, the faint crackle of elemental energy whispering through the room. Zara could feel it¡ªthe raw, untamed power just beneath the surface. But she also sensed that there was something more, something beyond what she had seen so far.


    "The contract we just signed," Pyris began, his voice smooth and measured, "is merely a formality to bring us to this!" He nearly scoffed at how easily he lied. He needed that contract to get the system reward. "... An assurance that I can trust you with my secret fully!" Zara nodded in understanding.


    Although making her a permanent partner was good, having a witch have an eternal oath with you was undeniably more beautiful.


    Who knew, maybe they would cross even this level and be something more together!


    "You wanted to gauge my strength, and now you''ve seen it. But there''s something more powerful that have binds us than a simple pact to get my power."


    Zara''s eyes gleamed with suspicion, though her curiosity was piqued. "Go on." He smiled...


    [A way to trap a witch!] Lia mused inside him.


    Pyris took a step closer, his voice lowering as he spoke. "What if I told you that through a deeper bond¡ªan eternal oath¡ªyou could gain ess to something far greater than any witch''s magic? You''ve seen the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura. You know what it''s capable of... At least a quater of it. Imagine having ess to a fraction of that power that surpasses the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura that you want."


    Zara''s heart skipped a beat. She had felt the pull of his power, the way it bent reality itself,manding all elements like they were ythings in his hands. It had intrigued her, yes, but to have ess to even a piece of that kind of power...


    Her fingers clenched slightly, but she forced herself to remainposed. "You''re talking about a deeper bond? What exactly are you proposing?"


    Pyris smiled, his eyes gleaming with purpose. "The Eternal Witch Oath. It''s a binding magic that goes beyond any normal pact. If you agree to it, not only will you gain ess to all the elements like I do, but we will be bound together in an unbreakable alliance."  Pyris carried on to ensure Zara will be more interested than her mind racing with sharing her life with someone like him!


    "You''ll have my protection, my trust, and a piece of my power, power to control all elements. And I won''t be able to take it back even if wanted to. In return, I''ll have your loyalty¡ªyour true loyalty. I don''t intend to enve you, make no mistakes with this kind of oath, all I seek is a mutual bond with a powerful being like you and I will be adding to that power you wield through my Elemental Sovereign''s Aura and all my elements. Who will stand in you way Zara?"


    Zara''s breath hitched, her mind racing. The Eternal Witch Oath. She had heard of such bonds in ancient tomes, but it was something witches of the ancient times rarely used. It was a magical contract of the highest order, a bond that could not be broken. And with it came immense power¡ªshared elements between one pattern to another. She could feel the weight of the decision pressing down on her.


    Since witches didn''t have control over elements and could only use spells, they used to rely on this oath of get elements from other beings. But it had been lost too after that battle between Lucy Obsidian and the Elemental Deity.


    The Elemental Sovereign''s Aura wasn''t what offered Pyris control over the elements, it''s just an ability that he only got because of his dominance over all elements! She knew it now.


    She wanted these powers too, Pyris was using the ability as the bait at first, well, she will took the bait and now she stood to gain even better than just the ability!


    "You''re offering me ess to your Elemental Sovereign''s Aura and all elements?" Zara asked, her voice low, her eyes searching his.


    "Yes," Pyris replied, his tone unwavering. "But only if you swear the Eternal Witch Oath. Once it''s made, we are bound together permanently. There''s no going back. Don''t ask me how I got all elements you won''t get that answer."


    Zara considered his words carefully, her mind whirling with the possibilities.


    She had always craved more power, always sought to push the limits of what witches could achieve. But this... this was something else entirely. ess to the elements, the very building blocks of reality. It was a tempting offer, almost too tempting.


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    Any witch would ept this offer as long as it didn''t cost their freedom and in her case it only promised even more security under House Obsidian.


    The thought of wielding such power made her pulse quicken with excitement.


    "You would offer this to me?" Zara asked, her voice soft but edged with suspicion. "Why?"


    Pyris shrugged lightly, his expression calm and confident. "Because I need allies I can trust. And I know that with ess to my power, you''ll be stronger as my ally, and will have no reason to betray me. Our goals will align, and we''ll be stronger together."


    Zara''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Stronger together, hmm? You make it sound so... appealing."


    Pyris stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "Because it is. You know you want this, Zara. The power, the control. It''s all within your grasp. You just have to take it."


    Zara''s heart raced, her mind still weighing the options. But the truth was, she had already made up her mind. The allure was too great.


    She had tasted a fraction of Pyris'' power during the challenge, and now she wanted more.


    Slowly, she extended her hand, her eyes gleaming with a mix of desire and wariness. "Alright, Pyris. I''ll take your offer. The Eternal Witch Oath."


    Pyris took her soft hand and kissed it''s back gently. "Good choice."


    The air around them shifted as Pyris activated the magic of the Eternal Witch Oath.


    An ancient, glowing sigil appeared between them, its intricate lines pulsing with raw energy. The power of the oath filled the room, making the very walls tremble as reality itself seemed to acknowledge the bond they were about to create.


    Zara could feel the magic coiling around her, intertwining with her own power. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before¡ªan overwhelming, force that threatened to consume her if she wasn''t to stand on the oath they were to about to make.


    As the sigil glowed brighter, Pyris'' voice echoed in her mind, powerful andmanding. "Do you, Zara, swear eternal loyalty to me, Pyris Obsidian?"


    Zara''s voice was barely a whisper, but her words carried the weight of the oath. "I do." She repeated the same words and Pyris said the "I do!"


    [Feels like marriage Oath.] Lia joked.


    The sigil red onest time, then sank into their bodies, sealing the oath.


    Zara gasped, her entire being suddenly awash with the raw, untamed power of the elements. She could feel it¡ªthe control, the mastery, the sheer force of it all. It was overwhelming, intoxicating.


    Pyris never released her hand, his smirk returning as he watched the realization dawn on her face.


    "It''s done," Pyris said simply.


    *****


    Just admit, okay? This is going to be a great story! Alright?

 Chapter 206 Zara:The Witchs Awakening!

    New Volume Arc: Pyris Obsidian And The Abyssal Labyrinth! Enjoy Guys. This Labyrinth Arc wille in two phases.


    __________


    Zara stood there for a moment, her chest rising and falling with each breath as she adjusted to the new power coursing through her veins. She had never felt anything like it before, and she couldn''t help but smile.


    "Well, Pyris," she said, her voice softer now, almost reverent. "It seems you''ve just made yourself a very powerful ally."


    Pyris'' eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "I know."


    Suddenly Zara''s world shifted. Her body tensed, then shivered, a strange, overwhelming warmth flooding her senses.


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    It started as a subtle tingling in her fingertips¡ªa prickle of energy that spread upward, coursing through her veins like liquid fire. The sensation grew, building until it became a full-body wave of euphoria, surging like a storm of light and shadow within her.


    She gasped softly, her pupils dting as her connection to the elements expanded far beyond anything she had ever known.


    One by one, the elements awakened within her, each with its unique essence. Mana came from all directions entering into her core at an astonishing speed andrge amounts and then elements started manifesting.


    Fire zed in her core¡ªa searing, passionate energy that crackled and danced.


    Water flowed through her like a cooling river, calming the burn with a deep, undting pulse.


    The earth beneath her feet felt more solid, more ancient and alive than ever before, grounding her in its unshakable strength.


    Wind brushed against her skin, a yful breeze that lifted her senses higher, faster, beyond the physical ne.


    And then, there were the more obscure elements¡ªthe electric crackle of lightning, the icy bite of frost, the flowing sands of time, and even the dark pull of shadow.


    Zara felt herself expanding, her very spirit stretching to epass it all. She could feel the raw power of each element at her fingertips, bending to her will as though they were eager to obey hermands.


    The rush was intoxicating, a power so vast it felt as though she were holding the universe itself in her grasp.


    It was ecstasy¡ªpure and unfiltered.


    But there was something else, too. A weight beneath the power, a binding force that pulsed in sync with the surge of elements.


    Zara''s euphoria was tempered by the faint tug of a thread¡ªno, thousands of threads¡ªeach one tying her to something greater. Her eyes fluttered shut as she sensed it clearly for the first time: Pyris.


    She could feel his presence in the air, like a quiet but unbreakable heartbeat that matched the rhythm of her own.


    Loyalty. That was the price she had paid. A price they both shared.


    The warmth that had flooded her veins shifted, settling into something deeper, something more permanent. She could feel Pyris, his existence now intertwined with hers on a level that went beyond simple magic.


    His aura, his power, his will¡ªeverything about him was bound to her, and she to him. There was no escaping the tether they had forged. His undying loyalty, demanding her own in return, pulsed in her core like a beacon of light amidst the storm of power.


    She opened her eyes slowly, the euphoria receding into a steady, thrumming hum beneath her skin. Zara felt... alive, more alive than she had ever been. The connection to the elements was permanent, but so was her bond with Pyris. She couldn''t deny it¡ªher loyalty to him was absolute, solidified by the magic of the oath. She wasn''t his ve, but something else, something far more dangerous. An ally. A partner.


    An equal, tied to him in ways that went beyond simple power or ambition.


    Pyris stood across from her, his eyes narrowed with a mixture of curiosity and satisfaction. He had felt it too, the connection that now linked them.


    Zara was his, in a way that no one else had ever been, at least anyone not his women.


    He could sense the echo of hers, the vibrations of her magic aligning with his own. It was a powerful, heady feeling, knowing that she was bound to him, her very essence now tied to his.


    For a moment, they simply stood there, staring at each other¡ªeach understanding the weight of what had just been done. Zara''s chest rose and fell rapidly as she adjusted to the connection, feeling the threads that bound her to Pyris growing stronger, tightening, sealing the oath they had sworn.


    Then, the corners of Zara''s lips curved into a slow, almost predatory smile. "So," she said, her voice breathless and filled with wonder, "this is what it feels like... to be connected to every element. I never imagined..." She trailed off, her fingers trembling slightly as she raised her hand, a flicker of me igniting in her palm before turning to ice, then vapor, then shadow¡ªall in an instant.


    No witch possessed any element, at least not one of her generation and below. And she was the first since Pyris was the only one with what could grant other witches elements¡ªThe Eternal Witch Oath.


    Pyris watched her with a sense of quiet satisfaction, his own senses tingling with the awareness of their bond. He could feel Zara''s power swirling within her, could sense her awe, her excitement, her newfound loyalty. It was a strange but undeniable connection, one that he knew would only grow stronger with time.


    "It''s overwhelming, isn''t it?" Pyris said softly, his tone a mix of amusement and understanding. He took a step closer, feeling the tether between them tighten.@@novelbin@@


    [Well, it''s an amazing apart from the fact that she can''t have the Void, Shadow elements and the superspeed one!] Liamented and Pyris just smiled looking at Zara, he didn''t trick her, the elements just felt like they had a mind of their own and refused to bond with her.


    Zara met his gaze, her eyes shining with a mix of gratitude and lingering suspicion. "Yes," she admitted, her voice still shaky. "But it''s also... addicting. This power... your power, it''s unlike anything I''ve ever known."


    Pyris smirked, reaching out to touch her shoulder gently. "And it''s yours now, Zara, there will be no limits to what we can aplish together."


    She nodded slowly, the euphoria settling into something more stable, more controlled. The connection between them was solid, unbreakable, and Zara knew she had taken a step into a world far greater than any she had imagined.


    The threads of loyalty that bound her to Pyris weren''t chains¡ªthey were bonds of shared ambition, of power and trust.


    Zara''s eyes glowed with a fierce determination as she looked at him, her lips curling into a sly, confident grin. "Then let''s not waste time, Pyris. The world won''t wait for us to make our mark. Let''s see what we can do with all this power." She was eager for an adventure now and she will be with him from now.


    She was with nothing to do after all.


    Pyris'' eyes gleamed with satisfaction, his own power simmering beneath the surface. "Oh, we will, Zara," he said, his voice low andmanding. "We will."


    ******


    Stoneeeeeessssssss!!!! And guys your review mean greatness to the story. Let''s push.

 Chapter 207 Calm Before Darkness?

    The morning sun was deceptively cheerful as it poured over the courtyard, casting the Obsidian Estate in a warm, golden glow.


    Pyris, Alera, and Zara stood in front of a shimmering, rune-etched teleportation portal¡ªa shortcut to the most infamous and dreaded ce in the Dragon Empire: the Abyssal Labyrinth.


    Pyris adjusted his enchanted cloak, ensuring the hood shadowed his face. He was famous¡ªwell, and thest thing he wanted was to turn their adventure into front-page news.


    And so he had to turn himself into Petne Chaos.


    Next to him, Alera pulled up her mask, which covered half of her face and gave her the appearance of a mysterious rogue. Zara, on the other hand, looked every bit the elegant traveler, her long witch''s hat pulled low and her enchanted cloak shimmering like twilight.


    They were a strange trio, and Pyris had insisted on disguises for a reason.


    "You know," Alera said with a smirk, "I don''t think that hood is doing you any favors. You look like you''re trying to be the ''Mysterious Hero'' in one of those romance novels."


    Pyris shot her a mock re. "And you look like you''re about to rob a jewelry store," he teased, tapping her mask.


    She rolled her eyes. "Better a thief than a celebrity."


    Zara chimed in with a chuckle. "I don''t know, Pyris. I think you''re too famous to hide behind a simple hood. It''s kind of adorable how you''re trying, though."


    "Yeah, yeah, keepughing," Pyris muttered, tugging the hood further down. "It''s not like I asked to be the center of attention. I just have this you know... natural charm."


    Alera snorted. "More like you have a knack for trouble."


    __


    The teleportation portal buzzed to life with a soft hum, and a faint, dizzying light pulsed within the archway. It was a portal that would take them directly to the vicinity of the Abyssal Labyrinth¡ªa ce so notorious that even seasoned adventurers hesitated to venture near it.


    The mere idea of stepping into it made most people think twice... and then quickly turn back.


    Pyris gave Zara a knowing grin. "Ready to step into a world of nightmares, Miss All-Powerful-Witch?"


    Zara shrugged nonchntly, though Pyris could see the gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Always, Dragon "Prince". I do love a challenge."


    Before Pyris could respond with a wittyeback, Alera poked him in the ribs. "Less talking, more teleporting. I''d like to get this over with before I die of boredom."


    He chuckled, then, with a wink, reached out and grabbed both Zara and Alera by the arm. "Fine, fine. Let''s go scare the pants off some poor adventurers, shall we?"


    "You know we can go without you taking our hands!" Zara teased.


    "You''re wee witch!" Pyris rolled his eyes.


    With that, they stepped through the portal, vanishing in a burst of bright light.


    ___


    The arrival was instantaneous but jarring. The cheerful sunlight of the courtyard was reced with a cold, oppressive gloom that seemed to cling to the skin like damp cloth.


    The Abyssal Labyrinth loomed before them¡ªa sprawling, ancient structure half-buried in the craggyndscape, surrounded by a faint mist that seemed to shift and twist as if alive. The architecture was twisted, spiraling unnaturally, and the jagged stone pirs looked like the skeletal fingers of some long-dead titan.


    The sky above was a perpetual twilight¡ªneither day nor night¡ªfilled with swirling ck clouds that asionally crackled with eerie, pale lightning. A low, distant rumble filled the air, echoing across the barrenndscape like the moan of some great, unseen beast.


    Even standing outside the Labyrinth''s entrance, the oppressive weight of its magic pressed against their skin like a heavy cloak, making it hard to breathe.


    There were a few adventurers milling around the entrance¡ªseasoned warriors, mages, and treasure hunters, all of them wearing expressions of grim determination... and barely-concealed fear. Some of them nced nervously at the trio, eyeing them with curiosity, but quickly averted their gaze when Pyris shot them a grin. His disguise was holding, but only just.


    Alera nudged him in the ribs with a wicked grin. "See? Even with the cloak, you can''t help but draw attention."


    "It''s my dragon charisma," Pyris said with a theatrical sigh, brushing off the attention. "No disguise can hide that."


    "Or maybe it''s your ridiculous swagger," Zara said with a smirk, folding her arms and ncing around at the wary onlookers. "Try not to scare them too much. They might faint before we even go inside."


    One of the adventurers¡ªa grizzled warrior covered in scars¡ªstepped forward, his face pale. "Are... are you three nning to go inside?" he asked, his voice wavering.


    Pyris turned to him with a bright, cheerful smile. "Oh, absolutely! The Abyssal Labyrinth? Piece of cake!"


    The warrior''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You''re mad. It''s suicide. That ce... it''s alive. It knows you''re there, it twists reality around you. Thest group that went in..." He trailed off, shaking his head.


    His exaggeration showed how much he feared the ce despite being here.@@novelbin@@


    "Did they find treasure?" Pyris asked innocently, his grin growing even wider.


    The man''s face went pale. "They didn''te out. None of them."


    "Good," Pyris said with a wink. "That means there''s more treasure for us!"


    Alera pped her palm against her forehead while Zara rolled her eyes so hard Pyris thought they might get stuck. "Really? You just had to say that?" Alera muttered.


    "What?" Pyris said, feigning innocence. "I''m just being optimistic."


    The adventurers muttered among themselves, casting wary nces at the trio as they stepped closer to the yawning entrance of the Labyrinth. The doorway itself was shrouded in swirling shadows, almost like the very darkness was beckoning them inside.


    A strange, bone-chilling wind gusted out from the entrance, carrying with it the faint sound of distant whispers¡ªlike the Labyrinth itself was aware of their presence.


    Pyris looked over his shoulder at Alera and Zara, his face suddenly serious, though his eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and challenge. "Alright,dies. Let''s do this."


    Zara''s lips curved into a wicked grin, her fingers already crackling with dark energy. "After you, Dragon Prince. Lead the way."


    Alera simply gave a firm nod, the shadows around her body deepening as she drew her weapons¡ªtwin, shadowy daggers that seemed to drink in the surrounding light. "Try not to get us killed in the first five minutes, Pyris."


    "No promises," Pyris said with augh, stepping forward and making a dramatic gesture with one hand. "But if I do, at least we''ll go down in style."


    The three of them stepped over the threshold and into the gaping maw of the Labyrinth. Immediately, the world shifted, the very air around them warping as if reality itself had been twisted like a corkscrew. The temperature plummeted, and the walls of the entrance seemed to stretch and bend like liquid.


    Pyris took a deep breath, his expression calm despite the strange sensations tugging at his senses. His Elemental Sovereign''s Aura ready to re  to life around him, a faint golden glow that pulsed with power, stabilizing the distorted reality around them.


    *****


    Are you guys ready?

 Chapter 208 Into the Abyss—Rivalries Ignited

    The entrance to the Abyssal Labyrinth was a dark, gaping maw carved into the jagged rock, radiating a thick, oppressive energy that made even seasoned adventurers shudder. For miles around, thendscape seemed to grow more hostile, and a chill breeze carried a low, unsettling hum as if the very air were whispering secrets.


    Pyris had swapped his usual appearance for the striking guise of Petne Chaos¡ªa pink-haired, absurdly handsome man with eyes that shimmered like gemstones.


    His disguise was wless, and no one in the city would have pegged him as the famous heir of the Obsidian House. With Zara and Alera nking him, they cut an intimidating figure, but it was the kind that drew attention, not avoided it.


    As they approached the gaping entrance, an ufortable stillness settled over the small crowd of adventurers gathered at the Labyrinth''s edge. Whispers and stolen nces flickered through the crowd. A few, obviously trying to work up the courage, turned away before they got too close.


    Others clutched weapons, staring with wide eyes at the dark passage ahead, their faces twisted in uncertainty.


    They stood at the entrance not entering immediately, Alera teased as they stood forward, smirking at the sight of his unnaturally vibrant pink hair. "Petne Chaos, huh? Subtle."


    Pyris¡ªnow Petne¡ªgrinned and ran a hand through his new hair. "What can I say? If you''ve got it, unt it."


    Zara rolled her eyes but didn''t hide the amused smile ying on her lips. "You''re lucky pink suits you," she said. "Most men couldn''t pull that off without looking ridiculous."


    "Oh, I know," Petne replied smoothly, striking a yful pose. "It''s called style, my dear witch. Try to keep up."


    Before Zara could retort, a sudden murmur rippled through the crowd.


    Two groups of adventurers emerged from the gathering of onlookers, striding toward the Labyrinth''s entrance with a confidence that was impossible to miss.


    The first group was led by a tall, imposing woman with jet-ck hair, tied back in a severe braid. She wore gleaming silver armor, trimmed with ornate gold, and her presence practically radiated authority. A warhammer slung casually over her shoulder suggested she wasn''t here to make friends.


    Petne recognized her at once a student from the academy¡ªSeren Nightshade, a prodigy from the Vampire Empire.


    Trailing behind her were a group of deadly-looking individuals, each with weapons ready and expressions that brooked no nonsense.


    Clearly, this was not a group to be trifled with.


    The second group was no less intimidating, led by a young man whose entire presence seemed to pulse with barely contained magic. His long, ck hair shimmered like starlight under the moon, and his deep blue robes were etched with runes that glowed faintly.


    Elion Arvad, heir to one of the most influential ns in the Human empire, a prodigy known for his deadly spells and even deadlier ambition.


    Seeing the two Pyris used his inspection skill on them.


    Hispanions were a mix of mages and warriors, each more formidable than thest. A bitter rivalry clearly simmered between the two groups, and both their leaders eyed each other with barely restrained disdain.


    "Looks like we''ve gotpany," Alera muttered, her eyes narrowing at the two approaching groups.


    "Great," Zara said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Just what we needed¡ªa pissing contest before we even get started." She see what wasing.


    Seren was the first to speak, her cold gaze raking over Petne and hispanions. "Out of our way, strangers," she said bluntly. "We don''t have time for amateurs ying hero."


    Petne shed a disarming smile,pletely unbothered by her hostile tone. "Amateurs? Ouch. You wound me, mydy. We''re just here for a bit of friendly exploration, that''s all."


    "Friendly exploration?" Seren''s lip curled in disdain. "The Abyssal Labyrinth is no ce for ying games, little boy. If you don''t know what you''re doing, you''d better stay out of our way." They almost in the same age yet she called him "little".


    Before Petne could respond, Zara repliedzily without a care, her posture rxed but her eyes zing with an undeniable disdain. "And who says we don''t know what we''re doing?" she shot back, her tone icy and unyielding. "Just because you strut around with a fancy hammer doesn''t mean you own this ce."


    Seren''s eyes narrowed dangerously, and for a moment it looked like she might strike Zara down on the spot. But then Elion had stepped in, clearly amused by the exchange.


    "Seren, darling, let''s not get too hasty," he drawled, his voice smooth as silk. He turned his attention to Petne, a curious glint in his eyes. "Besides, I''m rather intrigued by our... new friends. They seem to have a certain ir for theatrics."


    Petne gave a casual shrug, not missing the tension between the two leaders. "Just here to enjoy the sights," he said lightly. "Maybe make a few friends along the way. You never know when you''ll need a helping hand, right?"


    Zara let out a low, mockingugh. "Oh, please. If anyone needs help, it''s them two. Coming in here with your big shy weapons and your oh-so-important titles. Let''s be real¡ªnone of that matters in the Labyrinth."


    Elion''s smile tightened, his eyes narrowing. "Careful, Mdy," he warned in a noble-like tpne. "You may find that arrogance gets you killed here."


    "Arrogance?" Zara shot back, grinning wickedly. "No, little boy. Confidence. There''s a difference."


    Alera couldn''t help but snicker, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Let them talk, Zara," she said, smirking at the fuming Lady Seren. "They can go first. I''d rather not get our boots muddy if they''re just going to clean up the mess for us."


    Seren''s eyes shed with fury, and she took a menacing step forward, but Zara held up a hand, stopping her in her tracks. "You''re wee to try and lead the way, young girl" she said, her tone almost sweet. "But don''te crying to us intimidate ones behind me."@@novelbin@@


    Lord Elion chuckled softly, clearly amused by Zara''s boldness. "I think I like you, mdy," he said, his tone almost flirtatious. "But let''s see if you can back up that mouth of yours with real power. The Abyssal Labyrinth has a way of... humbling those who overestimate themselves."


    Petne just stood back, letting Zara handle the situation. She had a way of putting people in their ce without lifting a finger, and it was far more entertaining to watch than getting involved himself.


    "Fine," Seren snapped, turning on her heel. "We''ll see who gets thestugh."


    With that, she and her group marched toward the entrance, their heavy boots echoing against the cracked stones as they moved with military precision. Elion and his team followed closely behind, casting onest calcting look at Petne and hispanions.


    Before disappearing into the darkness of the Labyrinth he cast a lustful look at Alera.


    As soon as they were out of sight, Alera turned to Zara,ughing. "Did you see the look on their faces? I thought that woman was going to explode."


    Zara grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Oh, I saw it. They think they''re the only ones who know what they''re doing. Let them find out the hard way that they''re not."


    Petne couldn''t help but chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. "You''re really enjoying this, aren''t you?"


    Zara shrugged, her eyes glinting with a dangerous kind of glee. "Oh, absolutely. Besides, the more they underestimate us, the better. It makes things... more interesting."


    Before they could move forward, another voice called out, stopping them in their tracks. "Wait!" A woman pushed through the crowd of lingering adventurers, her eyes wide and determined. She was tall, with a lean, athletic build and short, spiky hair that gave her a wild, untamed appearance.


    Her clothes were simple but practical, and there was a no-nonsense air about her.


    Petne raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Can we help you?"


    The woman stopped before them, her gaze locking onto Petne''s with a strange intensity. "Take me with you," she said, her voice steady and sure. "I know things about the Labyrinth that no one else does. You''ll need me if you want to get through alive. I can be useful."


    Zara looked the woman up and down, her expression skeptical. "And why should we take you? We don''t even know who you are."


    The woman''s jaw tightened, and she hesitated for a brief moment before speaking. "The name''s Lyra. I''m... well, let''s just say I have a personal stake in this Labyrinth. There''s something inside that belongs to me, something I need to retrieve. I have information¡ªmaps, secrets about the inner chambers that no one else has. You want to make it to the deepest levels? I can get you there."


    Zara''s eyes narrowed, clearly trying to gauge the truth in Lyra''s words. Petne, on the other hand, was intrigued. "Why us?" he asked, his voice gentle but probing. "Why not one of the other groups?"

 Chapter 210 A Descent into Darkness

    The oppressive silence pressed in from all sides, swallowing them whole as the shadows seemed to writhe and dance around the group. Even the air felt different¡ªheavy, thick, suffused with a darkness that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The only light came from the faint, glowing symbols that Zara had etched into the air, and even they flickered and faded as if struggling against the overwhelming darkness but none of them had issues with seeing so Zara''s light enforcement was not necessary.


    "Is it just me," Alera''s voice cut through the gloom, "or does the air feel... wrong?"


    "It''s not just you," Zara replied, her tone uncharacteristically t. "This ce is alive. Like it''s watching us."


    Petne didn''t say a word, but his eyes narrowed as he scanned the twisting, jagged corridors thaty before them.


    The walls were covered in a slick, pulsing moss that seemed to ooze an unnatural, foul-smelling substance. asionally, the moss would twitch, as if reacting to their presence, and the faint sound of slithering echoed from deep within thebyrinth''s depths.


    Lyra''s eyes darted nervously, her face paler than usual. "I can feel it," she said in a whisper, clutching the strange device in her hand as if it was the only thing keeping her tethered to reality. "There''s something... something in here with us."


    "No need to freak out," Petne said, though his voice carried an edge. "Just keep moving and stick together."


    The first corridor seemed deceptively easy¡ªstraight and empty, save for the unsettling whisper of wind that seemed toe from nowhere. But as they advanced, the walls seemed to close in, narrowing until they were forced to walk single file.


    Each step echoed unnaturally loud, and the shadows at the edges of their vision seemed to shudder and shift.


    It was Alera who first noticed the subtle change. "Wait¡ªstop!" she hissed, grabbing Petne''s arm. "Did you hear that?"


    A low, guttural moan echoed from somewhere behind them, followed by a wet, slithering sound that sent a shiver down their spines. Lyra''s device red briefly, the needle spinning wildly before pointing directly down the narrow passage.


    "There''s... something there," Lyra said, her voice barely audible.


    "No kidding," Zara muttered, her eyes narrowing as she raised a hand. A faint light appeared at her fingertips, casting long, twisting shadows along the walls. "But what is¡ª"


    She never finished her sentence. The ground beneath them shuddered violently, and without warning, the passageway began to warp and twist. The walls melted, bing liquid-like and transparent, revealing whaty beyond¡ªa writhing mass of flesh and bone, hundreds of grotesque faces melding together and contorting in silent screams.


    "What the¡ª" Alera choked, her eyes wide with horror as the fleshy mass began to pulse and throb, each face twitching as if alive.


    "It''s feeding on you," Zara whispered, her voiceced with warning "Y''all, your fear. It''s feeding on our fear."


    The grotesque mass shifted, its endless faces twisting and turning as if searching for them. A faint, hissing whisper filled the air, the words iprehensible but full of malice. Suddenly, one of the faces¡ªbloated and swollen, with dead, empty eyes¡ªturned toward them, its mouth opening in a silent scream.


    "MOVE!" Petne roared, his voice snapping them out of their paralysis. In one fluid motion, he unleashed his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, the energy surging around him with a violent crackle. A gust of wind erupted, tearing through the corridor like a hurricane and scattering the shifting shadows.


    For a brief moment, the grotesque mass seemed to recoil, shrinking back as if burned by the sudden light.


    "Go! NOW!" hemanded, his presence so fierce that even the darkness seemed to hesitate.


    The group surged forward, racing down the twisting, narrowing passage as the walls continued to bend and shift around them. Petne moved with a fluid grace, his steps precise and unerring, the power radiating from him enough to crack the ground beneath his feet. Alera moved alongside him, her body tense and coiled like a spring, while Lyra and Zara followed closely behind.


    The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the faint whispers grew louder, filling their minds with unintelligible words that gnawed at the edges of their sanity. But Petne pushed forward, his eyes zing with determination as the elemental energies danced around him, pulsing with barely contained fury.


    Suddenly, the corridor widened, opening into a massive cavern that seemed to stretch on forever. The walls were lined with jagged, ckened stone, and a thick, noxious mist hung low to the ground, obscuring their vision. The only light came from a series of faintly glowing symbols etched into the stone, casting an eerie, otherworldly glow that did nothing to dispel the oppressive darkness.


    "Is this... is this part of the challenge?" Lyra asked, her voice trembling.


    "It''s not Zara''s doing," Petne said grimly rolling his eyes at the obvious question, his gaze locked on the shadows that writhed and twisted at the edges of the cavern. "There''s something else here."


    Before anyone could respond, the mist began to shift and coalesce, forming a dark, swirling mass that rose from the ground like a living shadow. It grew and grew, stretching upwards until it loomed over them like a great, twisted monstrosity.


    Red eyes opened in the darkness, staring down at them with a cold, malevolent intelligence.@@novelbin@@


    Alera''s breath hitched, her hand going to the hilt of her sword. "What is that thing?"


    "It''s not a thing," Zara said, her voice tight, "It''s a guardian. An ancient guardian."


    The creature moved with a sudden, unnatural speed,shing out with shadowy tendrils that crackled with dark energy. Petne moved like lightning, dodging the strike with a graceful twist of his body, his movements so fluid they seemed almost inhuman. His Elemental Sovereign''s Aura red, the ground beneath him glowing with an intense, blinding light as he unleashed a torrent of fire, wind, and ice all at once.


    The guardian roared, the sound vibrating through their very bones as it recoiled from the attack. But it was far from defeated. The shadows around it shifted, forming grotesque, wed limbs that lunged toward them with a speed that defiedprehension.


    Petne''s body moved with a dancer''s grace, dodging and weaving as the ws sliced through the air around him. He felt the rush of wind against his skin, the sharp sting of cold as a wed hand narrowly missed his face. With a snarl, he unleashed a pulse of raw elemental energy, sending a shockwave that rippled through the cavern and shattered the stone beneath the creature''s feet.


    But it wasn''t enough. The guardian surged forward, its form shifting and warping, bing a whirlwind of dark, crackling energy that threatened to consume them. Petne''s eyes zed with fury as he raised his hand, summoning the full force of his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura. The air crackled and hissed as the elements responded to his call, bending to his will.


    "Begone!" he growled his voice echoing through the cavern with the force of a thunderp.


    A blinding light erupted from his body, enveloping the guardian in a searing vortex of fire, ice, and lightning. The creature writhed and twisted, its form dissolving into a swirling mass of shadows that screamed and hissed before being consumed by the light.


    The cavern shook, the very ground beneath them trembling as the guardian was torn apart, its essence scattering into the void.


    The echoes of its death rattle faded, and a deafening silence settled over the cavern. The oppressive darkness seemed to lift slightly, the air bing a fraction less suffocating. Experience exclusive tales on empire


    But Petne knew this was just the beginning. The Labyrinth had more to throw at them¡ªfar more.


    "Nice trick," Zara said, her voice strained but filled with admiration. She gave him a long, considering look, her eyes gleaming with an emotion he couldn''t quite decipher.


    As one who was here just to have his back like some kind of mercenary, although they were partners, Zara didn''t have to fight unless Pyris couldn''t handle what they were faced with.


    Petne let out a slow breath, the energy around him calming as he lowered his hand. "It''s not over," he said quietly, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. "Let''s keep moving. The real nightmare has only just begun."


    Lyra felt safer after witnessing his powers keeping the questions running in her mind, for herself.


    As they pressed deeper into the darkness, the whispers returned¡ªlouder, more insistent, filling their minds with disjointed fragments of fear and despair. They had passed the first test, but the Labyrinth was far from done with them.


    And in the shadows, something far more sinister was watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

 Chapter 211 Creatures of Shadows! 1

    The group continued on, each step leading them deeper into thebyrinth''s twisted heart. The air thickened, dense with an aura that weighed heavily on their minds. Walls warped and pulsed as if alive, casting eerie shadows that slithered along the ground. The air was humid, like the breath of some ancient beast, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed from unknown depths.


    "Ah, just as I thought," Zara muttered with a wry smile. "Lovely ce, really. Who''s decorating? A horror novelist?"


    "Who knows," Pyris replied, voice low as he scanned their surroundings. "I''ll be sure to leave a review on their decorating choices¡ªassuming we make it out."


    Alera smirked, keeping pace beside him. "Let''s make sure we''re still breathing before you start writing reviews, Petne." Stay updated with empire


    The ground suddenly trembled, interrupting their banter. A deep, guttural growl reverberated through thebyrinth, making the walls vibrate. The sound was unlike anything they had encountered¡ªa fusion of a growl and a hiss, with an undertone that carried a chilling threat.


    It wasn''t just one creature, either; the air felt thick with the presence of several¡­ things.


    As if in response, strange shadows began to take form on the walls ahead, shifting into monstrous shapes. ws, fangs, wings¡ªeach silhouette was a nightmare made flesh. The creatures pulled themselves free from the walls, as though they were birthed by the darkness itself, and stood before them in twisted, grotesque forms.


    "These things are Rank 16, minimum," Zara whispered, the usual spark of mischief reced with grim determination. "And they don''t seem the type to go down easy."


    Pyris nced at her with a faint grin. "Let them try."


    He stepped forward, the air around him sparking as his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura activated. Each element responded to hismand, and the ground crackled beneath his feet as earth, fire, water, and wind twisted together, creating a swirling storm of power around him.


    Pyris never bothered to choose an element individually now with the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, all elements woulde on their own when he activated his ability.


    They were his to use as he wished.


    "Let''s give them a warm wee," Pyris said, a hint of thrill in his voice as his eyes glinted with confidence.


    He lifted his hand, and a torrent of me erupted from his palm, surging forward in a wave that licked at the approaching creatures. The mes didn''t merely burn; they consumed, eating away at the shadows with a ravenous hunger. But the creatures weren''t ordinary beasts¡ªthey absorbed the fire, growingrger as if it had fueled them.


    Alera watched in awe as Pyris effortlessly switched elements, drawing in the water droplets from the air and forming them into sharp, deadly shards. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the ice shards hurtling toward the creatures, piercing through their bodies. But even as the ice shattered, the creatures reformed, their shadows knitting back together with unsettling ease.


    One of the creatures lunged, its ws extended, aiming straight for Zara. She barely started to raise her arm in defense before Pyris moved.


    In an instant, he melded into the shadows, appearing directly between Zara and the creature. He raised his hand, and the ground beneath them exploded upward, forming a wall of solid rock that smashed into the creature, sending it reeling back.


    Zara''s eyes widened in surprise. "Well, aren''t you full of tricks?"


    Pyris grinned,"I aim to please," the earth beneath him shifting as he raised his hands again. This time, the rock formed into spears that shot forward, impaling several creatures in one swift motion.


    The creatures shrieked, their forms twisting as they struggled against the elemental assault.


    Alera joined the fray, her own shadow army rising to hermand.


    Shadowshed leaped forward, its tendrilsshing out like whips, ensnaring one of the creatures and pinning it to the ground. Dread and Torment followed suit, their forms twisting and shifting as they wed and tore through the creatures with terrifying efficiency.


    The creatures seemed to adapt, however. One of them let out a haunting screech, and the shadows around them thickened, coiling around Pyris and the group like chains.


    The oppressive darkness pressed down on them, the weight making it difficult to move, to breathe.


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed, the challenge fueling him. "Alright, you want to y with shadows?" he muttered, raising his arms.


    With a surge of his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, Pyris manipted the shadows, pulling them apart with sheer force of will. The darkness shattered like ss, freeing them from its grip.


    He could feel Zara''s gaze on him, her eyes filled with a mix of awe at how effortless he was.


    The creatures roared in fury, but Pyris was far from done. He gathered the fractured shards of shadow and molded them, turning their own power against them. The fragments solidified into obsidian-like spikes, which he sent flying at the creatures, piercing their twisted forms.


    The creatures writhed, their forms destabilizing, but one by one, they began to reform, seemingly indestructible.


    "Persistent, aren''t they?" Pyris muttered.


    Alera stepped forward, her gaze intense. "Let me handle this." She raised her hands, her necromantic energy ring to life as she summoned a vortex of dark energy. Shadowshed, Dread, and Torment surged forward, merging into a swirling storm of shadows that descended upon the creatures, devouring them in a whirlwind of darkness.


    For a moment, it seemed the creatures were defeated, but then the vortex of shadows exploded outward, and the creatures emerged,rger and more terrifying than before.


    Zara chuckled, a touch of madness in her eyes. "Well, this is turning into a delightful little nightmare."@@novelbin@@


    Pyris shot her a look. "I''m d you''re enjoying yourself."


    He raised his hand, calling upon the elements once more. This time, hebined fire and wind, creating a scorching tornado that roared to life, engulfing the creatures in a ze of elemental fury. The heat was intense, the air crackling as the mes seared through the creatures'' shadows, tearing them apart piece by piece.


    But even as the mes died down, the creatures reformed, their shadows mending with eerie ease. Pyris clenched his fists, his mind racing.


    "This ce doesn''t know when to give up," he muttered.


    Zara stepped up beside him, her hand glowing with arcane energy. "Maybe we''re approaching this the wrong way."


    Pyris nced at her, his interest piqued. "What do you suggest?"


    Zara''s eyes gleamed with cunning. "These creatures are feeding off the elements. They''re absorbing what we throw at them. But if we overload them¡­"


    A slow grin spread across Pyris''s face. "They won''t be able to handle it."


    Together, they unleashed theirbined might. Pyris drew upon every element at once, the ground beneath them cracking as his aura surged. Fire, water, earth, and air swirled together, creating a storm of raw power that crackled with untamed energy.


    Zara added her own magic, weaving threads of arcane energy that bound the elements together, amplifying their power tenfold.


    Although she didn''t have to fight right now, a little fun would work for her.


    The creatures hesitated, sensing the overwhelming force gathering before them. But Pyris and Zara didn''t give them a chance to react. With a unified gesture, they released the energy, sending a blinding wave of elemental fury crashing into the creatures.


    The ce trembled, the very walls warping as the creatures were engulfed in the st. Their forms distorted, struggling to contain the immense power flooding through them. One by one, they began to unravel, their shadows dissipating into nothingness as they were consumed by the overload.


    As the dust settled, the group stood amidst the remnants of the battle, the air heavy with the scent of scorched earth and magic.


    Zara let out a slow breath, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Now that''s what I call teamwork."


    Pyris chuckled, wiping a speck of dust from his shoulder. "Not bad, witch."


    Alera smirked, surveying the aftermath with a sense of pride. "So, what''s next?"


    Pyris nced ahead, the darkness of thebyrinth stretching before them. "Whatever it is," he said, a spark of determination in his eyes, "it''s going to have to be stronger than that. Hey, ah... Lyra? Don''t fall behind"

 Chapter 212 Into the Shadows: The First Trial!

    As the group pushed deeper into thebyrinth, a haunting silence fell over them. Every corner, every flicker of shadow felt alive, as if thebyrinth itself watched with cold indifference, waiting for the right moment to unleash its horrors. Thick, twisted roots snaked across the stone floor, pulsating with a strange, dark energy that seemed to seep into the very air they breathed.


    It felt ancient, something beyond even Zara''s magic¡ªa presence that whispered of long-forgotten nightmares.


    Pyris adjusted his cloak, feeling the familiar weight of his elemental power coiling within him. He could sense Zara''s amusement at the unease around them, while Alera''s expression remained determined, Shadowshed trailing beside her like a silent sentinel.


    Lyra, though, was the enigma¡ªher eyes constantly darting, a smirk ying on her lips as she studied their surroundings. She looked less like someone wary of danger and more like someone who thrived in it.


    "ce really does wonders for the mood, huh?" Lyra quipped, her voice breaking the silence. "All dark and foreboding, like something out of an old horror tale."


    Zara shot her a smirk. "Not just for the atmosphere, dear. This ce has a knack for ying with your fears¡­ or didn''t you know that?"


    "Oh, I know," Lyra replied, a glint of mischief in her eye. "But I think thebyrinth doesn''t know what it''s dealing with either."


    A momentter as if to mock her statement, a rumbling noise echoed through the stone walls, growing louder with each passing second.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris felt a chill crawl down his spine, the pressure of the oing force pressing on his senses. He reached out, his fingers curling as he called forth a controlled pulse of his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, testing the air.


    His powers stirred in response, but thebyrinth''s oppressive energy dulled their reach. The creatures were close.


    "Get ready," he murmured, his voice low. "They''reing."


    No sooner had he spoken than the shadows peeled away from the walls, revealing three hulking figures. Each creature was easily over ten feet tall, their forms an unnatural blend of sinewy muscle and twisted armor, with ws sharp enough to cut through stone.


    Their eyes glowed a sickly green, and they radiated a chilling aura of pure malevolence. Every step they took shook the ground, sending small tremors through the stones underfoot.


    Alera''s gaze sharpened, her fingers twitching as she summoned her necromantic energy. Shadowshed growled, its own red eyes glowing as it squared off against the monsters.


    Zara stepped back, crossing her arms with an almost bored expression, though her eyes gleamed with interest.


    "Nothing like a little evening exercise," shemented. "After all, what''s life without a bit of chaos?"


    Pyris smirked, his hand raised, feeling the crackling energy of his elemental mastery begging to be unleashed. "Let''s see how they like the heat baby."


    With a swift motion, he called forth mes, creating an inferno that engulfed his arm before surging outward, forming a zing barrier between them and the approaching creatures before they appearedpletely.


    Stay updated through empire


    The fire roared, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls, but the creatures didn''t hesitate. They charged through the mes, their twisted forms unaffected, as though the fire was nothing more than an illusion.


    They were the same creatures as the one they just defeated.


    Pyris'' eyes narrowed. "So, fire''s not enough. Fine, let''s try something different."


    He twisted his hand, shifting his aura, and summoned a surge of ice that shot from his fingertips, forming jagged spikes that erupted from the ground, aimed directly at the nearest creature''s legs. The ice speared forward with brutal force, mming into the creature''s limbs and momentarily stopping its advance. But it didn''tst long¡ªthe beast shattered the ice with a powerful kick, its ws raking against the ground as it roared, eyes locked onto Pyris with renewed fury.


    "Looks like it''ll take more than that," Alera muttered, a spark of excitement in her voice.


    Before Pyris could respond, she raised her hands, summoning a dark, swirling energy. Her necromantic shadows coiled around her fingers before forming into a spear of pure darkness.


    She hurled it toward the creature with a force that cut through the air.


    The spear struck, burrowing deep into its torso, and the creature howled, staggering as ck tendrils spread from the impact point, snaking through its body.


    Lyra''s eyes gleamed as she observed Alera''s handiwork. "Impressive. You two are not bad."


    Alera grinned, her eyes flicking toward Lyra. "Stick around, and you''ll see just how ''bad'' I can be."


    But even as she spoke, the creature began to recover, the dark tendrils receding as it flexed its muscles, shaking off the effects of Alera''s attack. The other two creatures moved to nk, their movements disturbingly coordinated, as if they shared a single mind.


    "Time to turn it up a notch," Pyris muttered, his aura ring again as he shifted his control to the earth element. He raised his hand, and the ground beneath the creatures rumbled before erupting in a surge of rock and dirt, forming towering walls on either side, attempting to trap them.


    But the creatures responded with raw power, smashing through the walls with ease, their ws tearing through the stone as though it were paper.


    "n B, anyone?" Zara called out, though her tone was more amused than concerned.


    Pyris grimaced, but his mind raced. These creatures were far more resilient than expected, and brute force wasn''t going to cut it. He nced at Alera, and in that shared moment, he saw the determination in her eyes, the hunger for victory. They would have to wear them down, bit by bit.


    "Lyra, can you distract them?" Pyris asked, shifting tactics.


    Lyra''s smirk widened. "You got it." She stepped forward, her body twisting as she summoned a concentrated ball of energy, her movements fluid and practiced. With a flick of her wrist, she sent it hurtling toward one of the creatures, causing it to stumble as the st struck its side.


    As the creature turned its attention to Lyra, Pyris and Alera moved in tandem.


    Pyris summoned a stream of lightning, directing it at the creature''s exposed back, the crackling energy tearing into its flesh. The smell of burnt fur filled the air as the creature roared in pain, swiping blindly, but Pyris dodged easily, his body moving with practiced agility.


    Meanwhile, Alera took advantage of the opening, raising her hands to summon Shadowshed and two additional shadow beasts she had trapped within her necromantic army.


    They lunged forward, sinking their fangs into the creature''s legs, their bites filled with necrotic energy that weakened its movements.


    The other two creatures growled, turning their attention back to Pyris and Alera. Shadowshed snarled, throwing itself at one of them, its ws sinking into the beast''s throat. But the creature fought back with raw power, grabbing Shadowshed by the scruff and mming it into the ground, the impact sending a shockwave through the stone floor.


    Alera''s face twisted in frustration, but she didn''t falter. She reached out, her hands glowing with dark energy, andmanded Shadowshed to rise, her magic strengthening it. "Come on, Shadowshed. Show them what you''re made of."


    The creature struggled, its red eyes zing with fury as it lunged back at its opponent. It wrapped around the creature''s legs, pulling it down just enough for Pyris to exploit the opening.


    Pyris summoned a sphere of wind,pressing it until it was a dense, crackling mass. With a flick of his wrist, he sent it hurtling into the creature''s face. The impact was explosive, sending it reeling, its roar of pain filling the chamber.


    Zara pped slowly, a faint smirk on her lips. "Well done, everyone. Though I''d say they still look like they''re just warming up."


    Pyris shot her a look. "Then we''ll just have to turn up the heat."


    And with that, the fight continued, each of them digging deep, their powers shing with the monstrous strength of the creatures as they fought for survival in the heart of thebyrinth.

 Chapter 215 Pyris Unleashes His Wrath

    With Alera and Lyra safely behind Zara''s protective barrier, Pyris now stood alone.


    His aura intensified, radiating an overwhelming elemental energy that made the ground beneath him tremble. The five monstrous creatures circled him, their gazes locked on him with predatory focus.


    Each beast was different in form but unified in their desire to bring him down.


    "So you think you''re a challenge, huh? I adapt! I''m stronger!" Pyris taunted, his voice low and dangerous.


    His aura unleashed as he summoned his Elemental Sovereign''s power, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation.


    The creatures were not ordinary beasts¡ªthey were infused with thebyrinth''s dark essence, and they could sense his strength, responding to it with a ravenous hunger.


    Without hesitation, Pyris charged forward to the first one before it could attack him itself, his form a blur as he activated his superspeed,  promised weaving in and out of their attacks with astonishing agility.


    He flickered between the creatures,nding blow after blow, each strike charged with an element¡ªfire, ice, lightning, all swirling together on his fists in an artful disy of his mastery. mes roared, ice shards crystallized in mid-air, and lightning crackled across his arms as he delivered a punishing strike.


    "When did he be so barbaric in his fighting?" Zara asked Alera.


    "Mmmm that''s him when he''s excited to unleash his "wrath"!" She shrugged.


    Just them one of the creatures, a twisted, spiked figure with molten veins running along its body, roared and lunged at him, its massive ws aimed at his chest. Pyris sidestepped, his body moving like water, and summoned a wall of ice in the beast''s path. The creature shattered it with raw power, but Pyris was already a step ahead, channeling his blood magic into a whip-like weapon thatshed out, searing through the creature''s arm.


    "Blood magic?" Lyra wondered to herself.


    "Impressive," Zara murmured from the sidelines, her gaze keenly observing his every movement. "Looks like he''s got a few tricks left to impress his favourite Witch!"


    But even Pyris knew he couldn''t underestimate these creatures.


    Another beast, this one cloaked in darkness, leaped at him from behind, razor-sharp fangs bared. Pyris sensed it, summoning the light element at his fingertips. A burst of blinding light erupted around him, disorienting the creature long enough for him to pivot and deliver a crushing blow, enhanced with Void energy, that sent it crashing to the ground.


    But they were far from defeated. The creatures regrouped, their red eyes glowing more fiercely than ever. As if emboldened, they charged together, coordinated now in a way that seemed almost strategic.


    Pyris raised a brow, momentarily surprised.


    Lia''s voice echoed in his mind. [They''ve been observing you, Pyris. Adapting.]


    "Perfect, you just remembered to talk at a right moment" Pyris muttered with a roll of his eyes, he grinned despite himself. "Let''s make it interesting."


    [Well, I was busy with my ns too to help you, you''re wee!] Pyris didn''t reply.


    He tapped into his Space element, creating a barrier around himself as the creatures''bined assault crashed against it. The air inside his barrier warped, bending around him in distorted waves. One creature shed at the barrier with its ws, causing cracks to form, but Pyris was already one step ahead.


    He opened a tear in space, teleporting behind the creature, and plunged his hand forward, releasing a shockwave of elemental energy that sted it off bnce.


    The other creatures didn''t hesitate¡ªthey lunged at him in unison, ws and fangs bared. Pyris''s expression hardened as he summoned Time.


    For a split second, everything slowed, and in that heartbeat, he weaved through their attacks, leaving afterimages as he appeared behind one creature after another,nding devastating elemental attacks.


    "It''s always so annoying fighting Time awakeneds!" Zaramented, luckily she had the element too now.


    __


    Despite his dominance, the creatures'' resilience was astonishing.


    Pyris could feel the strain as he pushed his abilities to their limits. Sweat beaded on his brow, his breathsing heavier after all he was fighting Rank 17 abominations despite him being a Rank 16.


    One creature managed tond a blow, its ws raking across his side, drawing blood. Pyris hissed in pain, but his eyes only burned brighter.


    "Oh, you shouldn''t have done that," he muttered, his voice dripping with fury.


    Summoning the Blood element, he used his own spilled blood, twisting it into deadly projectiles that erged with the maniption of space, he then shot them toward the creatures like arrows.


    The projectiles pierced through one beast''s shoulder, pinning it down briefly before it broke free, snarling with renewed rage.


    Lyra, watching from Zara''s barrier, couldn''t hold back her awe. "How many elements does he have? I swear I''ve seen him use lightning, fire, ice, blood¡­ and now space and time?"


    Alera, though battered and exhausted, couldn''t help but smile. "I remember telling you, Lyra, don''t be curious, you know what happened to the cat..."


    As Pyris fought, the creatures seemed to grow more desperate, their movements bing frenzied, each of them attacking with a renewed ferocity that bordered on madness. Pyris felt his energy draining slightly but pushed on, tapping deeper into his powers than ever before. H


    e summoned the Void, creating a dome of imprable darkness around him and the creatures, as if to cut them off from thebyrinth''s energy source.


    In the pitch-ck darkness, Pyris''s eyes glowed, and he unleashed a devastating series of attacks¡ªvoid-infused strikes that tore through the creatures'' defenses, light beams that scorched their flesh, and freezing winds that slowed their movements to a crawl.


    Each creature he defeated, he absorbed their essence, feeling a surge of dark energy fueling his own powers.


    With them being enclosed in the dome of void, with no source of energy since they couldn''t control the void element, the creatures were helpless.


    But still Pyris was careful, if it was before, he wouldn''t have been ably to put these creatures in the void dome without weakening them.


    Finally, as thest creature lunged at him, Pyris summoned his ice element, creating a massive spear of jagged ice and drove it through the beast''s heart. It let out a final, piercing roar before disintegrating into nothingness.


    As the creatures fell, Alera stumbled forward, exhausted but resolute.


    She stretched out her hand, capturing the essence of thergest creature¡ªthe most powerful one Pyris had in, which he hadn''t absorbed it''s essense.@@novelbin@@


    She trapped its spirit within a shadowy tendril that coiled around her arm. It would be her Shadow Soldier, her new weapon, forged from the very essence of thebyrinth, the first of it''s kind. The Shadow Soldiers!


    Zara approached, a rare look of approval on her face. "Well, Petne, I have to admit, that was quite the performance."


    Pyris wiped the sweat from his brow, shing a weary grin. "d I could impress. Shall we move forward?"


    As they prepared to leave, Pyris felt a strange resonance within thebyrinth again, a sensation as if he were connecting to something ancient and powerful. The feeling was shared by Alera, who gave him a knowing look.


    There was more to this ce than met the eye, but that was a mystery for another time.

 Chapter 216 Meeting the Rivals Again

    Alera''s lips curved in a smile of approval; she could feel the primal, ancient power that thrummed through this creature, marking it as a force to be reckoned with.


    Pyris, observing with folded arms, nodded in approval. "Looks like you''ve found yourself a worthy addition, Alera," he said. "Seems almost¡­ attached."


    Alera nced over, grinning. "Think he''ll make a fine soldier," she replied with a hint of mischief. "Best part? He doesn''t even shed."


    Lyra let out a wearyugh, brushing off the remnants of darkness clinging to her.


    Her gaze drifted to Zara, who had already begun weaving her hands through the air in precise, fluid motions. Thanks to the bond she shared with Pyris, Zara now had full ess to the life element, able to channel it without the need forplex incantations or spells. Green tendrils of healing energy poured from her hands, flowing over the group, sinking into their skin with a warmth that was both soothing and rejuvenating.


    Wounds mended, fatigue faded, and an invigorating calm settled over them.


    Zara''s eyes sparkled with a newfound ease and control as she directed the life energy, and Pyris gave her a quick, approving nod. "A handy little upgrade, Zara," he said, arching an eyebrow.


    "Consider it a perk," she quipped, the hint of a smirk on her lips. "No more tiresome chants. Just the energy itself."


    "d you''re enjoying it." Pyris chuckled as he stretched his shoulders, rolling off thest traces of stiffness. He could already feel the enhanced vitality flowing through his veins, the effects of the battle quickly dissipating.


    A mere thirty minutes of rest passed before they felt fully revitalized, the wounds and fatigue of the brutal fight nothing but a distant memory. As they readied to press forward, Pyris cast a quick nce back at Alera''s newly imed soldier a flicker of respect in his eyes for his woman''s every step as she improves.


    "All right, everyone," he called, his tone steady and resolute. "Let''s keep moving before thebyrinth decides we''re getting toofortable."


    With a shared look of determination, the group fell into formation and advanced, stepping into the ominous depths with renewed strength. The Abyssal Labyrinthy waiting, and each member of the cohort felt the weight of the challenges that still loomed ahead.


    _____


    As Pyris and his group emerged from yet another shadowed corridor, the dim, flickering lights cast eerie, shifting patterns across thebyrinth''s walls. The air had grown heavier, thick with an unspoken tension that seemed to seep from the very stones.


    Lyra led the way, her steps nimble and assured. She''d been a surprisinglypetent guide, even if her confidence sometimes edged toward cockiness. "Watch your step," she would whisper over her shoulder, her tone annoying and smug. "It''s easy to get lost if you don''t know shortcuts."


    Pyris snorted, brushing off her warning as he swept his gaze over the path ahead. "We''ll be fine," he said with a grin, though he kept a cautious eye on the walls. "If anything''s here, it''ll regret it soon enough."


    Just as he finished speaking, Zara raised a brow. "Famousst words," she muttered, ncing at him with an amused, almost pitying look.


    But before anyone could reply, a faint, distant sound of nking armor and muttered curses echoed through the maze. The team halted, sharing a look.


    "Is that¡ª" Alera started, her voiceced with suspicion.


    "Yep," Zara interrupted, her lips quirking into a mischievous smirk. "Our overconfident friends from earlier. Guess they didn''t get too far, after all."


    Due to how vast thebyrinth was it''s difficult for every group to be thrown in the same location or take the same path let alone stumble on each other but the odds this time...


    Sure enough, as they rounded a corner, they found themselves face-to-face with the two rival groups.


    Seren Nightshade, still d in her shimmering silver armor, wore a scowl that could freezeva, while Elion Arvad''s entourage looked more disheveled and annoyed than dangerous.


    Pyris crossed his arms, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto keep the smirk off his face. "Well, if it isn''t our favorite hammer-wielding hero and the dazzling mage prodigy."


    Elion, attempting to keep hisposure, red back. "Surprised to see you still in one piece," he sneered, voice dripping with disdain. "Though, I guess even a lost bird finds its way back eventually."


    "Oh, please," Zara interjected, her arms crossed as she gave him a withering look. "It''s adorable you think we''re the ones struggling."


    Seren tightened her grip on her warhammer, her cold gaze locking onto Pyris with barely veiled disdain. "You''re a long way from home, boy. Maybe you should have stayed there. This isn''t a ce for amateurs ying pretend."


    Pyris justughed, ignoring her scowl. "Amateurs? I''ve seen more action this morning than you probably have all week. And besides," he added, gesturing at the tangled map in her hand, "you seem a bit... directionally challenged." Find exclusive content at empire


    Alera snickered behind him, while Lyra looked like she was about to burst outughing. Seren bristled, a vein visibly pulsing at her temple. It was clear that, with or without thebyrinth, tensions were already at a high.@@novelbin@@


    Elion stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Pyris and the others. "It seems our paths have crossed again," he said, his voice cold and calcting. "But I suggest we stay out of each other''s way. We have no interest in helping you."


    Pyris raised an eyebrow, his voice calm butced with humor. "Trust me, the feeling''s mutual. But just for the record, if we end up passing by your sorry lot, don''t expect a map out."


    Zara and Alera chuckled, and even Lyra cracked a grin. The atmosphere was tense, but the subtle exchange of mockery seemed to lighten the air¡ªif only slightly.


    But before either Seren or Elion could respond, a low, guttural growl echoed from further down the corridor. Everyone froze, eyes darting toward the source of the sound.


    It was a monstrous creature, its dark form shifting and rippling as if made of living shadows. Crimson eyes gleamed from within its darkness, and its body seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy that made the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end.


    "Oh great," Zara muttered, her sarcasm thinly masking her unease. "Another Rank 17 overgrown nightmare. Just what we needed."


    Pyris took a step forward, eyes narrowing as he assessed the creature. "Looks like thebyrinth decided it was time to put on a show."


    Alera drew closer, her hands already swirling with necromantic energy. "This is no ordinary creature," she whispered, ncing at the others with a grim look. "It feels... ancient. Darling, I want it!" Pyris looked at her helplessly but smiled.


    Seren scoffed, hefting her warhammer as she eyed the creature with barely-contained rage. "Out of my way," she snarled, striding forward. "I don''t need any of you to deal with this."


    As she charged, her hammer zing with arcane energy, Pyris couldn''t help but shake his head. "Oh, this should be good."


    But as Seren''s hammer swung down, the creature moved with blinding speed, effortlessly sidestepping her attack. Itshed out, its ws grazing her armor and leaving a trail of dark energy that made the metal hiss and smoke.


    Seren stumbled back, her face pale as she stared at the damage. "What¡ª?"


    "Guess you''re not as untouchable as you thought," Zara remarked, smirking.


    Elion, seeing Seren''s plight, raised his hand and summoned a vortex of dark energy, hurtling it toward the creature. But the beast absorbed the magic like it was a light breeze, barely flinching.


    "This thing''s tougher than it looks," Elion muttered, his voice filled with frustration.

 Chapter 217 Seren & Elion Reality Check!

    Zara chuckled softly, her gaze shifting from the increasingly desperate battle to Pyris himself.


    Rather than indulging in the spectacle of Seren and Elion''s groups iling against the creature, she found herself entertained by him. It amused her to see that he was entirely devoid of those clich¨¦d heroic idealisms; he didn''t even flinch as the two groups were pummeled, thrown, and shed by the monster''s relentless attacks.


    The more desperate their attempts, the more his amusement seemed to grow.


    There wasn''t a hint of a need to intervene, to save the day, or to impress anyone watching. Instead, Pyris simply smirked, letting reality itself deliver the humbling blows that Elion and Seren so clearly deserved.


    In front of them, the chaos intensified.


    Seren''s vampire rogue lunged at the creature, moving with supernatural agility.


    He struck at its nks with twin daggers coated in crimson energy, each sh apanied by a hiss as the blood magic met the creature''s dark essence. But the beast simply twisted, its smoky form rippling to avoid the blows.


    In retaliation, it let out a roar that reverberated through the air like an avnche, then swept out with a massive w that caught the rogue square in the chest, flinging him backward as if he weighed nothing. Your next chapter awaits on empire


    Then beastfolk warrior let out an enraged cry, charging forward with his axe raised high, muscles bulging as he aimed for a lethal blow.


    His heavy steps pounded the stone floor with each stride, and his eyes gleamed with fierce determination. He swung the axe down with all his might¡ªonly for the creature to twist mid-strike, its smoky form melding around the weapon in an almost taunting disy.


    With a seemingly casual flick, it knocked the axe aside, its other wshing out in the same motion to grab the warrior''s arm.


    There was a sickening crack as the beastfolk''s limb bent at an unnatural angle, and with a flick of its wrist, the creature hurled him aside like a discarded rag.


    "Yikes," Lyra muttered, raising an eyebrow as she watched the warrior crash into the wall, sliding down with a groan. "That was¡­brutal."


    The creature''s gaze then fixed on Elion''s mage, who was casting a spell with a frantic urgency, fire mana and wind forming around his hands.


    Just as he was about to release it, the creature leaped forward, its form blurring in a sh of shadow.@@novelbin@@


    In the span of a heartbeat, it closed the distance, mming a massive w down on the mage with enough force to send cracks spider-webbing through the ground beneath him. The mana fizzled out as the mage''s cry of pain echoed through thebyrinth.


    He crumpled, barely conscious, dark energy seeping into the air around him.


    "Oh, they''re not having a good time," Zara remarked, an amused grin pulling at her lips as she watched. "Wouldn''t you say, Petne?"


    Pyris simply shrugged, still smirking. "Guess they should have chosen their words more carefully. Not my problem."


    "How petty!" Zara chuckled.


    With each blow, the creature seemed to grow stronger, its form pulsing with dark energy as it absorbed the essence of its downed foes.


    As it continued its relentless assault, even Seren''s renowned strength began to falter. Her warhammer, zing with icy energy, mmed into the creature''s side, but her attacks barely left a mark on its shadowy hide. Beside her, Elion''s dragon knight tried to shield her, but the creature''s ws tore through his defenses with ease, leaving him staggering back, bleeding and gasping for breath.


    "Fools," Alera whispered under her breath, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "Guess they thought this would be easy."


    By now, the entire groupy scattered across the ground, groaning and struggling to rise.


    Only Seren and Elion remained standing, their breathsing in ragged gasps as they faced the creature, which loomed over them with barely a scratch to show for their efforts.


    It seemed to revel in their helplessness, the dark glow of its eyes shifting to each member of the broken party, as though mocking them with its unscathed form.


    The creature then paused, its attention drifting toward Pyris and his group. Its dark, intelligent eyes flicked over each member, lingering on Pyris, Zara, and Alera as if it sensed the raw, untamed power coursing through them. For a moment, it hesitated, almost wary.


    But its focus snapped back to Seren and Elion with a low growl, as if dismissing Pyris''s group entirely. Since they didn''t seem eager to dig their graves, it would let them be... at least for now.


    With onest thunderous roar, itunched itself forward, aiming straight for the battered leaders.


    Pyris held up a hand, motioning for his cohort to stay back. He turned to leave, clearly disinterested in what he considered a hopeless skirmish.


    But Alera tugged on his sleeve, her violet eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mmm~" he hummed, sensing her intent.


    Alera shed him her sweetest smile, her eyes pleading. "I told you, I  want it, honey," she said, voice soft and beguiling. "It''d make the perfect addition to my army. Who knows when I''ll find another one this worthy?"


    Pyris let out a sigh, a small smile creeping onto his lips as he caressed her cheek, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.


    "Dog food," Zara muttered, rolling her eyes, though her tone was yful. "You''re shoving dog food down our throats, Petne."


    Lyra averted her gaze, a light flush coloring her cheeks. She wasn''t unustomed to witnessing affection, but something about Pyris and Alera''s beauty together left her feeling like an intruder.


    Pyris chuckled, turning to Zara with a teasing glint in his eye. "Apologies, Zara. Unless you''re volunteering, I''m afraid you''ll have to keep watching."


    Zara smirked, feigning offense as she ced a hand over her heart. "As if you could handle me, Petne."


    "We shall see dear, Zara!"


    With a final, amused nce at hispanions, Pyris turned his gaze back to the creature, his expression shifting to one of deadly focus. The creature''s eyes narrowed as he approached, its stance shifting in response to his presence.


    "Sorry, buddy," he said, his tone light yet filled with promise. "Ady asked, and I can''t exactly say no. You understand, don''t you?"


    Seren, still struggling to stand, grit her teeth in frustration. Petne had stood by as they fought for their lives, and now he was stepping in only because Alera wanted the creature?


    The audacity was infuriating.


    "Now you help?" Elion muttered, his voice dripping with disbelief. It was a bitter reality check, one that left both leaders simmering in silent fury.


    Pyris cast them a brief, wicked grin before unleashing his aura in full force. The air around him trembled, crackling with raw elemental power as he summoned every element to his side.


    mes flickered at his fingertips, ice formed along his knuckles, and gusts of wind spiraled around him, merging into an overwhelming surge of energy.


    *****


    This might haveete since it''s a privilege chapter right now but thank you @Wbug for the gift.

 Chapter 218 Three Moves~ For The Lady~

    "Oh,e on!" Zara groaned, eyeing Pyris¡ªnow Petne¡ªwith exaggerated annoyance as she watched him stir up his power in a dramatic disy. "How about something that''s more tundra-cool, less shy ze?"


    Pyris tilted his head at Zara, catching the mischievous glint in her eyes, a look that dared him to impress her. He smirked, his eyes alight with an unspoken challenge.


    "See, that''s the problem with women buddy," Pyris muttered, not so subtly motioning for the creature toward Zara and Alera. "They''ll demand you tone it down and then use you of being boring."


    The massive creature, its dark, crackling form still pulsing with otherworldly energy, watched his every movement. Its crimson eyes flicked toward Zara and Alera as if it was actually contemting his words.


    "Yeah, buddy, take a good look." Pyris said, gesturing to his twopanions. "Turns out, women aren''t just the death of men¡ªseems like they''ll be the death of creatures like you too. Sorry, but I''ve gotdies to impress."


    Astonishingly, the creature gave what almost looked like a nod, acknowledging that the fight was inevitable and seemingly ready to meet his power head-on.


    It let out a low, rumbling growl that echoed through the corridor, an invitation to bring the best he had.


    Pyris smirked, summoning his elemental powers. The space around him rippled, crackling as time and void began to coil together, casting a shimmering, almost electric hum in the air.


    His control over the elements of time and void was unmistakable, bending reality itself to his will.


    The others could only watch as the vast power condensed in his small, unassuming form, as though the essence of the elements had chosen this single moment to converge within him.


    "Watch and learn," he murmured, his tone casual, yet carrying an edge that sent a shiver through the group members who had underestimated him previously, he wouldn''t miss the famous face-pping moment for anything, would he?


    Alera beamed with excitement, already anticipating the sheer force he was about to unleash. Zara rolled her eyes, though a faint grin tugged at the corner of her lips, and Lyra''s jaw dropped, her thoughts swirling with disbelief.


    ''This... this guy canmand every element? Time? And what''s the element, It feels... Suffocating? What kind of monster is he?'' she couldn''t get over it no matter how much Alera told her not to be so serious.


    But Pyris didn''t pause to consider their reactions. He snapped his fingers, and the first of his three moves began.


    A surge ofpressed air exploded from him, creating an invisible barrier that knocked the creature back several paces, leaving it momentarily disoriented. In the same breath, Pyris raised his hand, calling forth the element of time.


    He was using so much of the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura all for one purpose, leave an imprit of his power and elemental control, on the minds of the two groups.


    Although they didn''t ask, they were wondering, eyes wide open. This is what he wanted, to make Petne Chaos a whisper in Argos, sure enough they will talk about him the moment they left thebyrinth, that''s if they survive.


    He wasn''t worried about his indentity, him and his group were in disguise, he wasn''t sure about Lyra though.


    _


    With a flick of his wrist, he slowed down the creature''s movements, each one sluggish andbored as if it was moving through thickened air. The creature tried to fight against the constraint, its dark form straining with effort, but its ws barely advanced by an inch.


    For his second move, Pyris summoned a wave of void energy, forming ance of pure darkness in his hand. The weapon pulsed with a terrifying intensity, and with a single, calcted thrust, he pierced through the creature''s core.


    The beast let out a roar of agony as the void energy seeped into it, corroding its very essence from within.


    But Pyris didn''t stop there. With a final, powerful gesture, he summoned the element of blood, manipting it within the creature''s body. The beast''s own dark essence began to rebel against it, turning its power inward as if it were tearing itself apart.


    The creature writhed, its monstrous form contorting as its life force fractured and broke under Pyris'' will. With a final, strangled howl, it copsed, his Blood Truth/Secret was growing exponentially.


    Turning, he extended a hand toward Alera, who grinned in delight.


    Reaching out with her own dark magic, she pulled the creature''s departing spirit which only she could see, binding it to herself. The darknessence formed back into a towering creature as it turned so dark giving off dark menacing energy that recoiled and swirled on it like steam, its violet eyes gleaming with a newfound loyalty. L


    This would be her new guard, a creature born from darkness and fused to her very will.


    "Well, that was... easier than I expected," Pyris said, smirking as he nced back at the others, who were still processing the speed and ferocity of his takedown.


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    Zara pped slowly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, bravo, Petne. I suppose if you''re going to be obnoxiously shy, you might as well go all out."


    Petne winked. "What can I say? Just doing my part to keep things interesting. Unless... you''d like me to turn it down even more, Zara?"


    "Please," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You''d probably explode if you held back."


    Before he could respond, Alera wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss that left no room for misinterpretation. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.


    The sight made Lyra''s face flush, and she quickly looked away, though she couldn''t ignore the admiration she felt. ''He''s... he''s terrifyingly powerful. And he does it like it''s nothing.''@@novelbin@@


    After a beat, Pyris pulled back from Alera with a grin. "d you''re happy, beautiful."


    "Dog food," Zara muttered again, shaking her head.


    As Pyris and Alera shared a kiss, a low, disbelieving groan escaped Seren''s lips.


    She looked away, her face twisted with a mixture of exhaustion, frustration, and disbelief.


    "Is he serious?" she muttered, clutching her warhammer, her knuckles turning white.


    Her group looked just as bewildered, their expressions a blend of shock, envy, and sheer disbelief at how effortlessly Pyris¡ªno, Petne¡ªhad decimated the creature.


    Elion, however, couldn''t hide his anger. His eyes narrowed as he red at Pyris, frustration bubbling over. "He refused to help us," he spat, his tone dripping with resentment, "thenes in just to put on a show because of a¡­ a kiss?"


    One of Elion''spanions, a wiry mage with a face smeared in ash from the previous battle, shifted ufortably. "I mean... he''s good. Didn''t even break a sweat."


    "Good?" Seren snapped, ring at her own group with disdain. "That''s not ''good.'' That''s... something else."


    The rest of her party murmured their agreement, their eyes glued to the scene before them.


    They''d all trained for years, pushing their abilities to their limits, yet here was this pink-haired stranger cutting through this special Rank-17 creature as if it were nothing. And then he had the audacity to finish with a kiss, as if it were all a game.


    Pyris didn''t miss a beat. He sent them all a devilish grin over Alera''s shoulder, a look that practically screamed, "Try to keep up."

 Chapter 219 Serens Resolve & Living Shadows 2

    Reality had made its ce known for the leaders of the two groups, Elion and Seren. In a matter of minutes, they hade face-to-face with the vastness of power that separated them from Pyris and his group.


    The sting of it hit them harder than the creature''s blows.


    Both had initially felt no hint of Pyris''s true strength¡ªthanks to the invisible ring he wore, a gift from Zaryana that effectively masked most of his aura.@@novelbin@@


    With his strength concealed, they had assumed he was within their league, someone they didn''t need to factor into their ns too seriously. The only real unknown had been Zara, whose identity and powers were mysterious but undeniable.


    All they knew about her was the quietmand she carried and the slight wariness she inspired.


    Yet now, having witnessed Pyris dispatch the beast with ease¡ªying it in a mere three moves¡ªthe realization of their own naivety struck hard.


    The same creature that had nearly driven them to use their trump cards had barely withstood an instant before him. The Special Rank 17 powerhouse unlike other Rank 17 creatures¡ªthey once thought themselves had underestimated not only Pyris''s strength but their limited understanding of his ce in this vast realm of power.


    In their minds and those of their teammates, one thought ran painfully clear: "We were foolish."


    Unlike what they had expected, Pyris didn''t say anything to mock or belittle them after his easy victory. There was no gloating, no ridicule for their earlier arrogance.


    Instead, he simply turned, his expression indifferent, and gestured for his teammates to follow as they prepared to dive deeper into thebyrinth. Alera''s powerful new Shadow Guard she had named, Labyrinth,  took its ce beside her, and she slipped her hand into Pyris''s as they strode forward, their figures disappearing into the waiting darkness.


    With their superior sight in the dimness, Pyris''s group moved effortlessly, merging with the shadows around them as they continued forward.


    The two rival groups could do nothing but watch them go, feeling a mix of awe and frustration as they fought the growing urge to ask if they could join them.


    It was a harsh realization¡ªone that neither Seren nor Elion had foreseen.


    The Abyssal Labyrinth was a ce they had entered with confidence, only to find themselves brought low almost immediately. Continue your journey on empire


    Their earlier arrogance now felt painfully hollow.


    "Lead the way back out of thebyrinth," Seren ordered a nearby vampire, her voice sharp with disappointment. Her expression remained determined as she added, "Get back to the faction outside." But her words took a twist as she nced forward with a sh of resolve.


    Seren adjusted her war hammer, casting a final nce down the shadowed path Pyris had taken.


    With a silent nod to herself, she jogged after him, determined to follow the only one in this dark ce who seemed to trulymand it.


    Meanwhile, Elion simply shook his head in silent eptance of the truth. Turning to his group, he signaled for them to fall back, and the ragged group obeyed without question. They had only ventured into the firstyers of thebyrinth, yet here they were, bested so soon by a single special rank 17 beast. The thought of whaty beyond was one he wasn''t eager to face again. As they walked, he muttered under his breath, "I''ll be back. Stronger."


    ____


    As Pyris''s group moved deeper into thebyrinth, they felt Seren Nightshade''s presence as she approached them from behind. Pyris merely cast her a quick, neutral nce before turning his attention back to the path ahead, his pace unbroken.


    [Ladies'' man,] Lia chuckled in his mind, an amused tonecing her words.


    ''She''s ambitious and rather bold,'' Pyris noted with a faint touch of admiration, recognizing the sheer audacity of the vampire in following them.


    [I''m  different from you, so I would say, she knows what she wants,] Lia added, her tone lightly teasing.


    Understanding his silent approval, Zara made no move to discourage Seren from tagging along.


    Without a word exchanged, the vampire fell into step beside them, her presence epted if not entirely acknowledged.


    They pressed on, their steps steady until Lia''s voice suddenly broke through, her toneced with caution. [Be careful from here. I think we''re nearing the area I mentioned. There are likely traps.]


    At her warning, Pyris signaled for his group to pause. Catching Alera''s eye, he gave her a silent nod, their shared understanding unspoken yet clear.


    ''I trust you for guidance, Lia,'' Pyris affirmed mentally, a calm confidence in his tone.


    [This goddess will now lead!] Lia replied in delight, and Pyris could almost see her smirking.


    She had already informed Pyris from thebyrinth''s first steps that a treasure awaited them.


    It wasn''t the Blood Chalice, but something else hidden in these depths, and she could feel it.


    Since then, Pyris had subtly navigated them in alignment with her guidance, their direction always keeping to where Lia sensed the hidden artifact.


    As he met Alera''s eyes, they shared a brief, silent exchange, each knowing what was needed. They both whispered in their thoughts, "Living Shadows!"


    In response, the darkness surrounding them shifted, the air trembling as the shadows began to warp and twist into shape. Six shadowy figures coalesced into being, each one a sleek, ominous silhouette standing at attention, ready to move.


    At a nce, they seemed like simple illusions, but anyone with the sense to look closer would know better.


    "They''re as fast as a rank 17," Seren muttered, her eyes wide as she observed the shadow creatures dart forward with unbelievable speed.


    A look of shock registered on her face, a realization sinking in.


    Meanwhile, Lyra''s expression was one of pure astonishment, the surprise leaving her almost speechless as she realized just how capable her mysteriouspanions were.


    The shadow figures spread out, seamlessly melding into the surrounding darkness as they began their task, searching the area ahead with a supernatural precision. These creatures could "sense" thebyrinth''s intricacies through the shadows, their forms gliding through every turn and hidden passage with an ease that defied the space around them.


    One of the Living Shadow paused briefly, leaving a faint shadowy mark¡ªa whisper of its essence left behind, invisible to any but Pyris and Alera.


    It continued on, each step a silent alert to the traps lying hidden just ahead.


    Through their unique connection, the shadowy figures sent an awareness directly to Pyris and Alera, revealing the dangers embedded in the walls and floors. The information arrived to the two as if it were their own senses, bringing an intimate understanding of their surroundings and the obstacles ahead.


    "Impressive, aren''t they?" Pyris murmured, ncing back at his team with a satisfied smile.


    Zara, always one for biting humor, grinned as she looked at Seren''s bemused expression. "And here I thought vampires had the best vision in the dark."


    With her pride slightly bruised, Seren''s response was a smirk. "Just trying to learn a thing or two."


    Pyris just chuckled, his focus returning to the path now illuminated by his shadow creatures'' discoveries.


    As the Living Shadows continued their silent, diligent work, the tension in the air lightened just a bit. Yet, the danger was never truly gone; it simplyy hidden, waiting for a chance to test them again.

 Chapter 220 Ancients Hall

    The corridor yawned wide before them, stretching so far into darkness that even Pyris couldn''t make out the end. An eerie silence filled the air, thick and weighty, with only the sound of faint, echoing drips of water from somewhere deep within the cave breaking the stillness.


    Shadows stretched along the jagged walls, their edges serrated, twisted, and gnarled as though formed by ancient, wrathful hands.


    Every corner seemed to possess a secret, every echo a whisper from some forgotten horror.


    Faded murals covered the stone walls on either side of the path, each one depicting tales lost to time. The murals were grim¡ªpainted scenes of men and creatures battling forces from a realm unseen, each image more grotesque than thest.


    Figures with horrified faces reached out, as if beseeching anyone who dared enter to turn back. Alera studied these walls with wide eyes, her steps slightly hesitant as she absorbed the haunting scenes.


    Pyris, unfazed but alert, noticed something peculiar about the arrangement of the murals. "These paintings¡­ they''re like warnings." He traced a finger along the edge of a scene showing warriors caught in a storm of arrows, their bodies pierced and frozen in expressions of terror. "This isn''t just art. It''s telling us where traps lie."


    "Not the friendliest wee," Lyra muttered from the back, hugging her cloak tighter around her shoulders. She had ideas of where they are thanks to her extensive knowledge of thebyrinth.


    ______


    As Pyris and Alera pressed deeper into the ancient passage, the damp, cold air thickened.


    Faint echoes, like whispers, seemed to bounce off the stone walls around them. The light from the Living Shadows cast eerie, shifting patterns across the narrow, cave walls, marking every potential danger.


    Lyra trailed behind, her face scrunched in a mix of fear and frustration. "Lovely choice for a day out, huh? Just wish I''d brought a nicer pair of boots."


    "Boots, huh?" Pyris nced back, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Priorities, Lyra. And here I thought Zara was the diva."


    Zara shot him a look, feigning offense. "Diva? If I am, it''s only because I prefer not to step on, say, ancient traps that might turn y''all into ashes."


    "Fair point," Pyris chuckled, but his voice softened as he turned serious again, his gaze locked onto the corridor ahead.


    The Living Shadows pulsed, signaling the first trap¡ªa seemingly random grid of uneven stones embedded in the floor.


    Faintly glowing runes were etched onto each tile, the light barely illuminating the eerie symbols, yet powerful enough to make the group pause.


    "Looks like we''ve got ourselves a ssic floor puzzle," Alera muttered, squinting at the symbols. "But these runes¡­ they look like they haven''t been touched in centuries. The signs of time huh?"


    "Well, I''d like to keep it that way," Lyra said, inching backward. "Nothing like an ancient curse to spice up a stroll."


    Pyris crouched down, tracing his fingers over the symbols without actually touching them. "Each rune connects to another¡­ but they''re not in a straight line. See? It''s more of a¡­ spiral." He nced at Alera. "What do you think? We follow the path in the right order, we make it out without a scratch."


    Alera nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the pattern. "And if we don''t¡­ those runes will likely light us up like kindling."


    Lyra paled, her voice barely a whisper. "Suddenly, my boots don''t feel like enough protection."


    Alera cast her a reassuring look before stepping onto the first rune.


    The floor beneath her groaned slightly, but the stone held firm.


    She inhaled, counting her next steps carefully as she maneuvered along the intricate spiral path marked by the Living Shadows.


    Pyris followed, his movements precise, watching for any sign of a misstep.


    "Remember," he said, his tone a touch lighter, "no pressure. Just¡­ certain doom if you slip."


    "Comforting, Pyris," Alera deadpanned, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes as she ced her next step.


    But the moment her foot touched the next stone, it shifted.


    She wobbled, her heart pounding as the runes beneath her started to glow, the faint light pulsing ominously.


    Pyris reached out quickly, his hand steadying her. "Easy there."


    The glow subsided as Alera regained her bnce, her breathing in shallow gasps. "Close call¡­ maybe too close."


    With cautious, measured steps, they continued, their movements echoing in the oppressive silence. At the end of the path, they reached a small stone ledge, the air thick with a sudden sense of aplishment.


    "That was a little close forfort," Alera admitted, her voice breathless.


    Pyris''s face softened. "I guess this ce knows how to keep us on our toes¡­ literally."


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    "Speaking of toes," Lyra mumbled, clearly still on edge, "I''d prefer it if I kept mine attached, thank you very much."


    Zara stifled augh, her gaze already locked onto the next trap marked by the Living Shadows.


    They continued along the dim path, the shadows pulsing once more to reveal a series of narrow alcoves embedded in the stone walls.


    Each alcove held statues, their faces frozen in expressions of rage, some wielding swords, others with spears or daggers, their stony eyes almost alive in the dim light.


    "These statues¡­ they''re enchanted," Pyris observed, his voice low. "Look at the way they''re positioned, ready to strike at anything that gets too close."


    "Perfect," Lyra muttered, her hand reaching for her de reflexively. "Just what I needed¡ªa deadly art gallery."


    Pyris''s eyes narrowed as he studied the statues, noting that each weapon was angled slightly differently. "It''s a puzzle," he said finally. "Each statue''s stance represents a specific direction we need to follow. Get it wrong¡­" His gaze drifted to a dagger-wielding statue whose eyes glowed faintly. "Well, let''s not find out."


    They moved carefully, replicating the precise angles of each weapon-wielding statue. Alera adjusted her stance, matching her steps to the tilted spears, while Pyris mirrored the swords'' upward angle.


    At one point, Pyris slipped slightly out of alignment, and the spear-bearing statue closest to him red to life, its weapon shifting ominously in his direction.


    "Careful!" Alera whispered, reaching out to pull him back into ce.


    The statue stilled, its eyes darkening, but the group stayed rooted in ce, barely breathing until the silence returned.


    "Nothing like a good death stare to keep things interesting," Pyris whispered, earning a shaky chuckle from Alera.


    As they reached the final statue, Lyra''s boot caught a loose stone, sending it ttering forward. Instantly, every statue''s eyes zed, the weapons shifting in unison.


    "Move!" Pyris shouted, grabbing Alera''s hand and pulling her through thest few feet of the passage. They barely made it to the end before the statues resettled, the faint glow of their eyes fading as they resumed their silent vigil.


    "That was¡­ tense, sorry" Lyra admitted, her hand on her chest as she tried to steady her breathing, Seren tapped her on the shoulder for encouragement.


    "Agreed," Zara muttered, casting a wary nce back at the statues. "Whoever designed this ce definitely had a sadistic streak."


    They pressed on, their progress marked by the Living Shadows as they moved further into thebyrinth.


    Soon, they found themselves in a vast chamber, the walls covered in ancient murals. Each painting seemed to tell a story, images of warriors facing horrors beyond imagination, traps closing in on them as they struggled to escape.


    "Nice bedtime story," Seren muttered, her voiceced with sarcasm.


    "More like a warning," Alera replied, her voice reverent as she examined the murals. "Look¡ªeach mural shows a different trap."


    Pyris stepped forward, studying the images closely. "It''s a map, showing us what to expect. Whoever left this must''ve wanted to leave a trail¡­ or maybe they just enjoyed watching others suffer."


    He traced the outline of a pitfall marked in the mural, recognizing the resemnce to the corridor just ahead.


    "Looks like our next trap," he murmured, motioning for the group to follow. They edged forward cautiously, their steps silent as they reached a narrow passage lined with small pressure tes.


    "One wrong step, and we''re dinner for the pit monsters," Pyris said lightly, but his eyes were sharp, his attention focused.


    They took turns navigating the tes, the Living Shadows guiding them by highlighting the safe path.


    Every te they missed sent a shudder through the ground, and once, Lyra identally brushed one with her foot.@@novelbin@@


    Instantly, the ground beneath them trembled, a loud grinding noise filling the air. A hidden panel in the wall opened, revealing rows of jagged spikes poised tounch forward.


    Alera reacted first, pulling Lyra back and pressing a hand to the nearest pressure te. The trap reset, the spikes retracting back into the wall, leaving the group in breathless silence.


    "Let''s not repeat that," Alera whispered, her eyes wide.


    "Agreed," Pyris said, his tone light but his expression tense.


    As they finally cleared the pressure tes, they shared a look of mutual relief. The Living Shadows pulsed once more, illuminating a final doorway leading deeper into thebyrinth''s heart.


    "Well," Lyra said, attempting augh. "If we''re done with the whole ''almost dying'' thing, shall we?"


    Pyris smirked, his gaze locked on the darkness ahead. "The only way out is forward. Let''s hope the worst is behind us."


    But as they stepped through, a faint, chilling breeze swept past them, whispering through the walls, as if thebyrinth itself was preparing for their next trial.

 Chapter 221 Maws of Danger

    The passageway stretched ahead like a maw of darkness, closing around them with every step they took.


    The chill in the air wasn''t just cold; it was a biting, almost invasive sensation, like the very walls were pressing their icy intent upon them, whispering of ancient secrets best left forgotten.


    Shadows pooled unnaturally in the corners, and thebyrinth''s silence felt alive, watchful, its oppressive stillness bearing down on them with a weight they couldn''t shake.


    Pyris walked slightly ahead of the group, hands in his pockets, eyes darting withzy interest from one shadow to the next.@@novelbin@@


    He seemed almost disinterested, but anyone watching closely would see the way his gaze lingered on every crack in the stone and every flicker of movement.


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    He was taking everything in, processing thebyrinth''s darknguage¨Cone that would fuck them up should they not be careful.


    Behind him, Zara shivered, not from the cold, but from something else¡ªsomething older than even the most ancient magic she''d felt.


    "This ce¡­" she whispered, casting a wary nce around. "It''s unusually invinting here. Deep past where we''re now."


    "Tell me something new," Alera muttered, adjusting her grip on her staff, her face drawn and tense. Her steps were silent but deliberate, as if each one was a careful test of the ground beneath her.


    Lyra scoffed, her attempt at bravado sounding hollow in the chilled air. "Let''s just keep moving," she said, her voice tight. "Standing still only gives it more time to¡­ well, whatever it''s nning."


    Pyris let out a low chuckle, his voice echoing through the narrow corridor. "It''s just a ce, Lyra. ces don''t n¡­ but they do wait. And thisbyrinth..."


    Ahead, his Living Shadows slinked forward, marking a faint path only visible to Pyris and Alera. These shadows pointed out hidden traps etched into the walls and floors, a murkyyer of protection against those who dared step recklessly into thebyrinth''s heart.


    But they hadn''t made it far when a riddle etched in ancient script appeared on a stone b ahead, illuminated by a dull, ethereal light.


    The words shifted, shimmering as if alive, taunting them to solve its mystery.


    Zara leaned in, frowning as she read it aloud: "Only what is seen in shadow will be seen in light. What''s bound yet must be freed?"


    "Cryptic," she muttered. "I''ve seen easier codes."


    Pyris studied the words for a moment, then casually leaned back, crossing his arms as if waiting for the others to solve it. "No rush," he said, ncing at Alera with a smirk. "Take your time, really."


    Alera rolled her eyes but couldn''t help the smirk that tugged at her lips.


    She moved closer to the b, closing her eyes for a moment to feel the shadows curling around it. When she opened her eyes, she saw a faint impression hidden in the stone''s texture¡ªa hidden passage that shimmered only in the darkest part of the wall.


    With a gentle tap, the shadows responded, a faint clicking echoing through the corridor. The b shuddered, then slid aside to reveal a narrow passageway.


    "Nice work," Pyris said, offering Alera an approving nod as they continued through the narrow space.


    But they''d barely moved forward when the ground beneath them trembled.


    The air grew thick, and out of nowhere, skeletal hands began wing their way out of the stone floor. These skeletons were unlike any they''d ever seen before¡ªtaller, cloaked in a faint, sickly green glow, and clutching rusted weapons that hummed with residual dark energy.


    One of the skeletons took a staggering step forward, brandishing a sword that looked like it was made from shadow itself.


    Lyra stumbled back, eyes wide. "Okay, this is officially disturbing."


    "They get worse the deeper we go," Alera noted grimly, her voice steady even as she adjusted her stance.


    The first wave lunged at them. Seren was already swinging her war hammer, sending one skeleton shattering against the stone wall. But as its bones fell, they didn''t stay down.


    They reassembled with jerky, unnatural movements, clinking back together in a grotesque mockery of life.


    "This isn''t going to be as easy as it looks, is it?" Seren muttered, frustration darkening her gaze.


    Pyris took a step back, tilting his head slightly as he observed the skeletons'' movements, watching the way their limbs reattached almost seamlessly. "These things¡­ they''re bound to thebyrinth. We kill them, they juste back. Seems like it''s a cycle we''ll have to break if we''re getting through here."


    As he spoke, one of the skeletons turned toward him, its gaze filled with an intelligence that seemed beyond its undead nature. It lunged with surprising speed, its de slicing through the air with eerie precision.


    Pyris sidesteppedzily, a smirk ying on his lips as he watched it stumble past him. "Better luck next time," he muttered, before calling forth an orb of shadow and hurling it at the creature. It hit with a dark burst, scattering the skeleton''s bones across the floor.


    But just as before, the bones began to pull themselves back together, and Pyris clicked his tongue, ncing back at Alera. "Your turn. Care to try a more¡­ permanent solution?"


    Alera nodded, her gaze focused as she summoned the shadows to her hands, drawing on her necromantic abilities.


    As she whispered a necromancy incantation, the skeletons froze, as though listening, drawn to the dark energy she exuded. Slowly, the ones closest to her began to disintegrate, their bones crumbling to ash under her control.


    Yet even as they fell, a new threat emerged. The walls themselves seemed to shift, revealing a maze of additional traps and obstacles.


    des swung out from hidden crevices, spikes lined the floors and walls, and glyphs etched into the stones glowed, ready to unleash hidden curses upon any who misstepped.


    The Living Shadows marked the traps, alerting Pyris and Alera, but evading them was easier said than done. They had to think quickly, every step deliberate, every movement calcted.


    One slip from Alera sent her stumbling into a pressure te. Instantly, a wall sprang up, nearly separating her from the others.


    "Careful there," Pyris drawled, pulling her back just in time. "Wouldn''t want you lost on the wrong side."


    She shot him an thankfull look, dusting herself off. "Thank you, although you could have warned me a second sooner."


    "If I did, you''d never learn." His tone was teasing, but his gaze remained sharp as they continued forward.


    The traps were relentless, each one deadlier than thest. At one point, a faint mist began to fill the corridor, whispering voices threading through it, tempting them to turn back, to lose focus.


    Alera gritted her teeth, her grip tightening on Pyris'' arm as the whispers grew louder, each word drilling doubt into their minds.


    But he simply nced at her, his gaze steady. "Ignore them. Thebyrinth is just ying games."


    With his reassurance, Alera steeled herself, forcing the voices from her mind as they pressed on.


    Finally, they reached an borate mural etched into the wall, the figures twisted in agony as they reached toward something above. An inscription below the mural held another riddle, barely legible.


    "What walks on nothing, yet touches everything?" Zara murmured, frowning as she tried to parse its meaning.


    Pyris tilted his head, his gaze driftingzily across the mural.


    He ran a hand across the wall, feeling the slight texture of the grooves beneath his fingers. "Shadow," he answered finally, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    As he spoke, the wall shimmered, fading into a narrow passage that led deeper into thebyrinth.


    ____


    As they moved forward, the bone-chilling air around them thickened, pressing down like a reminder of thebyrinth''s unyielding presence. The weight of the unknown loomed ahead, pulsing with a strange energy that seemed almost alive.


    Pyris nced back at his group, a faint glint of satisfaction in his gaze. They were being tested, but they were pushing through.


    The most crucial detail lingered in his mind: every step forward was a step deeper into thebyrinth''s design. It was a ce that didn''t just guard secrets¡ªit consumed those who sought them.

 Chapter 222 Lady Nysa

    Later, Pyris and his group ventured deeper into thebyrinth, the stone walls began to widen, opening into a vast chamber.@@novelbin@@


    But this cavern was unlike anything they had seen before. Figures stood perfectly still, lining both sides of the chamber, each one frozen mid-motion, faces fixed in hauntingly serene expressions. They looked almost too real, too lifelike, like a scene from a memory frozen in time.


    A faint, ethereal light gave their faces an unsettling glow, and each wore a look of strange contentment.


    "Something is not right," Pyris muttered, his senses prickling.


    He could feel it¡ªa wrongness in the air, something unnatural pulsing just beneath the surface.


    Zara stepped closer to one of the figures, her fingers hovering just shy of its face. She withdrew her hand quickly, eyes narrowing as she observed their empty eyes, the hollow smiles etched into their expressions. "They''re all alive," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But no essence at all. But just¡­ life energy?"


    Pyris''s gaze followed hers, his eyes sharpening as he tried to see past the facade. He could feel an overwhelming sense of vitality emanating from each figure. "They''re being fed," he murmured, "with life energy¡­ But why?"


    A sh of green flickered ahead, catching his attention. His Living Shadows, ever vignt, pulsed faintly, signaling toward something further down the chamber.


    Pyris squinted, his dragon-keen sight homing in on the source. There, embedded in the wall, an orb pulsed with dark green life energy, streaked through with veins of gold that glowed with an otherworldly intensity.


    "They''re being sustained by that orb," Pyris murmured, watching the slow drip of life energy stretch out from the orb, weaving intricate lines that connected to each of the frozen figures.


    The energy flowed like threads, binding each figure to the orb, maintaining their eerie semnce of life.


    And then he saw her.


    Amid the figures, one stood slightly apart, exuding a presence that set her apart even in her trance-like state. She had dark grey hair that cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting against the pale, wless skin that seemed to catch the faint glow of the orb. Her beauty was striking, almost unsettling, a kind that held the timeless grace of someone touched by something beyond mortal understanding.


    She wore a dress crafted from a luxurious fabric, one that hugged her curvaceous figure with elegance and poise. Her ample curves were entuated, her chest rising and falling ever so slightly as though suspended in an eternal breath.


    Her lips were dry, cracked, yet curled into a faint smile that held an air of mystery.


    Her eyes, though devoid of life, retained a trace of what they once were¡ªpowerful, perhaps wise, but now vacant.


    The strands of life energy seemed to converge at her, pooling beneath her feet, where they sank into the stony floor, seeping into thebyrinth''s very foundation.


    [There!] Lia''s voice echoed in his mind, but Pyris had already spotted the faint trail beneath her feet.


    As he strained his dragon-enhanced sight, he could see that the flow of life energy, mixed with what seemed to be remnants of her essence, threaded through the stone, feeding into something deeper within thebyrinth.


    A chill settled over Pyris as he observed her more closely. She wasn''t just another figure, and it wasn''t just life energy binding her. This was different.


    Before he could call out to the group, a sudden notification from the system appeared in his mind:


    [Ding! Mission Generated!


    1. Survive the Mist of Fulfillment!


    Rewards: Full control over the Eternal''s Seal.


    2. Save Nysa from the binds of the Fulfillment Formation. Rewards: Full loyalty of Lady Nysa. Map to the Blood Chalice from Lady Nysa.]


    ___


    "Status," Pyris murmured in his mind, honing in on the mysterious woman.


    Name: Nysa ??? ERROR ERROR ERROR


    "Everyone, be careful!" Pyris called out, his voice edged with tension as he kept his eyes on Nysa, scanning for any clue that might exin what bound her here. But his warning came toote.


    Seren, already restless, took an unsteady step forward. The stone floor beneath her shifted slightly, and a low, rumbling groan reverberated through the chamber. The walls shuddered, cracks racing across the ground like spiderwebs.


    With a deep, resonant hiss, thin jets of mist began to pour out from hidden vents in the walls. The fog coiled around them, thick and cloying, obscuring their vision in a haze of green and gold. The mist felt alive, as if it held a mind of its own, stretching and curling, reaching for each of them. Discover exclusive content at empire


    "Oh, brilliant. Just what we needed," Zara muttered, trying to mask her unease. But Pyris could feel it too¡ªthis wasn''t ordinary mist. There was an intent behind it, something dark and powerful lurking within its depths.


    The fog thickened, wrapping around them like tendrils, seeping into their skin and senses.


    Pyris could feel it pressing against his mind, warm and insistent, as though it were reaching into his very core.


    "Pyris, this mist¡­" Alera''s voice was a strained whisper as she clenched her fists, her eyes darting around as though searching for something tangible in the intangible.


    Pyris''s mind raced, the weight of the mist pressing deeper, targeting not his thoughts, but something more primal¡ªhis desires, his hidden longings.


    The mist was alluring, drawing them in with promises whispered in silent thoughts.


    The thick, unearthly mist wound around them like a serpent, filling the cavern with a heavy stillness, almost as if time itself had paused. It crept into every corner of their awareness, reaching for their minds and hearts, tempting them to let go and surrender to its strange, seductive power.


    Pyris clenched his fists, feeling the mist swirl around him, cool yet oddlyforting, like a gentle whisper coaxing him to rest.


    "Stay focused," Pyris growled, though his voice sounded distant, as though muffled by the mist itself. He forced himself to look around, his vision hazy, seeing hispanions each fighting to stay grounded.


    Zara, ever the calm witch, seemed to be struggling, her usual confidence faltering as her gaze became unfocused, almost dazed. "This¡­ mist¡­" she muttered, voice barely audible. "It''s getting into our heads¡­ feels like it''s¡­ lulling us."


    Alera, standing closest to him, clenched her jaw, her hands curled into fists as if physically trying to fend off the mist.


    Her eyes had that sharp glint of resistance, but even she wavered as the mist pressed further, worming its way past their mental defenses.


    Lyra''s face was pale, her breathing unsteady as the mist closed around her.


    She took a shaky step back, fighting the pull of the fog as it pried at her mind, tempting her with elusive promises that she could almost see, shimmering before her eyes. "We need to find a way out," she whispered, clutching at her head. "This isn''t just fog; it''s¡­it''s alive. It''s invading us, it''s creeping deep into me!"

 Chapter 223 Mist Of Fulfilment!

    Pyris, summoning his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, focused all his will into creating a shield against the creeping fog, a pulsing barrier that sparked and hissed as the mist tried to prate it.


    For a moment, he felt a slight reprieve, the haze around him lifting enough to give him a brief glimpse of the chamber ahead.


    But just as quickly, the mist thickened, pressing against his shield with an unsettling, relentless force.@@novelbin@@


    "I can hold it off for a while, but it''s strong," he muttered. His voice sounded far away, even to himself, his thoughts feeling clouded and sluggish. It was as if his mind was being lulled into a quiet, blissful surrender.


    But he forced himself to resist, pulling on every bit of willpower he had.


    Just then, dark shapes began to emerge from the depths of the mist, shifting and coalescing into almost tangible forms.


    They were nearly human in appearance, yet their features were indistinct, blurred like shadows cast through dense fog.


    The figures glided forward, silent yet menacing, their movements precise and calcted.


    One by one, they hit the ground before them,nding with deadly uracy, each blow aimed at the chest with pinpoint force.


    Pyris felt the shock as one struck him, the impact like an iron fist driving into his core.


    His shield flickered, weakening as the mist seeped through, exploiting the momentarypse in his defenses. He staggered, gripping his chest as the shadowy figure''s touch ignited a deep, inner pain that seemed to pulse through his veins, bringing with it the tempting lull of the mist''s influence.


    Nearby, Zara had fallen to one knee, struggling against the shadowy figure looming over her.


    She gritted her teeth, her fingers curling as if trying to w her way back to reality.


    "Don''t¡­ give in! If you do, you''re done for." she shouted, but her voice held a note of desperation, her usually strong aura flickering as the mist continued to cloud her mind.


    Annoyingly, they couldn''t muster energy to attacks the figures, much less killing these abominables made fromplete mist.


    Alera, too, fought against a figure that had attached itself to her, draining her will to resist as its form pulsed and shifted, embedding thoughts of surrender into her mind. She tried to summon her shadow soldiers, but the mist clouded her focus, dulling her senses, and her shadows flickered erratically, unresponsive to her call.


    Lyra''s breaths came in ragged gasps, her hands pressed against her temples as the mist wove around her, whispering promises, visions that seemed to tug at her deepest hopes and dreams.


    Her resistance waned as she tried to stay focused, but the alluring touch of the mist crept further into her thoughts, clouding her sense of reality.


    Pyris fought to stay conscious, his mind slipping between the hazy allure of the mist and his own fading determination.


    "Stay together¡­ don''t let it in!" he called, though his voice barely carried over the strange, muffling silence that had fallen around them.


    But even as he spoke, his resolve weakened, the mist finding cracks in his defenses and burrowing into his mind.


    He could feel it, gnawing at his thoughts, chipping away at his sense of self.


    The shadowy figures pressed closer, their touch amplifying the seductive pull of the mist, whispering of peace, fulfillment, and contentment beyond anything he''d known.


    As they all struggled, their resistance flickered, each of them feeling the weight of the mist pressing down, wearing away at their will, tempting them with visions that yed at the edges of their consciousness.


    The figures moved closer, intensifying the mist''s power, drawing them deeper into its thrall.


    And one by one, they felt themselves slipping, inching toward surrender, as the mist whispered promises of their deepest desires.


    The mist thickened around Pyris, its tendrils seeping into every corner of his mind, whispering promises in a voice smooth as velvet. He tried to focus, to fight against the draw, but the words were insistent, pushing against his thoughts with tantalizing suggestions that he couldn''t ignore.


    A warm, almostforting voice echoed in his head, morepelling than the mist itself.


    {Power beyond gods and immortals... freedom from the ruling forces,} the voice cooed, weaving into his mind, each word as intoxicating as the mist that surrounded him.


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    Pyris felt his heart pulse at the possibilities, his breath quickening despite himself.


    "You''re¡­ just mist," he murmured, forcing his focus back, even as his mind began to spiral through visions of power, vast enough to challenge the cosmos itself. His throat tightened as he tried to ignore it, but the voice pressed on, unrelenting.


    {Think, Pyris. The power to protect those you love, a harem of beauties, women of all kinds... status and control over everything. Protecting and making the goddess who has blessed you, proud, and uncovering the truth behind Lucy Obsidian...}


    The voice continued, weaving each desire with vivid imagery in his mind¡ªshes of his loved ones, safe under his protection, of wealth, power, respect, and an empire bound to his will.


    It felt like it could read his very soul¡ªthings he desired? It promised him.


    He gritted his teeth, fighting back, but the mist found every crack in his resistance, seeping in with images he hadn''t dared to acknowledge.


    His mother''s face appeared, Emberly''s eyes filled with pride and hope, her imageced with unspoken expectations.


    Then there was Elsa, her small hand reaching out for him, her bright eyes shining with trust and adoration. His heart clenched, and he could feel the mist feeding off his determination, each promise more vivid, more alluring than thest.


    {The God Realm Council,} the voice hissed, smooth and knowing. {They brought your family to the brink once, Pyris, and they will do it again if you prove uncontroble. Are you going to let them have their way?}


    The mist darkened, swirling with memories and fears he had fought to push down.


    The faces of his enemies shed before him¡ªthe godly council that had almost destroyed his family, the same council that had whispered about his "dangerous" potential.


    "Enough!" Pyris''s voice was sharp, but it sounded weak, even to himself, the mist''s voice louder and more insistent.


    {Look at those women with you. They follow you, but do they know how deeply you''ve failed them? How you could protect them if you had the power? If you were strong enough, would they be in thisbyrinth, fighting alongside you, struggling against creatures that bend the veryws of reality? You haven''t even faced a fraction of thebyrinth!}


    A surge of guilt rippled through him, and he gripped his fists tighter, feeling his pulse hammering in his ears.


    Alera''s face appeared, her strength and loyalty unwavering, yet the mist taunted him with the idea that he wasn''t enough¡ªthat his power, his ambition, his very will to protect those around him was bound by his own limitations.


    Then, same picture emerged, vivid in his mind again as it it was a memory he had buried deep.


    Elsa. Her bright eyes sparkled, her small, delicate hand reaching up, grasping for him, her face alight with innocent trust.


    He felt his heart clench painfully as he thought of his "little sister", waiting back home, trusting in her older brother''s strength, the brother who would return to her safe and triumphant.


    The voice''s whispers grew softer, almost a murmur now, enticing and beguiling, nting doubts with every breath.


    {Say, Pyris Obsidian... don''t you want to know what happened to the Phoenix race? I know you''re curious. Do you even know the secrets they hold¡ªthe secrets that would destroy them if the gods knew? And what of a favor your family owes them? I know everything, I''m all-knowing!}


    *****


    Hehe~

 Chapter 227 The Chasm Between Reality and Lies!

    Before the melodic whispers...


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    Pyris was caught in contemtion between the melodic whisper of the voice that seduced him with promises of power and status.


    Everything to Pyris felt like a trial to him and he could instantly tell his trial would be abnormally different from others but one thing was clear...


    [Ding! You''re being infected by the Mist Of Fulfilment!]


    With the sudden notification from the system, he realized the nature of the trial they were being subjected to.


    "Mist Of Fulfilment, huh? Quite the name!" Pyris gave a dry chuckle.


    It felt like it was about torment like he had assumed when the mist started spreading and now thanks to the system notification and the earlier expressions from the figures who fell victim of the mist, and the seduction of the voice, it was clear as day;


    The trial was to escape your desires, your deepest desires or be a soulless like others.


    The system wasn''t done though...


    [Mission: Escape the mist with none of yourpanions turned into energy puppet feeders!] Their went the mission.


    Pyris narrowed his eyes at the mission, he tried reaching to Lia but he couldn''t, was it the system that cut them off so that he won''t get any help or was it the mist?


    The former made more sense.


    He read forward.


    [Rewards: None!]


    "Well, aren''t you generous?" But that was it.


    He will get no rewards but given that he was to save his life and hispanion''s, the rewards faded inparison.


    shback ends


    _____


    The voice was still whispering to him but Pyris seemed to have developed immunity to it, all it was promising him were things he was going to get anyway and he didn''t need it''s help for that.


    "I''m rather disappointed!" Pyris said directly to the voice. Couldn''t it use a more different approach to tempt him? He shook his head as he prepared to break the stupid voice.


    Pyris had so many desires and the voice hadn''t even scratched even the surface of them, but the voice was perhaps oblivious of them?


    Was his soul unreadable? Yes, that could exin a lot from the fact that the voice could only use the immortals, gods and his family background to tempt him.


    It was clear it could only see the past of his soul.


    Was it the ring or was it the fact that his soul wasn''t originally of this world?


    Whatever the case Pyris wasn''t about to let the little useless investigation cloud his hands full, he might as well be left here in the lies of this strange mist.


    For Pyris the difference between reality and lies were vast to be fooled. Did the mist forget he had Mastery in illusion?


    How many illusion abilities did he have?


    If he was given an opportunity to be the one tempting the mist he could give it a run for it''s money!


    Anyway...


    He had to break the illusions of others. He didn''t believe for a second that they too had immunity to the ensnare of the mist like him, perhaps Zara had not fallen victim?


    Still having to save them is wherey the biggest challenge.


    "System you sure could have given me a reward!" How difficult was to break others from their desires. He just hoped Alera''s desires of Fulfilment wasn''t something crazy likemanding and empire of undead creatures¡ªlest he will have to fight them to reach her.


    He didn''t expect a reply from the system and he was right he didn''t receive any, "I kind of miss that chatterbox, although she sometimes turns quite for days as well!" Lia would have been talking away.


    As if the mist had realized he couldn''t be fooled the mist clinging onto his form dispensed but to show it''s dominance here, it tightened around the others even more.


    "Hah! Turns out... the witch also has a soul as well!" It felt ironic somehow to think that Zara had desires as well apart from having immense power.


    Pyris had realized that promises of power had no effect on him and given the unfathomable power of Zara, she didn''t need these stupid promises and would have broken the illusions instantly¡ªfaster than he even did.


    So this meant that the crafty mist had found it''s way into her soul manipting Zara by her hidden desires.


    "Ahh~ the thrill of saving my arrogant witch!" If she didn''t get a goode back, Pyris knew he would be able to tease her for days.


    But as his eyes darted to Alera standing next to Zara, he was astonished¡ªunlike others, she wasn''t smiling, the opposite of it.


    She was on her knees with tears spilling out of her eyes, he knew exactly what was happening? The mist had failed to find her desires opting to first break her!@@novelbin@@


    "Shadow Of The Forgotten!" Pyris uttered in realization, the words weren''t for show or to make Alera sound OP it was that she was indeed OP¡ªat least she would be.


    "The shadows are protecting her soul?" As one who shared Living Shadows with her, he could tell instantly but it was just that, it wasn''t as simple as mere words.


    "Don''t worry Lovebug, daddy will save you!" With a deration, he walked to her with steady and confident strides, pink hued aura was pouring out of his being, it made the space pulsate slightly.


    Then a violet glint shed deep in his eyes.


    [Illusions!]


    Yes, Pyris was going to fight illusions with illusions.


    Reached her and tapped her forehead slightly, with no restrains from her, a sigil of a pink dragon violet eyed dragon lit up on her forehead before it disappeared within.


    He smiled how easy it was to get ess to one''s mind when they were defenceless.


    And thanks to the Living Shadows and her soul, her being didn''t consider him a threat or ot would have been a battle. Perhaps only Zara and Alera could offer resistance to him amongst those here.


    Pyris cleared his mind before closing his eyes, his consciousness slipped into Alera''s but not before he had all the Living Shadows surround him to alert him if anything was happening outside.


    ____


    "Well said! She''s indeed Death itself!" Like a beacon of hope his voice brought relief to Alera surprising the voice.


    {How did you enter here!} It shouted, enraged, the mindscape shock.


    "Don''t shout now, would you? This is a reunion you''re ruining here!" Pyris chuckled before helping Alera up, hugging her.

 Chapter 228 The Spark!

    The entity roared, thrashing about the mindscape, but Pyris onlyughed. "Really? Is this your best tantrum? You''re going to have to do better than that."


    The voice seethed, its rage manifesting as trembling shadows. {You have no right¡ª}


    "h, h, h," Pyris interrupted, yawning in exaggerated boredom. "You''re like a bad movie viin who doesn''t know when to give up. How about you go scream in a corner for a while? Let the adults talk."


    The presence, thoroughly offended, twisted and hissed but seemed unable to touch Pyris.


    He smirked, looking down at Alera with a grin. "See? All bark and no bite." He patted her back, letting his tone soften a bit. "d you''ve got the shadows looking out for you, but they can''t do all the heavy lifting."


    Alera blinked, and her voice came out in a hesitant whisper. "Pyris... I didn''t think you''d¡ª"


    "Come on, Lovebug, of course I''d be here," he said with a smallugh. "Can''t let you hog all the suffering, can I?"


    The voice sputtered, outraged. {You insolent¡ª}


    "Oh, shut up," Pyris snapped, rolling his eyes. "We''re having a moment here. And frankly, you''re ruining it."


    He tightened his hold on Alera, then looked back at the voice with a mischievous grin. "Now then, ready to leave?"


    Alera nced at him, her gaze wary but a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. "You really think we can get out?"


    Pyris shrugged casually. "Please, this little mist is just smoke and mirrors." He turned to the shadows, mocking it.


    As he did, the voice seemed enraged, he was struck backwards by a wave of oppressive energy.


    The entity¡ªa shadowy, formless presence¡ªwrapped around her, tightening its hold on her, manifesting as dark tendrils wrapped tightly around her very essence.


    Pyris felt an immediate barrier, the presence of something deeply embedded, fiercely protective.


    "Well, that''s charming," he muttered, noting the mist''s stubborn grip on her.


    Alera''s face was tense with concentration, the struggle between her and the mist clear in the lines etched across her brow.


    {Intruder...} the mist hissed, baring at Pyris''s presence. {This soul belongs to me. You shall not interfere.}


    "Oh, scary," Pyris shot back, rolling his eyes. "And for the record, I don''t care what you think."


    He smirked, giving Alera a quick nod. "Lovebug, I''m not here to take over, just here to remind you who''s got control."


    Alera''s eyes met his with a flicker of determination, her lips parting in a grim smile.


    The Living Shadows around her, woven into her very being, pulsed with an energy he hadn''t felt in her before¡ªan energy tied to something far deeper, darker. Her connection to death itself.


    Pyris knew well, this wasn''t a fight he could wage on her behalf. The mist was no ordinary foe, and as an intruder in her mind, he could do little but try to ground her in reality. With the mist thrashing in fury, he simply steadied himself, locking his gaze on her.


    "Alera," he said softly. "You know who you are. Nothing here can change that. Not even your past."


    The mist''s tendrils attempted to wrap around him, too, but as they brushed his form, Pyris realized they had no effect¡ªhis presence was incorporeal here. But Alera''s spirit was another matter entirely. The mist''s darkness coiled around her, pulsing with a life of its own, each strand attempting to feed on her emotions, her doubts, her fears.


    Alera''s expression hardened after hearing his words"You picked the wrong mind to invade," she whispered, her voiceced with a dark, almost cold confidence.


    Her aura red, Living Shadows intertwining and fortifying around her spirit, driving a wedge between her and the mist.


    She wasn''t attempting to kill it¡ªafter all, something this ancient and undying could hardly be defeated by mere force. Instead, she was doing something far more profound, pressing back with the essence of death itself, driving it out like a forceful exorcism.


    The mist shrieked in fury, each tendril dissolving, only to reform momentster, a futile cycle against her unwavering will.


    "Get. Out," shemanded, her eyes a deep, obsidian ck. She was a god in her mind.


    The Living Shadows surged with her power, and with a final push, the mist relinquished its hold, retreating reluctantly from her mind.


    As it withdrew, Pyris couldn''t help a grin, chuckling as the mindscape returned to calm.


    "And here I thought I''d have to face an undead army when I came to save you!" His voice was light but teasing, cutting through the lingering tension.


    Alera looked up, catching her breath as she let out a wry chuckle. "Were you?" she said with a smirk. "Let''s just say the mist, for some reason, you were lucky."


    "Ah, I see,"


    Alera quipped, leaning in with a gleam in her eye. "Say, darling, maybe you would''ve made a better substitute for the mist. I mean, who better to tempt than you?"@@novelbin@@


    Pyris chuckled at her words, shaking her head. "Really, now? You think so too? Hoho~! O behold," he announced dramatically, spreading his arms wide with exaggerated ir, "the King of Illusions himself!"


    Alera raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Master of Illusions would be more urate, don''t you think?"


    "Master of Illusions," he repeated, stifling augh, "has a nice ring to it. Ok, settled, Master of Illusions it is then."


    But their journey was far from over. Unbeknownst to Alera, she had ignited a dormant spark within herself, a primal essence that connected her to the cosmic tapestry of existence.


    This essence, sealed within her since birth, had begun to crack open, revealing a power she never knew she possessed.


    As the mist receded, leaving behind a trail of broken spirits, Alera stood, her eyes aze with a newfound intensity.


    The girl who once moved through life with ease was now awakening to a power within her that would reshape their fates in unimaginable ways.


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    She was more than a mere mistress of Living Shadows; she was a necromancer¡ªwielding an ancient, forbidden magic whose true depths few could fathom. Most who had glimpsed her abilities were of the younger generation, thinking she had simply discovered tricks to control the creatures of darkness.


    After all high ranking demons could do this too.


    Little did they realize she was tapping into something far older and more profound¡ªa force that would ripple through the very essence of Beginning and End!

 Chapter 229 The Death Deitys Champion!

    An endless, all-consuming void stretched out¡ªvast and unyielding. It was a ce where light vanished on contact, swallowed whole without a trace, leaving only an infinite expanse of pure, imprable ck. Silence clung to the air, thick and unnerving, as if even sound feared to intrude upon the stillness.


    There was no up or down, no beginning or end¡ªonly the sensation of being drawn in, deeper and deeper, by a darkness that seemed to stretch beyondprehension, patient and absolute in its hunger.


    Lady Eternal Void sat in the vast nothingness, her silhouette barely visible, merging seamlessly into the endless dark.


    The void itself seemed to pulse with her, responding to each shift in her being, almost as though her presence held it in a reverent thrall. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open¡ªtwo dark abysses that seemed to draw in any light, deep and unyielding, like a chasm of no return for anything caught within.


    The void around her swirled and twisted, bending not as though under control but in outright worship. She was no mere wielder of the void; she was its sovereign, the supreme being to whom the darkness itself bowed.


    "And so it begins," her voice echoed in the endless silence, dripping with anticipation.


    Her gaze turned, settling toward the distantbyrinth thaty hidden within the mortal realm, where Pyris and Alera moved unknowingly toward an ancient awakening. Her lips curled into a subtle smile, a hint of amusement tainted with malice.


    "And that greedy bastard had to push her into awakening. Watch as they tear you to threads!"


    The sense of doom that filled the void was palpable. Her words hung, a grim prophecy in the darkness. Whatever would unfold for the young boy and girl was already set in motion, but first, the insufferable mist would pay dearly for daring to disrupt her delicate web of ns.


    _____


    The Death Immortal''s Lair


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    In one of the Immortal Realms, in a certain quiet realmy a deste peak, nearly scraping the heavens with its towering height.


    The mountain was shrouded in swirling death and darkness energy, thick and tangible, snaking across thendscape like it was alive, consuming every trace of life that dared to linger. No nt, no creature, not even the smallest flicker of energy from life dared exist in this barren ce; it was as though the mountain itself fed on their very essence, an insatiable hunger for oblivion.


    Dark miasma seeped from fissures in the cracked ground, rising in twisting tendrils, creeping with an intent that felt almost malevolent. The snow, normally a pale sheen on any peak,y dark as obsidian, more like shattered ss than snow.


    Near the summit, a gaping hole yawned menacingly, a jagged wound in the mountaintop, as if it had been stabbed with a spear that could pierce even an immortal''s defenses. The abyss within stretched deeper than any eye could follow, an unending descent into the heart of the mountain, and the surrounding snow seemed to recoil, never daring to settle too close to that ominous mouth.


    A low, guttural "Mmmmmm..." echoed from deep within the mountain.


    The sound reverberated through the empty air, a sinister inhale that seemed to suck the death energy surrounding the peak inward.


    Momentster, dark, thick steam billowed up from the depths, hot yet cold as the grave, condensing in the frigid air before scalding the snow it touched. Then, in an instant, the snow hardened again, dark and untouched, as though scorched by an invisible me.@@novelbin@@


    The inhales continued, rhythmic and inevitable, an ancient cadence that no living thing could withstand. The entire mountain, wreathed in an aura of death, felt like hell itself without mes¡ªa chaotic vortex of despair, of swirling darkness, and a silence that seemed to smother every inch of the terrain.


    At the base of the mountain, a massive maw of a cave opened, stretching deep into the ckened heart of the mountain. The cavern walls were pitch-dark, void of any trace of life or warmth, the stone appearing as though it had never been touched by light. Inside the core of the cave, a vast expansey open, as dark and foreboding as the mountain above. It connected seamlessly with the gaping hole above, drawing death energy down like a never-ending funnel into the very core of the mountain.


    In the center of this cavern sat an obsidian throne, ancient and terrifying, carved from the pure essence of death itself. Its surface seemed to absorb all light, a dark sheen that made it look as though it was crafted from the shadows of a thousand lifetimes, the throne of a god of death.


    The energy rising from it was both alive and unyielding, a grim sentinel thatmanded respect¡ªand fear¡ªfrom anything near it.


    From this throne, the same dark, suffocating steam rose, a whisper of death in every waft, each tendril adding to the surrounding power. And there, seated upon it, a shadowed figure loomed.


    A voice, colder than the dark around it, echoed through the chamber. {Inform the Death Deity. Their Champion is ready.} Immediately after she spoke shadows stirred and figures flew out to carry the orders.


    The voice from the throne had been deep, reverberating through the cavern with a weight that seemed to bear down on the entire mountain itself. To any mortal who dared to listen, it would feel like the crushing force of a thousand lifetimes, each syble bearing an oppressive, ancient weight.


    Only a rare few could withstand its enormity; fewer still would grasp the meaning beneath its ominous tone.


    Veiled in a shroud of death and darkness mana, the figure on the throne remained hidden, an indistinct shape draped in an aura so thick it seemed to absorb the very essence of the cave. But even if the speaker''s features were masked, their aura was unmistakable.


    This was the same voice that had presided over Alera''s birth, the same presence that had watched with grim satisfaction as chaos unfurled in the wake of her arrival into the world.


    The figure seated upon the obsidian throne, cloaked in a shroud of death and darkness, enigmatic, belonged the same voice that had witnessed Alera''s birth, a cataclysmic event that had shattered the little girl''s world and was now poised to y a pivotal role in her destiny.


    Like the Eternal Void, this entity had been watching Alera, but with a far more sinister intent.


    The dyed awakening, a consequence of the Eternal Void''s seal, had bought Alera precious time. Without it, she would have either been consumed by the darkness or fallen prey to this malevolent force. However, the inevitable...


    Just as Eternal Void had been tracking Alera''s journey the seal of her had staved off this day, repressing thetent energy within Alera, keeping her nature held in check but not anymore.


    Without it, her essence might have crumbled long ago, either overtaken by the consuming force of her own death and shadow magic or ensnared by the unseen threads woven by the being who now sat in quiet anticipation.


    But fate, a silent architect, had only dyed the inevitable. The presence from the throne sensed it, the subtle re of energy, the delicate crack in Eternal Void''s seal as thebyrinth''s twisted power threatened to bring forth Alera''s true nature.


    Soon, her dormant power would rise, and whatever force Pyris could wield would be put to the test.


    Perhaps this was the stage, set for a cosmic sh, a battle between Death, Shadow, Void and Darkness, a battlebetween  Death, Annihtion and Destruction.


    *****


    Who''s ready for Immortal and gods''s descent? Lemme see power stones and gifts for that!

 Chapter 230 Silent Steps...

    Much to against everyone''s expectations, the Midnight Dominion and the Sunstone Empire were deathly silent. No major moves, no chaotic shifts in politics or economics followed the shocking announcement of General''s death¡ªa death orchestrated by none other than the king himself.


    For the masses, this was nothing short of a paradoxical shock. Many had been bracing themselves for the inevitable chaos: the rebellion that General was said to be nning to "liberate" the Empire from the failing monarchy. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire


    Preparations for war had begun in secret corners of society, and whispers of turmoil ran rampant in both taverns and noble estates.


    Others had prayed fervently that such a rebellion would never ur, fearing the disruption of the fragile peace between the Sunstone Empire and the Midnight Dominion.


    While the rebellion itself never materialized, the news of the general''s death still sent ripples of fear and uncertainty through the popce.


    Everyone waited with bated breath for the bloodbath that would follow¡ªa bloody scramble for power as the remaining three warlords vied to fill the vacuum left by the general''s death.


    But to everyone''s bewilderment, the bloodbath never came. Instead, something far more shocking happened: the very individual who was publicly credited with killing the general was named as the new general. The king bestowed upon this person absolute authority second only to his own, and the announcement was made almost immediately after the previous general''s death.


    It was all so fast, so calcted, that rumors quickly spread through the Empire like wildfire.


    Many assumed the inactivity of the three warlords stemmed from fear¡ªfear of the new general''s sharp guillotine, a warning to any who dared challenge the throne. Others spected that something far more insidious was at y.


    Little did the masses know, the warlords'' silence was not born of cowardice. Their inactivity revolved around one individual, shrouded inyers of mystery.


    Some astute observers began piecing together fragments of information. They recalled the shadowy convoy that had exited the pce under the cover of dark skies of the dominion just days before the general''s death was announced.


    While the identity of those involved remained unknown, suspicions abounded that this individual was somehow connected to the grand scheme that resulted in General''s demise.


    Another enigma lingered in the minds of the people: the Cursed Warriors. These mythical figures were said to be nigh-invincible, their cursed origins tied to ancient magics. Many spected that the king had brought these warriors under his control, striking fear into even the most powerful entities in the Empire who would have attempted to throne the king.


    Their mere mention.of the warriors caused shivers to run down spines across thend.


    ____


    Ammit sat in the Sunstone throne room, thevish d¨¦cor a testament to the Empire''s wealth and power. Marble pirs lined the room, each carved with intricate scenes of battle and triumph. The floor gleamed like liquid gold under the sunlight streaming through enormous stained-ss windows, depicting the Sun God''s eternal glory.


    A sprawling crimson carpet led to the grand thrones, though Ammit and King Soltan had opted to sit in the more modest chairs meant for audience hearings.


    Her posture was rxed, yet every movement exuded confidence.@@novelbin@@


    She crossed one leg over the other, her eyes glittering with satisfaction as she listened to the king recount histest maneuvers.


    "Soltan, that''s excellent work," Ammit said, her voice low and smooth, carrying an undertone of amusement. She nodded approvingly.


    While she handled the Empire''s "dirty work" to prepare for Pyris'' eventual arrival, King Soltan was diligentlyying the groundwork for his master''s ns. Ammit oversaw everything, ensuring progress moved steadily.


    Her focus, however, had been consolidating the Empire''s economy, particrly for Petne Chaos. As the newly appointed general, her proposals to merchants and business magnates were met with little resistance¡ªnot solely out of fear but because of the unparalleled security her influence provided.


    Meanwhile, whispers of a new organization began circting in the Empire''s upper echelons: Bane Logistics. Little was known about it, save for the fact that it was led by the new general and had quickly established ties with the most powerful businesses and enterprises in the Empire.


    ____


    While Ammit and Soltan discussed their ns, an unseen intruder moved through the pce like a phantom. Cloaked in shadow, the figure''s movements were precise, their steps silent. They slipped past guards with such practiced ease it was as though they were a part of the darkness itself.


    The intruder navigated the pce''sbyrinthine corridors, their destination clear. Soon, they reached the heart of the pce: the vault. The door was an imposing b of metal, reinforced with Void Matter, a substance known to neutralize magical powers.


    The figure smirked at the sight. "Child''s y," they muttered, their voice muffled and unrecognizable.


    They withdrew two thin, nearly invisible metallic rods from their belt, twirling them deftly between their fingers. With fluid precision, they inserted the rods into the vault''s locking mechanism. The tools spun rapidly, producing a faint clicking sound as they bypassed the intricate security measures.


    With a soft hiss, the vault door began to open.


    The intruder stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room. Treasures of unimaginable value glittered under the soft, enchanted glow of the vault''s interior. Yet they ignored the piles of gold, rare jewels, and ancient artifacts.


    Their gaze fixated on a single object resting on a pedestal at the center of the room: the Arcane Gauntlets.


    _____


    Far from the Sunstone Empire, Pyris smirked as the soft beep of his watch drew his attention. He slipped the device into his inventory, a satisfied chuckle escaping his lips.


    "They couldn''t resist, could they?" Pyris muttered. His prediction had been spot on. The Eclipse Syndicate had moved to steal the gauntlets, proving his suspicions about their desperation. What intrigued him more was the divine connection¡ªorck thereof.


    The divine beings who once held sway over the gauntlets seemed to have abandoned them, treating them as mere toys unworthy of their attention.


    "Typical," Pyris said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.


    Beside him, Alera stirred, her mind finally free from the consuming trap of the mist she had defeated. She looked at Pyris quizzically. "What''s with the sneering?"


    Pyris nced at her. "Oh, nothing much. Just confirmation that the syndicate took the bait."


    Alera raised an eyebrow. "You mean the gauntlets? So, they''re going to sell them to some higher bidder or hoard them for their own use?"


    Pyris shook his head. "They stole a decoy. Again, they have acquired a decoy."


    Alera burst outughing, her mirth echoing through the room. "That''s brilliant. They''ll be chasing shadows for months."


    Pyris allowed himself a small smile. While the syndicate scrambled to make sense of their failure, he would remain several steps ahead. The real gauntlets were safe, their true purpose yet to be revealed.


    He only had to pay more than necessary for the system to make a copy that couldst longer but he didn''tin about the prices¡ªevery LP was worthy it.


    As Alera walked over to Zara, she chuckled at the happy, dreamlike expressions flitting across Zara''s face. She pulled out her phone and began recording. "The witch has a soft side after all," she teased.


    Pyris, meanwhile, contemted his next move. He turned to Alera. "Do you feel¡­ different? Or is it just me?"


    Alera tilted her head. "Define ''different.''"


    "Never mind,"


    "Hmmph! How cares about you little secrets!"


    Pyris just grinned.

 Chapter 232 Souls Of The Limitless

    Pyris, meanwhile, contemted his next move. He turned to Alera. "Do you feel¡­ different? Or is it just me?" Staring at her head.


    Alera tilted her head. "Define ''different.''"


    "Never mind,"


    "Hmmph! How cares about you little secrets!"


    Pyris just grinned


    Alera blinked in confusion, unsure of what Pyris was trying to say.


    He pointed to her head, gesturing impatiently. With a furrowed brow, she reached up and pulled a few strands of hair forward. It took a moment for the change to register, but when it did, her eyes widened.


    Her hair had turned white.


    "Perfect!" she muttered sarcastically, tossing the strands aside. "Of all colors!"


    "Well," Pyris chuckled, leaning against a jagged wall of stone, "it''s not bad. A necromancer with white hair¡ªhow iconic!"


    Alera shot him a re, her lips curling into a sour pout. "Yeah, iconic. Just what I need to look even scarier! What''s next? Glowing red eyes?" She waved a hand dramatically, but the effect was undercut when she whipped out her phone to inspect her reflection.


    "Nah, violet glowing eyes, only the glow is missing!" Pyrisughed as she inspected herself.


    The image staring back at her was almost unrecognizable. Her previously smooth dark locks were gone, reced by silken strands of perfect white that gleamed like untainted snow under thebyrinth''s dim glow. But the real shock was her face¡ªit had transformed entirely.


    Gone were the traces of youthful softness and the slight chubbiness in her cheeks. Her features were sharp, refined, and carried an unnatural allure, one that practically screamed dark power.


    "I look¡­ fifteen," she muttered. Her fingers trailed along her cheekbones, almost as if she were checking to see if the image was real.


    "You look beautiful, darling," Pyris teased, his grin widening when Alera shot him a sharp look.


    "Yeah, on second thought," she said, flipping her hair over her shoulder, "I do like the new me. But why white?"


    Pyris leaned closer, resting his chin on his hand. "What''s the asion? Some new power awakening? Or maybe¡­" His grin turned yful. "Some god out there thought you weren''t getting enough of my attention."


    "Don''t jinx it!" she snapped, though the corners of her lips twitched in an almost-smile.


    Theirughter echoed softly in the cavern, the sound strangely out of ce amidst the oppressive silence of thebyrinth.


    Around them, a dense, pulsating mist swirled, licking at the edges of the chamber but never daring to encroach. The strange phenomenon wasn''t lost on either of them¡ªit wasn''t normal for a mist, especially one as hostile as this, to avoid prey so tantly.


    ____


    "The essence of escaping the grip of the mist," Pyris began, his voice calm and measured, "lies in oveing your desires. You have to detach yourself from the thing you crave most. That''s how it traps people¡ªit offers them everything they''ve ever wanted, but at the cost of their freedom¡ªbeing living beings."


    Alera frowned, her gaze dark as she nced at theirpanions¡ªZara and the two others, still caught within the mist''s web. Their once vibrant forms were growing frail, their skin pale and thin as though life itself was being siphoned away.@@novelbin@@


    "But we faced different tests," she said, her voice thoughtful. "I saw visions of the past. You faced nothing but allure of power. There''s a pattern, isn''t there?"


    "There always is." Pyris folded his arms, his expression grim. "The mist reads our souls. It knows what we desire most because it can dig into the deepest corners of who we are. That''s why it has them so tightly in its grip."


    Alera studied the scene before her. Tendrils of mist connected theirpanions to a dimly glowing orb at the center of the chamber. The orb pulsed faintly, its light dimming with each passing moment, as though it were a heart running out of strength.


    "This has to be the treasure Lia was telling me about." Pyris thought.


    "And us?"


    "The mist can''t fully read us," Pyris said with a shrug. "Maybe it used too much energy trying, or maybe our souls are just tooplex for it. Whatever the reason, it couldn''t pull us in the same way. Instead, it threw fragments of our pasts at us, hoping to wear us down. As for, me I couldn''t see myst fully." Pyris was meaning his life on earth.


    He gestured toward the husks scattered across the floor¡ªpeople who had clearly failed to escape the mist''s grip. Their forms were emaciated, their eyes empty as though their very essence had been hollowed out.


    Alera shivered but pressed on. "Fine. But how do we get them back? Breaking someone out of their dream-state isn''t exactly easy. Imagine having everything you''ve ever wanted handed to you on a silver tter. Who''d want to leave that?" Not to mention that they will be kicked out of the mind even if they were able to enter.


    Her voice wavered slightly. The truth of her own words stung more than she''d expected.


    She could picture it all too clearly¡ªstanding by Pyris''s side,manding legions of undead, her every ambition realized. The idea of walking away from such a perfect dream felt almost¡­ impossible.


    "And I can''t enter their minds," Pyris said, his voice breaking her thoughts.


    "What?!" Alera turned to him sharply, her surprise evident. "You entered mine!"


    "That''s different," Pyris said with a smug grin. "You''re marked by me, lovebug. Our bond lets me slip in when I need to."


    Alera groaned. "Ugh. You and your marks. What about Zara? You two have that Eternal Witch Oath. Isn''t that a strong enough bond?"


    "It is," Pyris admitted, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "But Zara''s¡­ well, Zara. Her power is so far beyond mine that even with the oath, I couldn''t force my way in without her permission."


    Alera stared darkly at Zara, unknown emotions flickering in her eyes.


    "Didn''t know she was this emotional about others too," Pyris mused with a faint smile as he rxed against the jagged stone wall. His posture was casual, almostzy, as though the dire situation meant nothing to him. He didn''t seem worried at all.


    What was the worst that could happen?


    At most, the mist would take years to drain Zara and the otherspletely, turning them into husks like the remains scattered around the cave. It wasn''t an immediate threat, and Pyris was confident he could save them with a bit of effort¡ªthough, for now, he decided he had earned a moment of rxation.


    He stretched out fully on the stone, arms tucked behind his head, making it abundantly clear that he had no intention of rushing into action.


    Meanwhile, the Living Shadows patrolled the mist''s edges and the surroundingbyrinth. Even the horrors lurking within the depths of thebyrinth avoided the misty cave entirely.


    "Is this respect for boundaries," Pyris mused aloud, watching his shadowy minions through narrowed eyes, "or are they afraid of the mist too?" Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    His tone turned light, almost amused, as he continued, "Isn''t it hrious? Those creatures know every twist and turn in thisbyrinth, where the deadliest horrors reside. And yet, here we are¡ªsupposedly intelligent beings¡ªtrapped by some stupid mist."


    Alera didn''t respond, her gaze still fixed on Zara. The faint shimmer of the mist reflected in her sharp, pale eyes.


    "Hey, lovebug," Pyris called, breaking the silence, "do your summons retain their memories from their previous lives?" since she had abyrinth creature as her summon, to could guide themter¡ªthat is if their memories were still there.


    Alera blinked, turning her attention to him. She studied him for a moment, her lips twitching, before a burst ofughter erupted from her.


    It started as a chuckle but quickly grew into full-blown, uncontrobleughter.


    "Previous lives? Really?" she managed to say between breaths, her voice thick with amusement.


    Pyris shrugged, utterly unbothered by her reaction. "Well, technically speaking, we kill them, and you bring them back. That counts as a new life for them, doesn''t it? From death to living¡ªthough I suppose ''walking dead'' is more urate in their case."


    That only made herugh harder. She doubled over, clutching her stomach, her voice echoing through the cavern as her amusement reached its peak.


    "Well," Pyris said dryly, watching her with a raised brow, "aren''t you too cheerful? I didn''t think I was funny, but clearly, I''ve missed my calling as aedian then."


    Herughter finally began to subside, though her shoulders still shook with asional giggles. Pyris tilted his head, studying her closely.


    "She''s trying to distract herself," he realized. His gaze softened for a brief moment before he spoke again, his tone more serious. "Hey, you know I have a way to save them, but it''s risky."

 Chapter 233 Grudge...1

    When the mist had first started spreading, Pyris''s sharp eyes had been drawn to the orb¡ªthe pulsating, ominous centerpiece that practically screamed power and control. It radiated raw, unfiltered energy, a swirling mix of dark greens and golds, and was undeniably the source of this whole ordeal.


    Yet even as he studied it, Pyris dismissed the idea of attacking it outright.


    He had initially thought, This can''t be the key. Too obvious. Too convenient. And Pyris hated anything that screamed convenience in a trial like this.


    But now, after breaking free of his own illusion, something unexpected caught his attention. As the mist retreated from his form, Pyris''s gaze instinctively snapped back to the orb. Its once-blinding glow had dimmed ever so slightly, as if the energy it hadmanded with such arrogance was faltering.


    He stepped closer, careful not to disturb the fragile equilibrium of the space, and his dragon-enhanced vision honed in on an anomaly.


    A crack.


    It was tiny¡ªalmost imperceptible to the naked eye. A hairline fracture, so delicate it would have gone unnoticed by anyone else. Yet there it was, running faintly along the orb''s surface, a whisper of imperfection in something that had seemed invincible.


    Pyris''s thoughts churned. He traced the fracture with his gaze, noting how the once-fluid energy ripples surrounding the orb now stuttered, their rhythm disrupted.


    Something''s different¡­ something significant.


    His mind raced, connecting the dots. When I broke free, it must have drawn on its reserves topensate. Pyris smirked, the realization blooming in his mind.


    He crouched lower, his hand brushing against the ground as he continued his observation. "Whoever breaks free¡­ damages it," Pyris murmured to himself, piecing together the mechanics. "It can''t sustain itself without them. If the cracks grow¡­ if it weakens enough¡­"


    The thought trailed off, his sharp mind already calcting. The implications were clear now. This orb wasn''t just the source¡ªit was the anchor.


    The key to freeing everyone wasn''t brute force; it was a coordinated effort. It was a delicate bncing act between weakening the orb and protecting the trapped victims before the mist drained them dry.


    Yet there was a caveat, one that chilled Pyris''s analytical calm.


    As the orb cracked further, it would inevitably tighten its grip on the remaining victims, draining them faster to recover its lost energy. A self-defense mechanism. Of course.


    Still, the knowledge gave Pyris hope. He nced back at the others, their forms shrouded in the mist, each fighting their own battles. "If we can force enough of them to break free¡­" he murmured, his mind already turning over possibilities.


    The cracks might spread, eventually reaching a critical point where the orb could no longer sustain itself.


    But he also knew it wasn''t that simple. His gaze hardened.


    He patiently exined to Alera...


    _____


    The mist swirled maliciously, a tangible mockery of purity, wrapping around the prisoners like a greedy serpent. Pyris stood a few steps from the orb, his sharp gaze dissecting its behavior.


    The orb screamed serenity, pulsing with a greenish-gold glow that belied its sinister nature.


    "...So your n is to kill the husks we found here? Even though they''re already half-dead, they still serve a purpose to the mist and the orb?" This was beyond what Alera had expected. It was so...


    "That''s so easy! Let''s do it!" she agreed immediately. They were already half-dead anyway, right?


    "You bloodthirsty wife of mine!" Pyris flicked her forehead. "Remember, I said there''s a risk. If others die, it would drain the three faster than we can save them to recover the lost energy, they will die.!"


    "Oh..." Alera realized. "But we can do it faster, I mean, you have the superspeed ability, right?" Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Pyris nodded. "Yes, I do have it, but I don''t think I can be fast enough to save a soul immediately. Remember, the mist can ess their souls, right? Who''s to say it won''t drain their soul essence instead if it senses danger?"


    Although the chances were only five percent, the odds felt ufortably high.


    "You said you had a n, right? But all I hear is you exining a n we can''t execute!" Alerained.


    Pyris remained undeterred. "Don''t get worked up! Here''s where youe into y, lovebug." He stood up and walked over to where the orb was. He stared at it.


    "I want you to taint it," he said, the smile vanishing from his face...


    What the orb drained from its victims was their energy and life essence, but it did so slowly, allowing their bodies to keep absorbing more mana from their surroundings and what it fed them. In this way, it could extract the purest energy.


    "The orb absorbs only their pure energy, which means dark mana isn''t its thing!" Pyris pointed to a nearby husk¡ªa man with long ck hair, tall but disturbingly thinpared to the others. "He has death magic and darkness magic, and it''s affecting him faster than the others!"


    The orb was draining his life essence faster, forcing his body to convert his mana into life essence just to sustain itself.


    "The life essence of a person remains pure regardless of their ability or element. That only changes when they break the mortal shackles. So, his pure life essence is still untainted by his dark mana, so to speak," Pyris exined.


    "Then isn''t he..."


    "...supposed to be the healthiest of them all? No! The orb is a bitch! It''s draining his life essence faster than the others, forcing his body to replenish it by converting his dark mana. He''s having it harder than anyone else!" Pyris mused.


    "It''s ironic for this so-called "righteous" thing to be in such a dark ce like the Abyssal Labyrinth. Most ironic¡ªdraining people!" Alera as she spat sarcastically could almost imagine a sly, self-righteous grin on the orb''s nonexistent face.


    "Right," Pyris chuckled. Alera could be cute when frustrated. "So, lovebug, I want you to feed as much death mana as you can to this "righteous" bitch, just to disrupt its flow. But it''s going to hurt like hell..."


    He teleported a safe distance away from the orb as Alera nodded. She didn''t know how it was supposed to hurt her just by giving it death mana. Her reserves were like endless streams of energy, so she wasn''t worried about running out before Pyris finished.


    That was the only way it could hurt her, right? Until Pyris shouted...


    "Now!"


    Immediately, she touched the orb. Her violet death energy swirled around her, feeding into it.


    The orb pulsed violently, and a powerful wave of life energy hit Alera square in the stomach.


    Guawahhh!" she coughed, blood sttering onto the ground. Her knees buckled, but she managed to stay upright.


    "That hurts," she hissed through gritted teeth, ring at the orb. "You''re going down, you sanctimonious piece of trash."


    Her death mana red, swirling around her hands like a storm. She pressed her palms to the orb''s surface again, forcing the dark energy into its core.


    The orb pulsed violently, releasing waves of energy that threatened to throw her off. Each pulse felt like a sledgehammer to her chest, but Alera stood firm, refusing to relent.


    "Maniac," Pyris muttered with a grin. He admired her resilience but knew time was short.


    With a burst of superspeed, Pyris blurred toward the first husk -a man with curly ck hair and a serene smile frozen on his face. He flipped his dagger mid-air, striking the man''s chest with its hilt, death mana coating the blow.


    The man''s heart stilled for a moment, his body copsing to the ground but it wasn''t an aim for kill.


    Just to stop his life flow for a split second.


    CRACK!


    A sharp sound echoed as a jagged fracture spread across the orb''s surface.


    "One down," Pyris muttered before dashing to the next victim.


    The second husk, a frail woman with auburn hair, barely moved as he approached. Pyris repeated the motion, hitting her chest with precision.


    CRACK!


    The orb''s light flickered, dimming slightly as another piece of its energy waned.


    Meanwhile, Alera snarled as another wave of life energy surged into her. She stumbled but quickly regained her footing, her death mana intensifying.


    "You think you''re tough?" she growled. "I''m tougher."


    The orb trembled, its glow sputtering under the onught.


    Pyris reached the third victim, a short man with a crooked nose. This time, the mistshed out, forming tendrils to block his path. Pyris dodged, his superspeed leaving afterimages in his wake.


    "Not today," he muttered, mming the dagger hilt into the man''s chest.


    CRACK!


    The orb shuddered, its fractures spreading wider.


    Alera gritted her teeth, sweat streaming down her face as she held her ground against the orb''s retaliation.


    "You''re doing great, lovebug," Pyris called over his shoulder, earning a re from Alera.@@novelbin@@


    "Finish it before I lose my patience!" she snapped, her voice strained.


    *****


    "This chapter was wild to finish. I''m a bit sick. But I''m sure with enough support guys I will be fine." Said Pyris  (???????)

 Chapter 234 Unknown & Unknown!!

    Pyris wasn''t trying to be hero, he would have right way saved hispanions first and Lady Nysa, however, as much as he hated it, he couldn''t do that.


    His threepanions were a bit cake for orb and it''s grip was stronger, the only was to save them is if he destroyed it, try to save them first thing he knows is them dying.


    So he didn''t take the risk, but he didn''t have to waste time and breathe killing these worthless husks, only a stop on their life flow would do the work.


    Pyris, going to the next person doing the same thing, continuing to then next.


    "The crack is widening," Alera shouted with her blooded mouth. Pyris stopped for a moment, seeing the opening, he smirked.


    Living the rest, he ran to Lady Nysa, he swopped her in his arms, running back to where Zara, Lyra and Seren were, dropping her down he ran back to the orb.


    It was a safe distance from the orb.


    Midway he couldn''t held the lingering sensation of Lady Nysa, "she''s so soft even with her thin body, and man... That scent..." He looked back at her...


    Everything was happening in a span of an instant, not even two second had passed, time seemed to have been frozen down for him.@@novelbin@@


    Reaching Alera he carried her away too to the rest, before the orb could register the change Pyris was back and with all his force he punched...


    BAAAAMMMM!!!


    It was loud filled with power that the cave shock as though there was earthquake.


    CRACKKK!!!


    The sound was heard before...


    BOOOOMMMMM!!!!!


    It burst like an explosion, Pyris was thrown away like a ragdoll but before he hit the ground, he had already activated his space element teleporting away.


    Pyrisnded without wasting a breathe, he created a shield with a void element, as the spiral of vortex of energy touched the shield, it was erased to nothing by the void dome shield that coned them.


    Pyris to destroy the orb immediately was thanks to his void mana, it had obliterated the orb immediately. If Pyris was as strong as Mira or Song, he would have just outright erased the orb without so much trouble but there was no fun in that either although he didn''t have that kind of power... Yet.


    Bringing any of those two would only cripple his growth...


    But the pressure of destroying something so powerful like the orbs was something his void element couldn''t save him from, as the pressure descended down on him, Pyris found himself left with no choice but to defended himself and others as well.


    Standing protectively around them, the pressure of all a whole world, at least it felt like that to him, was dropped on him bringing him down to his knee. He bit his lips refusing to go down on all knees but it didn''tst like he had expected.


    [Ding...!]


    ____


    Outside the dark shield, the wild spiral of energy began to subside, gradually dissolving into the still air. The cave, once filled with swirling chaos, had transformed into something unrecognizable. The dense mist that had clouded the space had vanished, as had the ominous orb that had once pulsed with malevolent power.


    The other husks, apart from Lady Nysa-whom Pyris had managed to savey in ruin, their bodies reduced to charred remnants.


    Their once-living forms had been burned beyond recognition, their flesh ckened and brittle. The air was thick with the stench of scorched remains, a grim reminder of the destruction wrought in this forsaken ce.


    The cave itself no longer resembled the ancient, cavernousbyrinth it once had been.


    The walls, scorched and cracked, bore the marks of the intense energy that had surged through them. The ground beneath, once firm and solid, was now uneven and scorched, with cracks that seemed to pulse with the lingering remnants of the dark force.


    The cave had been irrevocably changed, as though the very fabric of its existence had been rewritten by the violent forces unleashed within it.


    One thing though stood out in the chaos left behind by the destruction of the orb, it was a strange green glowing marble like ancient eyes, to pulsed with intensity like a beating heart but giving off a green visible aura.


    As Pyris dismissed the shield, Zara, Lyra and Sereny motionless in the floor, this side was still in good condition unlike the rest of the burnt cave ground.


    He looked at them letting Alera take care of them, the dragon''s golden eyes darted to Lady Nysa briefly before he walked forwards towards the ruined part of the cave.


    As the pulsating aura of the green touched his body, he felt his body crawl like thousands of ants were crawling on his body, it was a sharp sting on his body.


    He looked back at Alera and he realized he was the only one the eye was affecting, most likely because he had walked near it. It''s aura couldn''t reach the necromancer.


    Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    ''Appraise!'' Pyrismanded his most trusted system only to...


    [Error... Unknown Object discovered.


    Object: ????


    Use: ????


    Ding!: New Mission generated.


    Mission: Discoverer the uses and origin of the Unknown Object!


    Reward: Unknown Rank Forgery Skills!]


    System notification flooded his mind when he tried to appraise the object. He stared at the messages and the object in awe and unknown emotions.


    "So the system can''t discern the object and it''s origins?" Usually the system would just show him Error messages and leave it like that showing either his level was to low to know certain information or that the appraisal skill was to low for it to provide him certain information but today...


    It had outright said it didn''t know the object too going even far as giving him a mission for that. Or just...? He shook his head. The system definitely didn''t the know


    What suprised so much was the reward, Unknown Rank Forgery Skills! And that was a surprise.


    "Is this rank even higher than the Godly Rank?" The system would have said it if the skill was that of Godly Rank or lower but instead it said Unknown Rank which meant that it could be higher than the godly rank, right?


    But the system didn''t answer.


    "Fair enough," if the system choose silence to keep it''s secrets, he couldn''t force it, he had no means to.


    "But one things of for sure this, eye... has to be rted to forgery¡ªAn item which I can only embed in a construct." The object was still pulsating.


    He walked to it but didn''t touch it, he instead wrapped it in his mana storing it in his inventory, as long as it was his mana energy, he didn''t need to touch an object to put it in his inventory.


    "Unknown Forgery Skills, huh? Talk about aspirations!"


    *****


    **AHHEEMMM**

 Chapter 235 Lady Nysa & Eternals Echo!

    With the object secured, Pyris now had time to look at the system notifications from earlier.


    [Ding! Mission Completed... Mission(s)!


    1. Survive the Mist of Fulfillment! Rewards: Full control over the Eternal''s Seal.


    2. Save Nysa from the binds of the Fulfillment Formation. Rewards: Full loyalty of Lady Nysa. Map to the Blood Chalice from Lady Nysa.]


    Describing rewards...


    [Ding! Host can now use the Eternal''s Seal without relying on LPs...


    New update: Host can now use both his mana and LPs at once to increase the chances of enving a being more powerful than him.


    New update 2: The Host''s reach with the Eternal''s Seal has surpassed the intended limit set by Fate for his current level.


    Ding! Host''s aura can''t be suppressed by the ???''s Ring. Host might attract new threats¡ª opportunities too¡ªbeyond his level.


    New Update 3: Host''s energy and aura have been hidden from gods by the nextyer of the ring.


    Note: The secondyer can only hide the host from gods!]


    "What the fck!" Pyris eximed. These were not rewards; these were fcking curses!


    But he quickly suppressed himself, taking a deep breath to calm down. At least...


    "At least I can smile at the fact that the Seal is no longer limited and I can even put it on those powerful beings..." He could feel another change too. It seemed like the Seal had gotten an upgrade. "No, it''s me having fully embraced the Seal. Now I can feel Soltan even at this distance. And that''s not all..."


    He looked at Alera, and the green sigils of the Seal appeared around her, only seen by him. They were ancient as usual, glowing with grace but with power¡ªomnious¡ªominously divine!


    This was a signal that he could enve her if he wished. He looked at Zara, and this time the sigils wrapped around her were white, the same with Lady Nysa.


    For Lyra and Seren, it was the same green as with Alera. "I can put a Seal on them with just relying on my mana, with no effort. Zara and Lady Nysa, it will be a bit difficult and will take a toll on me, but I can do it too with mana alone too!" It was as if the information was in his mind to start with.


    He smiled. This was a new breakthrough. He looked at another reward...


    Well, about that, he could only get them after Lady Nysa woke up¡ªher loyalty and the map.


    Getting the map would save them from mindless wandering.


    Although Lia was guiding him to the treasures if she felt one, there was no telling which treasure she was sensing. Provided he couldn''t refuse free treasures, getting the Blood Chalice faster was essential to him.


    And Lia... She wasn''t responding anymore either.


    So, Lady Nysa''s guidance and the map would be more weed.


    "Hey Lia, are you there?" Pyris called out again, but there was no response at all, so he left it at that. Instead, he went back to the cohort where Alera and others were.


    "How''s everyone?" he asked, but Alera had little to say about that. There was no change at all in the three, but at least Lady Nysa was showing changes. Color was starting to return to her lips, and her body was pulling mana around her to regenerate.


    Even up to now, Pyris couldn''t tell which race she belonged to, and worse, the system wasn''t bringing any information to him.


    He could only wait for her to wake up. Pyris hoped she wouldn''t be hostile, as he would be forced to put a Seal on her. Yet a part of him wished she would turn hostile¡ªthat would give him a reason to put a Seal on her, ultimately making her his tomand and...


    Pyris shook his head to remove the dangerous thoughts. "Better be careful with the Seal; it''s tempting!" But much as he wanted to deny it, there was truth in this temptation. He wanted to make Lady Nysapletely bound to him, hoping he would do that with both''s consent.


    "Please don''t force my hand," he mumbled to himself. He hoped for the better.


    ____


    Outside in a certain unknown location.


    Zaryana sat on a throne with her legs folded in the chair, her chin rested on her knees inzy abandon, watching Pyris''s every action.


    "Eternal''s Echo, huh?" she mused, her eyes lighting up with her usual interest in him. "I was right about you, Pyris, I was really right. To think you would even have the Eternal''s Seal! As if the Essence Devouring wasn''t enough. Now what will be next? Lust Copy?" she wondered, mentioning Pyris''s skills and abilities as if they were written on the back of her hand.@@novelbin@@


    What she didn''t know, though, was that Pyris already had the Lust Copy ability.


    "I hope you don''t awaken it too soon. Even the ring will only be able to pick up the pieces! Luckily, even if you were to awaken Lust Copy in the next twenty years or so, it won''t fully awaken right away to it''s full potential. That way, the second and thirdyers will keep you hidden!"


    From her voice, it seemed she feared the power of Lust Copy more than that of the Eternal''s Seal and Essence Devouring. Even the Elemental Sovereign''s Aura seemed to fade inparison.


    "Ah... What a troublesome youngster! I will have to keep an eye on you¡ªto guide you..." She closed her eyes briefly but then snapped them open again. She didn''t want to miss even a second of his adventure.


    "Well he''s so interesting, isn''t he?


    "Wait? Am I this bored, or is he just irresistible... I mean, interesting?" She smiled. "Let''s hope theing challenges won''t break you. Hopefully, theye after you''re done with your little games with that stupid mortal Ss and his master. Tsk, Ancient Vampire my ass. You can''t evenprehend a few thousand secret of your Blood Truth to be a stupid fully-fledged immortal. Or be a god like these useless gods, and you call yourselves an Ancient Vampire¡ªthe audacity, Vorath!"


    Feeling like wasting her breath on Vorath was useless, Zaryana turned her full attention to the Lust Dragon and his cohort.


    He¡ªhe was more interesting than anything. She would never get tired of him.


    "I''m craving a few conquests, Pyris. Add more women, let''s see... un, that Zara, Mira, or, well, Astrid and your mother are interesting women too, hehehe. I can wait for Seraphina and Astrid with him at worst, Ah~ the thrill of Emberly and Astrid taking care of your big boy down there is even more thrilling~ But that arrogant bitch Nysa will give me more joy. I can''t stand her face." She giggled, punching the air in delight and anticipation.


    Rumble!!!!


    Beyond, in the distance that not even a god could see, the heavens rumbled when Zaryana punched the air by mistake.


    "Oops!"


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    ****


    Guys tell me what you think of Zaryana!

 Chapter 236 Void Matter, Jealous Alera~

    The cave was humming with the remnants of the energy from the eruptions of the orb; the lingering remnants were mixed with the all-consuming void mana that, even up to now, was still consuming the remaining energy from the orb relentlessly as if the two were some archenemies.


    Pyris observed everything impassively, watching as the void mana, the nemesis of all kinds of mana, consumed the orb''s energy despite the void mana being little in the cavepared to the energy it was consuming.


    "If mortals ever knew how to harness the energy from Void Matter, things could be disastrous, and interesting maybe," mused Pyris, still awed by how powerful Void was.


    Void Matter, although it wasn''t as powerful as the actual void mana and not as all-consuming, was still powerful enough to cancel and negate mana to a certain extent.


    From Rank 1 to Rank 18 awakened''s mana, they all fell in the maws of the Void Matter, but thetter could still take time to negate the mana or cancel an attack from a powerful Rank 18.


    Although, for powerhouses like Anastasia¡ªa mere Rank 17¡ªit hardly posed a threat to her devastating abilities.


    But from Rank 19 and beyond, the Void Matter has little to no effect at all on those monsters.


    And since mortals hadn''t found a way to consume or fully harness the energy in the Void Matter Core, its uses were limited to being used to defend and cancel abilities and skills of the awakened, as the Student Council President had done with Ragna.


    "Thanks to the Phantoms, Mother had known how to extract the Void Matter from the cores despite not having the void element herself." That was how Emberly and the old Pyris were able to make armors with passive skills to cancel attacks.


    When two or more of these armors were in the same ce, an active skill could be activated upon sensing several attacks and would create abined shield, a dome-like shield, to counter these attacks.


    This had happened when the crowd had tried to attack Ss when he was being brought to the court; this active skill had been activated.


    This would have been a breakthrough for mortals, and it would have ensured safety for the awakened as they ventured out into the wilderness against corrupted beasts or even fought against their fellow awakened, but the issue was the Void Matter Cores were so rare.


    Even an entire organization or a royal family, perhaps having more than five, was considered luck on its own. To make things even worse, the appearance of one Void Matter could cause a fight between these big organizations.


    So how could a normal awakened get their hands on such a thing, let alone the Void Armor, as it was called?


    Thetter costs billions of AR, and only big organizations like the Supreme Court could afford to purchase more than five of the armors.


    Yet, Emberly had millions of these Void Matter Cores sitting in the Obsidian Tech tower, and only those who upied the highest floor knew them, and that''s, of course, the CEO and the vice CEO, Emilia, Lizzie, and Suzie.


    But to Pyris, the Void Matter Cores held not much importance even if he could directly harness it''s energy; he could, after all, control the Void element as he wished. Why would he need the Void Matter Cores?


    But still, they were important, and order after order for Void Armors was piling up on their desk, and he couldn''t make these armors with his void element; that would be too generous of him!


    "Sigh, I hate to admit it, but Suzie was right; I really should get some rest!" Pyris said aloud. But that thought would disappear from his mind as though it never crossed his mind.


    Rest? Now, that was a foreign word to him! The only way for him to rest was to focus on improving his powers and then improving his other skills, technology, and forging.


    "The academy awaits! That would be a resting and slice of life part of my life." His blood pumped at that thought.


    After theunch of ARGO VRMMORPG, he would have to step down for a bit and focus on his first primary goals, and the academy was one of those.


    The adventures and the beauties it promised were endless, but most importantly...


    "The hidden potential in those guys, the legacies I could use to get to my goals." But he also couldn''t neglect those outside. "I''m promising myself this for yet another time; I''m going to wreak havoc; s, I''m shadows, hehe~!"


    His moves would not be shy like they had beentely.


    "Slow burn!" He thought.


    "Suzie was right, huh?" Alera''s voice cut through his musings, her toneced with sarcasm. "More like she wanted you under in her legs during that so-called ''rest'' she suggested!" Her disapproval was palpable.


    "Aren''t you feisty today? Under her legs?" Pyris smirked, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "Hardly. She was looking out for me; I do work tirelessly, you know."


    "Work? Ha!" Alera''s eyes narrowed as she jabbed a finger into his chest. "You mean gallivanting around, collecting women like trophies. ''You know, Lovebug, this mission in the Midnight Dominion is crucial¡ªit dictates everything we''ve worked for. But I need you to stay and train hard while I handle it.'' And what happened next?" She mimicked his tone with biting precision, her anger simmering.


    "What happened," Pyris replied with mock innocence, "was that I gathered the intel we needed to be here now."@@novelbin@@


    "Intel?" Alera scoffed, throwing up her hands. "You mean charming yet another woman into your bed! What was her name again¡ªAmir? No, Ammit! Let''s not forget Seraphina! Unbelievable!"


    Sheughed bitterly, her frustration boiling over. "While I was out there training, battling beasts in the Grove, you were cozying up with her. Goddess only knows, maybe you even had a foursome with those two women!"


    "Alera~" Pyris murmured as he pulled her into his chest, his hand gently patting her head. So that was why she''d been so gloomy since their return.


    "Elsa, you little troublemaker. You will be the death of your big brother." Pyris silently cursed the mischievous young elf who''d undoubtedly spilled the details to Alera. While he had no secrets from her, he preferred to deliver such news himself.


    "There, there. Rx," he soothed, his tone softening as he tried to cate her.


    "Ahh, it was fun seeing you all fired up," Zara''s voice rang out, startling them. "And now? Look at you, all docile in his arms, letting him off the hook. Come on, Alera, don''t be so submissive!"


    "Ugh, shut up!" Alera snapped, her anger rekindling as Zara''sughter echoed, joined by Seren and Lyra. Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire


    "You''re b*tch witch," Alera growled through gritted teeth.


    ****


    Stable harem? Nah, such things are worked for. We will get there but there won''t be fights or hatred among his women and those added on.

 Chapter 237 Run As A Coward Or Fight?

    "He''s a traitor, please, don''t stop," Zara chuckled


    Seren and Lyra had crimson shades of red on their cheeks, they had woken up when Alera had just started seething with jealous but Zara had stopped them from making a move, not willing to ruin the fun of Pyris being scolded.


    "Bitch! What did you just say?" Alera''s voice trembled with fury, her anger boiling beneath the surface. Her body shifted from his embrace like a smoke sipping through dark openings.


    She faced Zara with visible anger on her face, "who''s man did you just call a traitor?" She didn''t like the words betray in her whole life, she had nearly died that time and how bad her life had been because of how she was used and discarded.like she was nothing, Zara now using the same one word on Pyris was something she couldn''t let pass.


    Everything was fine but that!


    "Hey, hey," Pyris knew her dark past and things that could set her off, he immediately pulled her back to him holding her shoulders tight, "Look at me Lovebug, she didn''t mean it like that okay?"


    Her anger although subsided she was still raging, "B-but she called your a t-traitor," Violet necromancy energy was dancing on her form, swirling violently, "You''re not, my man can''t betray me! You''re not a Traitor I know I know..." Pyris cut her off with a tight hug.


    "She didn''t mean it, you know Zara, right? She likes teasing you." Pyris looked her dead in the eyes, her eyes too, had started changing colours and her iris were moving violet flickers akin to small portals.


    If went past this, her whole Shadow Army was going to pouse out of her shadows soon.


    "What the fuck...!" Zara, Seren and Lyra couldn''t help exming in surprise.


    It was indeed a joke to tease Alera but just a single word "betrayal" had caused Alera to bowl it out with Zara despite knowing thetter was stronger.


    They took mental not to mention that word when addressing Alera.@@novelbin@@


    The carefree necromancy was about to turn into a fearsome angel of death for just one word?


    _____


    Everything had happened so fast and ended at the same speed, peace had finally returned to the cave, Zara and Alera were now in an awkward position without knowing what to say.


    Alera stayed by his side and followed him as he went to the Lady Nysa who had shown even more showing regenerative speed, her body had regaining more fat to it.


    Pyris using his life element started giving her some of his life mana.


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    Since he hadrge reserves of mana pool, he wasn''t worried of running out of mana or making even slightly weak for a few minutes.


    "Is she''s of some use?" Alera asked by his side, "I noticed she''s the only one you saved from all other husks." Although she had to admit the woman was unique with her quick regeneration, she didn''t see anything else.


    She didn''t have any kind of powerful aura to at least indicate she was at least a powerhouse.


    Although she had been food for the orb for some unknown time, she still would have had some powerful presence, even a dead powerhouse had an aura around them, not to mention the now burned bodies also had a powerful aura presence on them as well yet this woman... Waspletely devoid of that kind of powerful aura impression.


    But, while, Alera she underestimate her either, but Pyris saw some kind of use for her, Alera didn''t see anything, but hey, there''s a reason he was the leader.


    "Mmm~ she''s could be important who knows, she seemed distinctively different from others, maybe when she wakes up she might have much in-depth information on thebyrinth!" There was no need to mention about the system mission to save her.


    "If you put it like that..."Alera nodded letting Pyris do his thing.


    "Wow, I didn''t know you were so interested in a husk, huh, Petne Chaos?" Zara chimed from the sidelines.


    "I wouldn''t say that if I were you, not when you were about to be not so different from the "husk", stupid witch!" Alera shot at her.


    "Seems like I don''t have to raise a finger to deal with you anymore, Zara!" Pyris chuckled, the witch just kept quiet this time with what Alera had just said.


    "I didn''t know Zara could ever admit defeat!" Ultimately getting out of this ce was essense, focusing on one thing that mattered the most now, Pyris flexed his arms slightly then squatting near Lady Nysa, he had to admit she was a beauty and she was even prettier now with her face and cheeks no longer swollen in her skull.


    And to quicken processes, he touched her hand with both his hands yet he jerked his hands back right way.


    [Ding! Your Life Force is being drained!]


    "Fuck!" He cussed under his breathe.


    "What happened?" Alera asked, slightly surprised by his suddenness. Pyris was momentality stunned, he stood there without saying a word


    "Hey Seren, do Vampires suck life force?" He asked Seren who shook her head.


    "Apart from Immortals or those who have Blood Truths allowing them to so that, vampires don''t suck life life, only blood, much less do that through just a touch!" Seren exined patiently.


    "That''s... I don''t know if it''s a relief but I''m not fucking touching her again!" When he touched to give her more life energy as it would have been faster that way, a startling amount out of his life force had been sucked that instantly.


    Luckily he''s a dragon.


    He looked at her again and the change had happened, she had started breathing morefortably, her breathe was rhythmicing in short bursts before bing normal again, her chest rising and falling in a serene mana.


    "How can she suck one''s life force with just a simple body contact?" Everyone wondered, the way it happened was a very fast speed and she took so much that Pyris was rmed.


    Being a dragon, his life force was unreasonably much and purer thanks to the two heritages, Lust and Golden Dragon, even if she was able to suck his life force it would have happened in small quantities and at a slow speed and Pyris would have barely be affected.


    But she had taken 15 percent right away. He could already feel a slight headache.


    [Ding! Lady Nysa''s fate has been tied to yours after draining your Life Force and Essence...


    Ding! Lady Nysa has broken from the shackles of Fate and Destiny! Fate has recognised you as an abomination.


    Warning: An Unknown Entity has recognised your presence.


    New Mission generatee: Run to save your life or confront the entity.


    Rewards: Your life will be saved with being smart and a coward...]


    "Who art thou, that darest to tread upon these hallowed grounds? Speak, stranger, and reveal thy purpose, lest thou be deemed unworthy."

 Chapter 238 Beyond The Goldy Realms

    Before Pyris couldprehend the meaning of thest system notification, a sudden, oppressive pressure descended upon the chamber like an unrelenting tide. It was overwhelming, suffocating, and inescapable.


    Alera was the first to falter since she was near. Her knees buckled beneath her, and she dropped to the ground, clutching her chest as though an invisible force sought to crush her ribcage. Her violet eyes dimmed, and her lips trembled as she bit down hard to stifle a scream.


    Shadows flickered uncontrobly around her, betraying her inner turmoil.


    Seren, ever the unyielding vampire warrior, gritted her teeth as she, too, sumbed to the weight of the pressure.


    Her warhammer fell from her grasp, nging against the cold, unfeeling floor. She wed at her throat, her fangs bared, as if struggling for breath. Blood-red sparks danced along her fingers, but even her vampiric strength seemed utterly futile against the crushing force.


    Lyra on the other hand, paled, trembling before she copsed beside them.


    Her delicate hands clutched her chest, her face contorted in pain.


    The miasma of thebyrinth that had haunted them before now seemed like a mere whisperpared to this overwhelming aura. Her wide eyes flicked toward Pyris, desperation flickering in their depths.


    Pyris remained standing, though even he couldn''t deny the staggering weight pressing against his shoulders. His mind raced as he steadied himself, his Elemental Sovereign''s Aura crackling faintly around him like a protective cocoon.


    This was no ordinary force¡ªthis was like an awakening. And not just any usual awakenings.


    "She''s waking up," Pyris murmured under his breath, his gaze darting toward the once-still figure of Lady Nysa.


    The atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with ancient energy that seemed to pulse in time with the orb''s flickering glow. The remaining faint golden-green life energy that had fed the husks now radiated with an intensity that made the walls hum, thebyrinth itself seeming to quake in reverence.


    Then, she moved.


    It was subtle¡ªa delicate tilt of her head, as though shaking off the chains of slumber. Her dark gray hair, cascading down her back, seemed to shimmer faintly, catching the eerie glow of the orb. Slowly, her eyes snapped open.


    They were like voids of endless depth¡ªalthough they were a shade of green¡ªtheir depths almost like the abyss itself had found a home within her gaze. They pierced through the chamber, seizing everything in their sight.


    The pressure intensified.


    Alera let out a choked gasp, Seren''s hands balled into fists against the floor, and Lyra copsedpletely, her breathing in shallow, ragged gasps.


    Pyris, despite the monumental force bearing down on him, couldn''t help but marvel. This wasn''t just a woman¡ªthis was power incarnate. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Lady Nysa exuded a presence that demanded submission from all who dared to exist in her realm. The void that consumed her essence seemed to reverberate with one unspoken truth: she was a force beyondprehension.


    Her lips, pale and cracked, parted, and her voice emerged, low and melodic, tinged with a power that made the air shudder.


    "Who art thou, that darest to tread upon these hallowed grounds? Speak, stranger, and reveal thy purpose, lest thou be deemed unworthy." Pyris didn''t find courage to reply.


    "Who art thou, that dost disturb my slumber?" She asked again.


    The question wasn''t directed at any one person, yet it was as if her abyssal gaze locked solely onto Pyris.


    Her words carried an ancient weight, each syble heavy with authority, as though they had been pulled from the fabric of time itself.


    Pyris straightened his posture despite the pressure, his Sovereign''s Aura ring briefly as he met her gaze.


    A spark of amusement¡ªor perhaps curiosity¡ªflickered in her endless eyes as the room fell deathly silent, save for the echo of her question hanging in the air.


    "Lady Nysa..." Pyris began, his voice trembling, though his tone was steady.


    He nced sideways to check on the others. Zara seemed to be holding herself together, but the others¡ªAlera, Seren, and Lyra¡ªwere on the ground.


    His fists clenched. "Stop this madness¡ª"


    "Who art thou, that darest to tread upon these hallowed grounds? Speak, stranger, and reveal thy purpose, lest thou be deemed unworthy!"


    Her voice, resonant and sharp as the crack of a whip, cut him off. It echoed through the chamber, shaking the very walls.


    Lady Nysa''s body began to rise from the ground, her movements fluid yet unnatural, as if she were a puppet on unseen strings.


    Yet there was no mistaking the divine grace in her bearing, the undeniable aura of authority radiating from her being. The oppressive energy around her surged again, pressing down with such force that even Pyris and Zara nearly buckled.


    Alera let out a strangled gasp, her trembling hands gripping the floor as if anchoring herself. Seren''s fangs dug into her lip, drawing blood, her warhammer forgotten at her side. Lyra, pale and wide-eyed, could barely move.


    The pressure intensified, Pyris couldn''t take it anymore.


    "I SAID STOP!!!" Pyris bellowed, his voice breaking through the suffocating force like a thunderp. His eyes zed with defiance, his aura ring around him in sharp bursts.


    "I hope this works," he thought at the same time, reasoning with himself. "The system said her fate is now tied to me, not the other way around. That must mean I hold some authority over her!"


    As hismand reverberated through the air, Lady Nysa''s entire being began to tremble. Her radiant form faltered, and her body convulsed as though struck by a divine lightning bolt.


    Her eyes¡ªa shade of green¡ªrolled backward, and for the briefest moment, she clutched her chest, a faint grimace of pain flickering across her ethereal features.


    The overwhelming pressure vanished.


    Alera copsedpletely, gasping for air. Seren let out a strangled curse under her breath, her knuckles white as she pushed herself off the ground. Lyra simplyy there, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she clung to consciousness.


    Zara stood beside Pyris, straightening her robes with a scowl. "Well, that was unpleasant," she muttered, her usual sarcasm tinged with exhaustion.


    Lady Nysa''s piercing gaze snapped to Pyris, fury flickering like a dark me behind her eyes. "How darest thou, mortal, bind this ancient being! Art thou courting thine own doom?" Her voice thundered with a primal rage, resonating with centuries of authority.


    Pyris adjusted his stance, brushing the nonexistent dust from his shoulder with deliberate nonchnce. "Bind you?" he echoed, raising an eyebrow.


    "I didn''t do such a thing. If anything, you should be thanking me. I saved you, you Ancient Hottie from staying stuck in whatever nightmare that was. You''re wee."


    His confidence grew as he spoke, his instincts reaffirmed by the fading remnants of the oppressive aura.


    Luckily, his guess was right¡ª "Lady Nysa''s fate was bound to mine¡ªbut seriously, what the fuck? She had absorbed my Life Force, and that alone was enough to bind her fate to mine?


    "What have I be? No, more importantly, what was she?"


    Lady Nysa''s scowl deepened, her hand instinctively moving to her chest as if trying to feel for the truth. "Saved me? Thou darest to im such audacity and calling me hottie?" Her tone was incredulous, her archaic ent thick andmanding.


    Her gaze faltered momentarily, confusion clouding her features. Memories stirred¡ªa blur of events, fragmented and disjointed. She remembered the strike¡ªher brother''s blow¡ªand the darkness that had swallowed her whole.


    Then...something else. A dream, a world too perfect to be real. Centuries spent in bliss, surrounded by familiar faces, only for it all to dissolve into nothingness.


    And now, here she was. Before this boy?


    "Where..." she murmured, her voice softer now, distant. Her gaze darted around the chamber, searching for familiarity. These weren''t the sacred grounds, yet she felt like she knew the whole ce?


    Where was she? And... Lady Zaryana? Where was...anyone she knew?


    "Hey," Pyris called out, snapping his fingers to draw her attention. "Lady Nyasa, back to earth¡ªor, uh, back to Argos."


    Her gaze snapped back to him, her lips curling into a sneer. "Do not presume familiarity, boy. Thou art unworthy to utter mine name with such insolence."@@novelbin@@


    Pyris smirked, folding his arms. "Oh, I''m sorry, Lady Ancient-Beyond-All-Reckoning. Should I kneel, too, while you try to crush me into meat paste?"


    Zara, unable to suppress a snort, muttered under her breath, "I can''t decide if he''s brave or just incredibly stupid. Oh well, he''s the master now!"


    "And she deserves it. So much for going into all trouble saving her ass!" Alera felt bitter and angry too. She had been reduced to a mere kid of five after they saved her? Who was Lady Nysa kidding?


    Lady Nysa narrowed her eyes, her expression an inscrutable mix of irritation and intrigue. "Thou art fortunate thy tongue dost amuse me. Tell me, boy¡ªby what means hast thou bound me?"

 Chapter 239 Wanderer Soul & The Wild Cards!

    Pyris gestured vaguely toward the orb in the center of the room, its cracks now glowing faintly. "Not me. me the shiny ball of doom for making you it''s ve first. And then maybe me yourself. You''re the one who decided absorbing my life force was a good idea. Butstly... Come on thank me for saving you."


    Her eyes flicked toward the orb, and for the first time, a shadow of uncertainty crossed her face. "This... thing might...tis no ordinary artifact. Its powers eludes me still."


    "Yeah, well, wee to the club," Pyris said dryly.


    Lady Nysa tilted her head slightly, her piercing gaze never leaving him. Despite her anger, there was something...curious in her expression now. "Thou art strange, boy. Perhaps not as insignificant as thou seemeth."


    Pyris smirked, his confidence returning in full force. "Oh, I''m ttered. Now, Lady Nysa, how about we stop trying to kill each other and figure out how the hell we get back to business?"


    The chamber fell into an uneasy silence, the tension between them still palpable but no longer suffocating. For the first time, Lady Nysa hesitated¡ªnot out of fear, but consideration.


    _____


    Pyris could have felt ttered¡ªhaving an immortalpanion now tied to his severed fate should''ve been a win. Yet, Lady Nysa screamed trouble. The kind of trouble that didn''t knock politely but tore down the doors of peace and stability. If he wasn''t to not y this new Wild Card well¡ª she was a trouble that would swallow him whole.


    And now, he had to go and make her a Wanderer, untethered from fate like himself.


    "Well, she made herself like that. Who the hell told her to get greedy and suck my life force?" Pyris thought bitterly.


    Either way, what was done was done. There was no undoing it now.


    On second thought, perhaps there was a silver lining. Pyris couldn''t help but acknowledge that, thanks to his disconnection from fate and destiny, his Wanderer identity was proving to be its own wildcard. That identity alone was the reason he''d stumbled upon Lady Nysa here in the Abyssal Labyrinth¡ªan ally of unfathomable power that no mortal should''ve been able to make.


    That severance was what had led him to a powerful ally he wouldn''t have been able to find soon¡ªor perhaps ever¡ªin his journey.


    "She''ll be a powerful ally, right?" Pyris murmured, trying to convince himself.


    But then, something else came to mind¡ªsomething that sent a shiver through him.


    Elsa...


    "Could finding Elsa also have been the work of my Wanderer identity? After all, how else could I have stumbled upon a soul like hers a soul of....?" he wondered his thoughts going back to that time.


    Elsa, like Lady Nysa, was another wild card¡ªa tier higher than even Zara!


    Pyris muttered to himself, listing everything he''d encountered so far: "The Eyeball. The Unknown-Rank Forgery Skill. Lady Nysa."


    He paused.


    "...What else is this Wanderer Soul going to hand me¡ªor worse, throw me into?" Pyris grimaced.


    His thoughts trailed back to the system''s ominous notifications:


    [Ding! Lady Nysa''s fate has been tied to yours after draining your Life Force.]


    [Ding! Lady Nysa has broken from the shackles of Fate and Destiny! Fate has recognized you as an abomination.]


    [Warning: An Unknown Entity has recognized you.]


    [New Mission Generated: Run to save your life or confront the entity.]


    [Rewards: Survival... if you''re smart¡ªor cowardly enough.]


    Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    An abomination, huh? Pyris mulled over the weight of that word, the way it clung to him like a brand.


    Lady Nysa had shattered her chains after draining his Life Force¡ªa feat not easily overlooked by Fate itself. It wasn''t surprising that it had retaliated bybeling him something so¡­ other.


    An Abomination.


    "What does this even mean now?" Pyris muttered to himself, pacing with his hands running through his hair.


    The answer wasn''t far-fetched. "I''m a secret, aren''t I?" he reasoned. "A living loophole for anyone who dares to sever their threads from Fate and Destiny. That''s why they called me an Abomination."


    It wasn''t just his defiance of cosmic forces¡ªhis own freedom had been an anomaly, tolerated but overlooked. But the moment he granted that same "liberty" to another¡ªespecially someone as ancient and powerful as Lady Nysa¡ªit became an outright rebellion against the grand design.


    "Was she put here thanks to the strings of fate? Now I had to go on and untether her?"


    At first, Fate and Destiny had been indifferent to his existence. His disconnection was an isted curiosity, insignificant to therger scheme. But now? He had introduced a ripple.


    If he had showed others the door out of the prison they haven''t even realize they were in. And that¡­


    "Fate won''t have that," Pyris muttered grimly.


    His mind raced as he pieced together the puzzle. How had this happened?


    Lady Nysa had absorbed his Life Force, but was that alone enough to sever her threads from Fate? Or was there something unique about her?


    "No," Pyris thought, narrowing his eyes. "This isn''t just about her. This is about me. It''s because of the madness swirling inside me. All the chaos¡ªthe anomalies¡ªit must''ve made this possible."


    The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. He wasn''t just an outlier. He was a catalyst. He wasn''t just unbound; he was the one who could unbind others.


    It exined why Fate didn''t intervene when he cut himself loose. But now? Now, Pyris was a threat.


    "What kind of trouble am I walking into?" Pyris muttered, pacing once more. His gaze drifted to Lady Nysa, who seemed to radiate defiance even in her subdued state.


    Her liberation hade with a price¡ªa crack in the Cosmic Order. And Pyris had paid that price with his own soul.


    He sighed, exasperated. "All this because she couldn''t resist my Life Force. Really, couldn''t she just leave it alone?"


    But no, she''d gone ahead and tied herself to him. And now, they were both targets.


    The implications didn''t stop there. Pyris remembered the system''s ominous warnings.


    [Warning: An Unknown Entity has recognized you.]


    [Mission Generated: Run to save your life or confront the entity.]


    Yes, he had caught the attention of an Unknown Entity¡ªsomeone the system explicitly warned him to run from at all costs. That meant one terrifying thing: the being was here.


    "Lady Nysa?" Pyris muttered under his breath. If she was the one, why had the system issued the warning? It knew he had leverage¡ªstrings he could pull to stop her madness. Yet, the system''s urgency hinted at something far worse.


    Then there was the pressure. A suffocating, crushing force that nearly broke him and Zara.@@novelbin@@


    It had been her, no doubt. "She was literally going to squash us like bugs," Pyris thought grimly. But that had been before¡ªbefore she woke up fully.


    What now? What was this ancient, mad being going to do once she came to her senses?


    If he didn''t figure out a way to stop her... The system had already calcted the oue. The only certainty was death.


    "Fucking hell!" Pyris swore aloud, drawing curious nces from the others.


    He cleared his throat, forcing a strained smile. "Ahem. Ah, Lady Nysa, what, uh... what race do you belong to?" His voice faltered slightly. He needed answers, and he needed them now.


    Taking a closer look, he finally noticed the glowing sigils etched across her body¡ªEternal''s Seal sigils, pulsing ominously with a mix of ck, pink, and golden energy.


    Before she woke, the sigils might have allowed him to contain her. But now? The pink and gold swirled within the darkness like greedy tendrils, binding her to him in some grotesque pact.


    "Greedy little thing tied herself to me," Pyris muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "Because I''m just that delicious, huh?" He snorted, forcing a smirk.


    The truth sank in. Sealing her wasn''t even necessary now, not yet. But she was awake, and he couldn''t afford a single, at least misstep and she was bound to him now.


    "A delicacy for a sleeping beauty," Pyris mused aloud, his smirk turning into a grin. "Well, can''t me her. I am irresistible." He chuckled, though his stomach churned with unease.


    Lady Nysa''s lips curled into a sneer, her voice cold andmanding: "Thou darest to inquire of my nature, mortal?"


    *****


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 Chapter 241 The "Collect"

    "Strange mortal," she finally addressed him, her voice carrying the cadence of ancient authority, "I hold what thou dost seek, yet it shall not be freely given. A bargain must be struck." Her gaze carried a hint of expectation as she asked him.


    Pyris, hearing her words, was not surprised, as this ancient beauty had spent a century or more here, so surely, she had her own desires, "perhaps that''s the way she thinks; she can navigate this new world far from home." Pyris thought to himself.


    A deal, an exchange, was a trade she could think of, and given the expectant gaze she had, Pyris almost felt sorry for her; she was in a world that didn''t belong to her after all.


    "Okay, Lady Nysa, I can''t help but agree to a requesting from a beauty such as yourself, and given the bond we share, I can only agree to my partner''s request!" His noble voice almost fooled Zara and Alera¡ªalmost.


    "How noble!" Zaramented sarcastically, but Lady Nysa had already been fooled by Pyris'' noble and righteous voice.


    In her world, a man never goes against their word, most especially if it''s a word given to him by a partner.


    "But I''m wondering..." Pyris caught his chin seemingly in deep contemtion, "What''s this deal? What do you want in exchange!" Lady Nysa, hearing his words, bimmed slightly; again, Pyris couldn''t help but stare at that smile.


    "I must have her around me always! Those stupid nobles will be captivated by her!" Pyris thought teasingly.


    "I want to Collect from you!" Lady Nysa let out her words this time were clear, taking Pyris aback.


    "Collect from me? What do you mean!"


    Lady Nysa sighed; she almost pped; of course, Pyris wouldn''t know what she meant since he didn''t know her or her origins at all.


    "Collecting is, ah... Ok, it''s a way of me acquiring all the information I need or power, Vitality, Strength, primal energy, or Mana since this world uses mana as the energy, not primal energy." Lady Nysa exined.


    The "Collect!" exnation hit him like a hammer; how could he forget what had just happened previously? When he touched Lady Nysa to speed up her hearing, she had sucked him.


    Now hearing her exnation, it makes sense what she was meaning by Collect from him.


    Pyris took steps back.


    Watching his reaction, the women were taken aback; the four women could not help thinking, "Was it that bad!" The way he took steps back, they could only imagine what he had experienced when Lady Nysa sucked him.


    "Fret not Young Noble!" Lady Nysa raised her hand, seeing him backing away, "previously, what had happened was by body subconsciously Collecting from you. It usually doesn''t work like that, but since I was almost out of energy, my body Collected from you on its own. But unlike the other time, it''s different when I''m in control of my body!" She exined.


    Apparently, Lady Nysa could Collect from anyone with just a touch, and she only Collects what she wants; for example, her body Collected life force from him to get her out of thea because that''s what she needed, and her body subconsciously took that from him.


    But now that she was fully awake, she could Collect on her own, and what she wanted right now was to Collect information from him. Information about this world.


    Another thing was that, since Pyris was her partner, tethered together by a bond that went even beyond fate, Pyris could choose which information she couldn''t collect from him, but he didn''t know this.


    "But..." As she knew what she was going to saydy Nysa cut him off.


    "Fret not, Young Noble. You won''t feel that way since I''m in control of my body now, but if I wanted, I can make you feel that dread again, but you''re my significant other, and I''m not allowed to harm you!" She exined.


    "Hmmph! Significant other my ass!" Alera snorted, "Just because you two are bound, that doesn''t mean you''re together with him! Hmmph, shameless ancient woman!"


    Of course, Lady Nysa didn''t care about Alera''s words, causing the young necromancer to stomp and pout.


    "I understand, but I want to ask you something. Can''t you Collect from them? I mean, they might have more knowledge than I do about this world. Especially that witch!" Pyris pointed to Zara and then Seren.


    Alera smiled that he didn''t include her among those Lady Nysa could Collect from, "Of course he''s my man, hehe~!" She smiled.


    "That I can''t. Not right now. Until my body is used to this mana, I can''t Collect from beings of this world but you... you''re different." For some reason all the relief he had gathered poffed like smoke.


    "How am I different?" He asked helplessly.


    "Can''t you just agree and we get this over with?" Zara and Seren asked impatiently; he looked at them as though he was looking at fools.


    "You don''t know what you''re talking about," Pyris hissed, "have you ever seen me act like this? I mean even if it was to go against a Rank 20 beasts or an awakened, I would agree to that than experiencing that thing again!"


    "Eehh?" The women were surprised, "that bad!" They eximed.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris would agree to fight a Rank 20 rather than experience Lady Nysa''s Collect?


    One had to know that Rank 20 awakened could level a mountain by just a wave of their hands and those figures were the emperors and Empresses of the Mortal Realm.


    But what confused them was that his hesitation and deration didn''t fit well with how he had acted after Lady Nysa had Collected from him. Was he acting tough at that time?


    Lady Nysa sighed, "Young Noble, I promise it won''t be bad like the previous one!" She reassured knowing how bad her subconscious Collection is. "As for why you''re the only one, it is because we''re bound together, and your soul is..."


    "Okay, I agree!" Pyris immediately cut her off agreeing to her request before she could say anything about his soul.


    He, of course, would choose not to agree to this deal, but he didn''t want to drag things too far, and since Lady Nysa promised it would be fine, then it would be.


    Another thing, if he didn''t agree, she might also not take them to the Blood Chalice; although they would be able to find it after some time, following her guidance would speed things up.


    Another reason is "This will be another way to form a strong bond between us; sharing is caring, right? And after all, she will be my woman soon!" Who knew how long she would stay with him? He was sure he would be able to conquer this ancient beauty!


    "Fine," he extended her his hand; of course, Lady Nysa was brimming with happiness. She reached out before Pyris suddenly pulled back.


    "What?" She was confused.


    "Do you Collect every time we touch, I mean, when we make any bodily contact?" Pyris asked.


    "Mhmmm~ I don''t know why you ask such a strange question since we won''t be touching, but no, I don''t Collect everything we touch unless I wish!" She replied. Read thetest on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Good, hahaha!" Pyrisughed as he extended his hand to her, "Hahaha, Goddess Lilith you... love me so much, don''t you?"


    "I DO MY SON!" He had her voice.

 Chapter 242 "Collect" 2 a Quickie **

    "Good, hahaha!" Pyrisughed as he extended his hand to her. "That settles it, hahaha, luckily I won''t be Collected from when I pin her with my Holy Sword! Ah~ what a relief"


    "Hahaha, Goddess Lilith you... really love me so much, don''t you!" He felt like everything was working his way maybe due to her Divine intervention.


    "I DO MY SON!" He had her voice, of course; he was making it his head, "It''s taking so long than I expected; I want to finish it fast so that I cash in all the times I didn''t use my "Once-in-a-month" chance to talk to the Goddess!" Pyris thought.


    He had refrained from talking to the Goddess all this time for a reason, and soon, he would cash in all those missed months.


    "Ahh~" he was brought out of his thoughts as he subconsciously moaned in pleasure; he looked at Lady Nysa''s glowing hands as she held him.


    "Is this how vampires make their victims feel?" It was a pleasure he hadn''t experienced before with just a touch, "it''s the same with sex! And it''s just a touch?" His thoughts couldn''t stay calm without wandering.


    "What will be it like if my Holy Sword is inside that cave!" He could only imagine... for now.


    "Someone''s enjoying huh?" Zara teased making his lips twitch. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    "So much for now wanting to be "Collected from" Hah, unbelievable!" Aleramented.


    "Well, aren''t those the perks of being the "special" one in the group?" They all rolled their eyes at his shamelessness.


    "Special my foot, more like the pervert in the group!" Seren growled not believing she was less special than him.


    "What can I say, vampire? I am, after all, a Champion of Lust! Hahahaha!" They looked at him not knowing what to say.


    Anyhow, the Collection was done in a minute and Lady Nysa had told them to wait for her to absorb the information since it was so much, Pyris didn''t hold back at all.


    Even his secret, she already knew it, so there was nothing so much to hide from Nysa, and giving her everything would make her curious about him, and she would stick around.


    While she was meditating, Alera had pulled Pyris somewhere secluded; no, it was right to say she was dragging him there.


    Thanks to the Living Shadows, she had found somewhere safe for her n.


    _____


    "Alera~ are you sure about this?" Pyris asked.


    "Don''t make me twice again darling~ I want it~" her hand reached to stroke his cock. She was on her knees stroking his dick, and before long, she was already kissing it on her head, her hunger visible in her eyes.


    "Mmm~ you''re so hungry for me~" Pyris had his hands in her hair as she blew his dick in her mouth. She nodded to his statement.


    Pyris shook his waist back and forth, rocking her tight mouth, and surprisingly, she was gagging despite his big size.


    He kept going on and on but Pyris wasn''t satisfied with just this.


    He pulled out of her mouth, helping her onto her feet.


    Without a word, he turned her around, making her bend over until her hands were on the floor.


    Immediately he pulled her robe she was wearing until they were all on her back.


    "Ah~" Alera moaned when Pyris squeezed her bare ass hi his palms feeling them under his palm. She moaned again.


    "You pervert, where are your panties?" Pyris as he rubbed her pussy and clit with another free hand, she was already soaking wet.


    "Mmm~ yessss~ touch me like that~ aaghhh..." She moaned again; his fingers were threatening to enter her pussy, only to pull them away.


    "I asked where are your panties!" Pyris ascerted now rubbing his cock between her ass cheeks.


    "Ahh~ I removed them when ahhh~ Lady Nysa was touching... Mmmm~ touching you..." She told him between moans.


    "Ahhh~ yes.. yes..." Pyris'' fingers now moved in and out of her wet pussy his cock teasing her entrance.


    "Huh? What a pervert you''re Lovebug, huh~ why? Did it turn you on seeing another woman, a stranger touching your man?" As his wordsced on Pyris pushed his Holy Sword slightly into her entrance while rubbing her clit, Alera felt she was on the verge of eruption.


    "Ahhh~~ yes darling it did turn me... Ahhhhj~" Her moan cut through the cave when Pyris thrust deep into her pussy.


    Pah! p!


    "Say it again!" Pyrismanded again, holding her waist and thrusting into her. She was tight squeezing him inside.


    "Yes... It turned me on," she admitted, moving her waist. With the support of her hand on her floor, she could move with more force.


    "You''re so sexy in this pose," Pyris said with now her ass in his eyes, and her pussy was stretched; his dick was reaching her depth with no effort.


    "Tell me did you have fantasies, ughh~" Pyris groaned her pussy was tightening again. Holding her with more force, he started moving faster.


    "No, I didn''t have fantasies... Oh~~ yes yes fuckkkkk me harder darling~~~" her moans grew louder.


    "Oh really~" Pyris smiled, and heughed as he knew the truth; he raised her leg, almost sweeping her off bnce, but he had her, and the support from the floor was enough.


    "Fuckk~~~" he didn''t stop moving hitting all the spots.


    "Tell me Alera, tell me what fantasies did you have!" Hemanded. Pyris was feeling on the verge of cumming as he wanted this as much as she needed.


    "Ahhhh~~" This time, Pyris was sure others heard too, but that was the thrill, right? "Yes darling, I had fantasies. I wanted you to fuck me there and with her watching to show her I''m superior!" She said it loud in one breath; Pyris nearly stopped, but he chuckled.


    "Then moan for me, make sure she hears it all!" He BB wasn''t holding back anymore, his thrusts grew faster and hard


    "Yeess~~ I''m cumming," she moaned loud when she came. "But I still want more!"@@novelbin@@


    "Don''t worry, I''m not done!" Pyris dered, feeling his cock twitching, onest round, and he will cum too!

 Chapter 243 Into the Dimensional Rupture: The Fractured Terrain.

    Alera walked a step behind Pyris, her cheeks flushed and her movements unusually quiet. Zara smirked at her, clearly enjoying the rare sight of Alera, the proud and unflinching "Shadow of the Forgotten (Forgotten Shadow)," looking so flustered.


    "Well, someone''s had a productive break," Zara teased in a low whisper as they walked.


    Alera''s head snapped toward her, eyes narrowing. "Say another word, and you''ll wish for thebyrinth''s traps instead of me."


    "Oh, threats now? I''m shaking." Zara''s grin widened, her tone as calm as ever.


    Lyra, who was walking a bit further ahead, kept her focus straight but couldn''t hide the slight twitch of her lips. Seren, on the other hand, was scowling outright.


    "You could at least keep your antics private," Seren muttered, shooting Pyris a sharp re.


    Pyris, utterly unbothered, adjusted his coat. "I don''t see what the big deal is. Focus on thebyrinth; it''s not like the traps care about our personal lives."


    "You mean your personal life," Seren snapped but fell silent as Lady Nysa took her ce at the front.


    Lady Nysa''s movements, on the other hand, were fluid, her silhouette somehow blending with the shifting shadows of thebyrinth. Her presence exuded an air of control and detachment, making it clear she wasn''t here to hold their hands.


    "I shall lead thee through this chaos," Nysa announced, her tonemanding, "but know this: thou must face thine own battles. I shan''t intervene unless death itself greets thee."


    "Comforting, it''s not like you can do anything," Pyris muttered, his sarcasm lost on Nysa. Given her situation, she can''t even lift a finger.


    Thebyrinth grew unstable as they moved forward. Walls shimmered, the ground cracked, and flickers of distortedndscapes began to bleed into the path.


    "This is the dimensional rupture?" Seren asked, her grip tightening on her war hammer.


    "Indeed," Nysa replied, her voice calm. "Thebyrinth doth test thee. Each step forward shalt weave new trials."


    Suddenly, the corridor split into five paths, each glowing faintly. A low hum filled the air, like a heartbeat resonating through the stone.


    "Pyris," Alera said, stepping closer to him. "Which one?"


    Before he could answer, Nysa spoke again. "They all must move as one. To stray apart in this rupture is to wee annihtion."


    "Great," Lyra muttered. "No pressure."


    The air around them had started shifting, heavy with a foreboding hum that resonated deep within their bones.


    As the group stepped forward, the corridor ahead fractured, the solid ground splintering into floating tforms that hovered precariously over an endless, swirling abyss. The void beneath them pulsed with energy, flickers of crimson and violet shing like lightning storms in a chasm without end.


    "Well," Pyris said, breaking the silence with a dry chuckle, "this looks weing. Who''s first?"


    "Not it," Lyra said immediately, stepping behind Seren, whose grip on her war hammer tightened.


    "I didn''te here to babysit," Seren growled, ring at the others. "Let''s move before the tforms decide to disappear on their own."


    Pyris chuckled enjoying teasing them, he stepped forward, testing the edge of the nearest tform. It wobbled slightly but held his weight.


    He shifted his bnce carefully, the tform tilting just enough to make him question its stability.


    "Good news," he said, gesturing for the others. "It holds."


    "And the bad news?" Alera asked, her arms crossed.


    "The bad news is that it''s going to be a real pain if these things start copsing," Pyris replied, stepping fully onto the tform. "Just don''t jump too hard, most especially you Seren you''re "thick"."


    "Fuck off Petne or whatever your name is," Seren retorted at his teasing, "thick?" She wondered.


    As the group began crossing, it became immediately clear that the tforms were anything but predictable.


    Some shifted as soon as they were touched, others crumbled beneath their feet, and a few even moved on their own, floating toward the abyss before anyone could step on them.


    Alera was the next to step forward, her Living Shadows stabilizing the tform beneath her as she moved. The faint whispers of the shadows seemed to guide her steps.


    "Show-off," Pyris muttered under his breath, earning a smirk from Alera.


    Lyra hesitated before taking her first step, her feetnding with a soft thud on the tform. It tilted sharply, and she let out a startled yelp, grabbing Pyris'' arm for bnce.


    "Steady there, Alera," Pyris teased, steadying her. "Don''t want to end up as void food, do you?"


    "Thanks for the vote of confidence," she muttered, her face flushed.


    The thick Seren followed, her war hammer slung over her shoulder. As her weight hit the tform, it sank slightly but didn''t give way.


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    "This is nothing," Seren said confidently, her tone almost daring thebyrinth to challenge her further.


    "Hah, you''re flexibility the thick and warhammered Vampire!"


    "Hey, what''s your problem with me being thick?"


    "Nothing, it''s amusing and..."


    "Attractive?" Zara finished, theyughed.


    Halfway across the first set of tforms, the ground beneath Alera began to glow faintly, intricate runes appearing and shifting into patterns that seemed almost alive.


    "Runes," Pyris muttered. "Looks like they''re waking up."


    No sooner had he spoken than the tform began to shudder violently. The runes pulsed brighter, and with a deafening crack, the tform split into two smaller, jagged pieces.


    "Move!" Pyris shouted.


    Alera leaped to the next tform just as hers crumbled into the abyss, the fragments consumed by the swirling void below.


    "That wasn''t in the brochure," Pyris muttered with a chuckle, less bothered than others while scanning the remaining tforms. "Great, we''ve gotndmines now." Nobody understood what he meant though.


    "Thisbyrinth doesn''t want us alive, does it?" Lyra asked, her voice tinged with unease.


    "No," Seren replied, her tone t. "And it''s doing a great job of showing it."


    "Aren''t two overthinking so much?" Alera mused.


    The next series of tforms were narrower, barely wide enough for a single person. The group moved cautiously, testing each step before fullymitting.


    As Seren stepped forward, the tform beneath her gave a loud creak, and without warning, a section of it broke off and fell.


    "Shit!" she eximed, jumping to the next tform. Her war hammer slipped, nearly dragging her into the abyss, but she managed to regain her bnce.


    "Careful, thick one!" Pyris called.


    "No kidding," Seren snapped, ring at him.


    Behind her, Lyra was eyeing the same tform nervously.


    "You''ve got this," Pyris said, gesturing for her to follow.


    "Easy for you to say," she muttered but stepped forward anyway.


    Just as she reached the halfway point, a sharp whistling sound filled the air. A glowing spear shot out from the wall, aimed directly at her.


    "Duck!" Pyris shouted.


    Lyra dropped to her knees just as the spear whizzed past, grazing her shoulder and embedding itself in the next tform.@@novelbin@@


    "What the hell was that?!" she shouted, clutching her arm.


    "A sniper warning shot," Pyris replied grimly. "Keep moving!"


    ______


    The final stretch of tforms wasn''t just narrow¡ªthey spun slowly, their edges sharp and glinting in the dim light.


    "Spinning tforms?" Pyris said, his toneced with disbelief. "What sadistic bastard designed this ce?"


    "Focus," Alera said, already calcting her path.


    "You''re assuming the leader position lovebug?" Alera smiled and didn''t reply.


    Pyris was the first to attempt the rotating tforms. He timed his step carefully, waiting for the tform to align before leaping to the next one.


    "Piece of cake," he said, though his heart was racing.


    Lyra followed, her movements less graceful but effective. She nearly lost her footing when the tform spun faster than expected, but Pyris reached out and steadied her.


    "Thanks," she muttered, her face pale.


    "Anytime," Pyris replied, though his focus was already on the next tform.


    Seren''s approach was less delicate. She swung her war hammer into the edge of a tform to stop its rotation, using the weapon as a makeshift anchor as she crossed.


    "Not bad," Pyris said, nodding in approval.


    "Shut up," Seren snapped, but there was a hint of satisfaction in her voice though.


    As they neared the end of the fractured terrain, the tforms grew more erratic, tilting and shifting unpredictably.


    "Last stretch," Pyris said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.


    Alera''s Living Shadows surged forward, stabilizing the final tform as the group made their way across. Pyris was thest to step off, his heart pounding as the final tform crumbled into the abyss behind him.


    "Well, that was fun," he said, dusting himself off.


    "Fun isn''t the word I''d use," Lyra replied, ring at him.


    Seren grunted in agreement, her war hammer resting on her shoulder.


    Ahead of them, the corridor stretched into darkness once more, the ominous hum of thebyrinth growing louder.


    "Onward, then?" Pyris asked, looking at the group.


    "Do we have a choice?" Alera replied, her tone light but her eyes serious.


    "Nope," Pyris said with a grin, stepping forward. "Let''s see what this ce throws at us next. Thinks are bing more fun with Seren now." Pyris and others two girls had created a friendly atmosphere that they could tease eachother now.

 Chapter 244 The Uneven Battlefield

    As they stepped into the next chamber, an oppressive chill settled over the group.


    The floor was uneven, jagged, and littered with faintly glowing sigils that seemed to pulse with malevolent intent. A strange, flickering mist began to seep from the walls, taking on eerie, shifting shapes.


    "This path..." Alera whispered, her eyes scanning the oppressive darkness. "It''s going to be a hard one," she said with grim.


    Before Pyris or others could respond, the mist coalesced into grotesque figures¡ªethereal wraiths with hollow, glowing eyes.


    Their forms shimmered like broken reflections in a mirror, shifting between states of existence. Their long, jagged ws glinted with a spectral light, and the air around them grew heavier with each passing moment.


    "Dimensional Wraiths," Zara said calmly, her voice carrying a hint of disdain. "Echoes of souls bound to thebyrinth''s will. Destroy them, or they shall unravel your essence."


    "They attack the soul?" Pyris asked, his tone sharp as his eyes narrowed.


    "Aye," Nysa replied, her tone indifferent as she and Zara stood at the back, watching.


    "Is this supposed to be the safer path, Lady Nysa?!" Seren shouted as she gripped her war hammer tightly.


    "Yes," Nysa said with an almost amused smile. "Safer, rtively."


    The wraiths struck without warning.


    They phased in and out of space, their speed a blur of motion. One lunged at Lyra, its ws aimed at her chest. She barely managed to twist out of the way, her light-element des shing through its flickering form. The wraith screamed, but instead of dying, it reformed, its ws elongating.


    "These things don''t die easily!" Lyra yelled, leaping back as the wraith advanced on her again.


    "They won''t easily of course," Nysa said, her tone almost bored. "Strike with precision, or they shall devour thee."


    Another wraith phased behind Seren, its ws aiming for her exposed back. Pyris moved with lightning speed, his superspeed blurring him into action as he grabbed Seren by the waist and pulled her away just as the ws mmed into the ground.


    "Watch your back!" Pyris said, releasing her. "Damn, she''s so soft!" He thought inwardly


    Seren growled in frustration, her war hammer glowing with crimson energy. She spun around, swinging with ferocious strength. The hammer connected with the wraith''s head, leaving a trail of dark crimson light. The wraith howled, its form flickering violently before stabilizing again.


    "These things are worse than cockroaches!" Seren spat.


    The floor beneath them shifted as the battle intensified, jagged spikes erupting from the ground without warning. Pyris shouted a warning as a spike shot up inches away from Alera, who dodged with the help of her Living Shadows.


    "This terrain is trying to kill us as much as the wraiths are!" Pyris called out with an amused grin, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement beneath the ground.


    Using his sand and earth elements, he manipted the terrain, forcing spikes to retract or break apart as they emerged. "Stay light on your feet!" he ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos.@@novelbin@@


    Lyra darted between tforms of uneven ground, her dual des glowing with light as she parried another wraith''s strike. A burst of space energy followed, slicing through the wraith and temporarily scattering its form.


    "Got you!" she smirked, but the grin faded when the wraith reformed behind her, its ws swiping dangerously close. Pyris appeared again, grabbing the wraith with his darkness element and mming it into the ground. With a gesture, he buried it beneath a surge of sand and rock.


    "They reform too quickly, but no worries beautiful, I''ve got your soft back," Pyris muttered making Lyra blush, his hands already glowing with time energy to slow another wraith before it reached Seren.


    The wraiths grew more aggressive, their attacks more coordinated as if they were learning. Three of them surrounded Seren, their ws striking in tandem. She bled crimson energy as she parried and swung her war hammer, her blood and darkness elements intertwining to form a defensive barrier around her.


    "These bastards don''t give up!" she shouted, gritting her teeth.


    Lyra wasn''t faring much better. The wraiths seemed to sense her light element, targeting her relentlessly. She flickered in and out of reality using her space element, her des striking with precision, but the sheer number of wraiths was overwhelming.


    "I can''t keep this up!" Lyra shouted, her breath ragged.


    Alera, meanwhile, was a whirl of shadows. Her Living Shadows wrapped around one wraith, pulling it into the void where it disintegrated with an anguished screech. But for every wraith she destroyed, two more took its ce, their hollow eyes fixed on her.


    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Pyris, do something!" Alera called out, her voice tinged with desperation and frustration.


    They weren''t powerful pe say, the wraiths were just annoyingly unkible.


    Pyris moved like a storm through the chaos. Using his superspeed, he darted between hispanions, his hands glowing with elemental energy as he countered the wraiths'' attacks.


    With a wave of his hand, he manipted the time element to freeze two wraiths mid-attack.


    "Let''s see how you like this," he muttered, mming them into the ground with his earth element. The spikes rose from the terrain, impaling the wraiths and scattering their forms, his earth element was one of good elements now, it literally listened to his even move and order.


    Alera''s shadows surged forward, consuming the remnants before they could reform.


    "Nice teamwork, darling!" Alera called, her tone strained but yful.


    "Focus, Lovebug!" Pyris shot back, though a smirk tugged at his lips.


    The air pulsed with energy as the wraiths began to concentrate their attacks, forcing the group closer together. Pyris created barriers of sand and earth to block iing strikes while Seren swung her hammer in wide arcs, buying them precious seconds to regroup.


    Despite their efforts, the wraiths were relentless. Seren, Lyra, and Alera were gradually forced back, their stamina waning under the constant assault.


    "I can''t keep up!" Lyra gasped, a wraith''s ws grazing her arm as she stumbled back.


    Alera''s Living Shadows faltered for a moment, allowing a wraith to sh at her shoulder. She gritted her teeth, refusing to cry out as she pushed it back with a surge of shadow energy.


    Seren''s barrier cracked under the pressure, and she was forced to retreat, her breathingbored.


    "We''re losing ground!" Seren shouted, her voiceced with frustration.


    Pyris gritted his teeth, his eyes darting between hispanions and the wraiths. The air around him pulsed with energy as he prepared to unleash a counterattack.


    "Ah~ seems like I have to out a bit more."


    As the wraiths surged forward again, Pyris raised his hands, darkness and time elements swirling around him. With a smirk, he released a wave of energy that froze the wraiths in ce, buying the group a moment to breathe.


    "Everyone, fall back!" he ordered, his tone sharp.


    Seren, Lyra, and Alera retreated to a safer position, their faces pale but determined.


    "We need a new strategy," Pyris muttered, his gaze fixed on the frozen wraiths. The cracks in the ground began to glow ominously, a sign that the fight was far from over.


    Nysa''s calm voice cut through the tension. "Thy survival dependeth on wisdom, not brute strength. Use thy minds, mortals."


    "Thanks for the advice, Lady Nysa," Pyris said dryly. He didn''t want to use so much of his energy on these less powerful creatures when he didn''t know what awaited him near the Blood Chalice location.

 Chapter 246 Beginning of the Labyrinth: The Trial of Unity

    The group stepped cautiously into thebyrinth''s firstyer''s central parts.


    Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    The air changed the moment they crossed the threshold¡ªheavier, colder, and filled with an electric tension that made their skin prickle. This wasn''t just another part of thebyrinth; it felt alive, aware of their presence.


    The walls around them shimmered faintly, shifting and twisting as if watching their every move. A strange humming sound echoed through the corridors, neither natural nor mechanical, but something far more unsettling.


    The path ahead forked into multiple directions, each one darker and more foreboding than thest.


    "This ce¡­" Lyra began, her voice trembling slightly. "It feels¡­ more wrong than the previous."


    "It doth reek of treachery," Nysa replied, her ancient tone calm, yet her eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. "Beware, for thebyrinth''s true nature lies here. It seeks not merely to test thee but to break thee. These are the inner parts of the Labyrinth''s firstyer."


    Pyris observed the environment with narrowed eyes. "If this is where it truly begins, we need to stay sharp. Everyone, stay close and¡ª"


    Before he could finish, the ground beneath them shimmered. A brilliant burst of light enveloped the group, and in the blink of an eye, they were gone.


    ****


    Seren found herself standing alone in an open, deste expanse.


    The sky above her was a swirling vortex of red and ck, lightning crackling across the clouds. The ground was cracked and dry, littered with bones.


    Before her loomed a monstrous creature, its form grotesque and menacing. It stood over ten feet tall, its skin covered in jagged, obsidian scales.


    Blood-red eyes glowed with malice as it let out an earth-shaking roar.


    "A Rank 18? Here?" Seren''s grip tightened on her war hammer. But as she observed it, she found something "But it''s too weak for a Rank 18! How''s it possible, it''s a early Rank 17? Fine. You want a fight? You''ve got one!"


    The creature charged, and Seren met its attack with ferocious determination. The ng of her hammer against its ws echoed through the void as they shed. Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the air, but the monster was relentless.@@novelbin@@


    It forced her back, its blows growing more calcted as if it was learning her movements.


    "Not bad," she growled through gritted teeth. Blood dripped from a gash on her arm, but she pressed on. "But... Come eat my hammer!"


    With a powerful swing, she mmed her hammer into the creature''s side, sending it sprawling. She advanced, ready to deliver the final blow when something stopped her¡ªa cough, faint but unmistakable.


    She froze, her hammer mid-swing. The monster was gone, reced by Pyris, kneeling on the ground, blood trickling from his mouth. His usually vibrant eyes were dull, filled with pain.


    "Pyris?" she whispered, her voice shaking. "What¡­ what''s going on?"


    ****


    Alera on the other hand, found herself in a dark forest, the trees towering and twisted, their branches reaching out like ws. Shadows danced around her, and an oppressive silence filled the air.


    She summoned her Living Shadows to wrap around her body, enhancing her speed and strength.


    Her opponent emerged from the darkness¡ªa spectral figure wielding a wickedly sharp scythe. Its movements were erratic, unpredictable, as if it were a shadow given form.


    "You won''t get me," Alera said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her.


    She darted forward, her shadows striking with precision, but the figure countered each attack effortlessly. The fight was a deadly dance, neither side gaining the upper hand.


    Sweat dripped down Alera''s brow as she summoned more shadows, weaving them into a devastating attack. With a roar, she unleashed it, the force of her power tearing through the figure. It stumbled back, weakened.


    "Strange, for a Rank 18, you don''t have any power and you don''t seem to be holding back? Whatever..."


    "Time to end this," she said, raising her hand to strike. But as the figure crumbled, its form shifted, morphing into someone familiar.


    "Nysa?" Alera''s voice wavered. Lady Nysa knelt before her, her radiant form dimmed and battered. Blood streaked her face, and her once proud eyes were filled with pain.


    "Ungrateful Mortal" Nysa spat.


    "What have I done?" Alera whispered, her hands trembling as her Living Shadows retracted.


    ****


    Lyra stood on a narrow bridge suspended over an endless abyss.


    The air around her was charged with energy, each step sending sparks flying. Before her was a towering knight d in obsidian armor, its de crackling with electricity and it strangely had a witch staff suspended in the air near it.


    "I''ve got this," she muttered not caring about the strangebination of a knight and a witch staff.


    Her des glowing with her light element. She leapt forward, her strikes swift and precise, but the knight was a formidable yet it was only defending.


    Each sh of their weapons sent jolts of energy through her body, numbing her limbs.


    The fight dragged on, the knight pushing her to the edge of the bridge. With a burst of strength, Lyra unleashed a flurry of strikes, shattering the knight''s sword and forcing it to its knees.


    "Stay down," she warned, raising her de for the final blow. But as she also prepared to strike, the knight''s helmet fell away, revealing Zara''s face beneath.


    "No," Lyra gasped, stepping back in horror. Zara''s normally confident expression was reced with one of anguish, her body trembling as if on the verge of copse.


    "You fucker," she cussed weakly, "why did we even allow you to follow us?"


    "What¡­ what''s happening?" Lyra whispered, her weapon falling from her hands.


    ****


    The ce suddenly shattered like ss, and the group found themselves back together in a circr chamber.


    Seren was kneeling beside Pyris, her war hammer discarded as she cradled him in her arms.


    Alera was on her knees, her hands hovering over Nysa as if afraid to touch her. Lyra stood frozen, her face pale as she stared at Zara.


    "What just happened?" Seren''s voice was filled with panic as Pyris stirred, coughing weakly.


    "You¡­" Pyris groaned, his voice barely audible. "You¡­ hit me with your hammer¡­ I was trying to talk to you but you didn''t seem to listen..."


    Seren''s eyes widened in horror. "No! I didn''t¡­ I thought¡­ I''m so sorry!"


    Alera nced around, her heart sinking as she saw the others. "We weren''t separated," she realized aloud. "We were all here the whole time. It was an illusion. It made them look like enemies and... They seemed to be in a weakened state all along!"


    Lyra dropped to her knees, her eyes filled with tears. "I¡­ I almost killed you, Zara. I''m so sorry."


    Zara, unfazed, brushed herself off and muttered, "Well, at least you didn''t. Next time, aim for someone else."


    Nysa, still calm, observed the scene. "The trial sought to test thy unity. Illusions were thy foes, and thou hast triumphed, albeit narrowly."


    Pyris stood, though his legs wobbled slightly. "Thisbyrinth¡­ really hates us." Seren frowned, this isn''t something Pyris would say, any maybe because he was injured that he was ming thebyrinth?


    "Is this supposed to be the safer path, Lady Nysa?" Seren snapped, her frustration boiling over.


    "Indeed," Nysa replied, her tone unbothered. "Thou art still alive, art thou not?"


    The group groaned collectively as they gathered themselves, preparing for whatevery ahead.


    "EVERYONE BE CAREFUL!!" Pyris''s voice boomed, echoing through the other side of the chamber.


    Another Pyris''s who had just shouted, came from a different direction, apanied by Zara and Nysa. The young girls turned sharply, confusion clouding their faces as they saw an identical trio standing just a few feet away.


    "What the¡ª" Seren stammered, her weapon trembling in her grip.


    "WTF!" Lyra eximed, eyes wide. "Am I seeing double?!"

 Chapter 247 Silent Promise, A bit Sadistic Pyris

    "This... this can''t be real," Alera muttered, her Living Shadows flickering erratically around her in defense.


    Her eyes darted between the two sets of Pyris, Zara, and Nysa, desperately trying to make sense of what was happening.


    They acted instinctively to make a distance from the first pair trio of Pyris, Zara and Nysa, they didn''t know who was real and who wasn''t.


    Before they could say another move, the trio they thought they had hurt¡ªthe ones calling themselves Pyris, Zara, and Nysa¡ªbegan to shift grotesquely.


    Their forms twisted and contorted, revealing monstrous creatures with glowing, malicious eyes and razor-sharp ws. Their jaws unhinged, revealing rows of jagged teeth, as they snarled at the girls.


    The young girls staggered back, weapons raised, but the creatures were faster betraying their first impression of being weak monsters.


    Their ws struck with precision, slicing through their defenses and leaving deep, bleeding wounds. Seren, Lyra, and Alera cried out, clutching their injuries as they staggered further away.


    "We''ve been fooled," Seren gasped, her breathbored. Blood dripped from her lips as she red at the creatures. "This... this is why they felt so weak before."


    "They lured us in," Alera said through gritted teeth, her knees buckling. Her Living Shadows flickered in a desperate attempt to shield her, but her strength was waning.


    Lyra, her light element dimming, spat blood as she steadied herself. "They''re... too fast."


    From the other side of the chamber, the real Pyris''s expression twisted in fury. His aura red, a maelstrom of power radiating from his body as he took in the scene. The sight of hispanions injured and bleeding ignited something primal within him.


    "Leave those bastards to me!" Pyris roared, his voice thunderous and filled with authority. His elemental aura surged around him, crackling with intensity. His golden eyes burned with determination as he turned to Zara and Nysa. "No one touches them!"


    Without hesitation, Pyris activated his mana, pulling the three injured girls toward Zara with a swift wave of energy. Theynded gently near her, their bleeding forms immediately enveloped in Zara''s glowing healing magic.


    "You''re safe now," Zara said softly, her hands steady as she worked to close their wounds.


    Pyris didn''t wait for their gratitude.


    His golden eyes locked onto the monsters with a deadly resolve.


    "These bastards are mine."


    With a burst of superspeed, Pyris closed the distance between him and the creatures in an instant. Before they could react, he raised his hand, summoning a pir of sand from the ground. It mmed into the first creature, throwing it into the chamber wall with a deafening crash.@@novelbin@@


    The second creature lunged at him from the side, but Pyris was already onto it. He turned sharply, his hand wreathed in darkness as he thrust it forward. The darkness coalesced into tendrils, wrapping around the creature and pinning it to the floor.


    "You think you can just hurt them and walk away?" Pyris hissed, his voice low and menacing. The tendrils tightened, eliciting a guttural roar from the creature as it thrashed against its bindings.


    The third creature, seeing its chance, leapt into the air, aiming for Pyris''s exposed back. But he vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing above it with a wicked grin.


    "Gotcha," he said, summoning his time element. A bubble of distorted energy formed around the creature, freezing it mid-air. Pyris hovered above it, his eyes glowing with malice.


    He realized these creatures had a high intelligence of at least of a twelve year human with their cruelty and cunning strategy could onlypare with a real adult, since they had some good intelligence...


    "I''m going to make this slow," he muttered, snapping his fingers. The time bubble dissipated, and the creature plummeted to the ground, only to be caught in a swirling vortex of sand that Pyris summoned below it.


    Pyrisnded gracefully, his aura crackling with power as he faced the immobilized creatures. He walked slowly toward the first one, which was still pinned against the wall by the sand pir.


    "Let''s start with you," he said, his tone calm yet chilling. He raised his hand, summoning a shard of ice. It hovered in the air, sharp and gleaming, before shooting forward and embedding itself in the creature''s leg.


    The beast howled in agony, its cries echoing through the chamber. Pyris tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "Oh? Does that hurt? Good. That''s just the beginning."


    He turned to the second creature, which was still struggling against the tendrils of darkness.


    With a wave of his hand, he summoned a sphere of water, encasing the creature''s head. It wed desperately at the sphere, its muffled screams growing weaker as it began to suffocate.


    "Breathe, why don''t you?" Pyris taunted, his voiceced with mockery.


    The third creature, still trapped in the sand vortex, growled and writhed, its glowing eyes filled with fear. Pyris''s grin widened. "Don''t worry, I haven''t forgotten about you."


    He snapped his fingers, and the vortex tightened, the sand grinding against the creature''s body like a relentless vice.


    ____


    "Brutal, say Alera, does your boyfriend has a sadistic side on him?" Zara muttered a question, leaning against the wall as she finished healing Alera''s wounds.


    "Well, everyone does and it seems like, his has just been triggered." Seren answered weakly while Alera chose to be quiet.


    Nysa smirked faintly, her arms crossed as she observed Pyris''s calcted torment. "He doth show no mercy when those he careth for art threatened. Such a mortal is¡­ intriguing."


    "He''s not exactly a mortal, though, is he?" Zara quipped, her tone lighter but her eyes sharp.


    Nysa tilted her head, an enigmatic smile on her lips. "Mayhap not. He beareth the potential of something far greater."


    Lyra stirred, groaning as she sat up. Her dark eyes flickered with gratitude and a hint of worry as she watched Pyris. "He''s¡­ going too far." Lyra was starting to get something she didn''t understand, stirring storms in her heart the time she has spent with Pyris who she knows as Petne.


    "He''ll stop," Alera said firmly. "He always does¡­ eventually."


    Pyris stood amidst the cries of monsters he had tortured, his aura radiating dominance as the creaturesy broken and battered before him. He looked down at the third creature, which was barely clinging to life, its glowing eyes dimming.


    "You''re lucky I don''t have time to y with you longer, but guys like you are intelligent and knew exactly what you were doing, you don''t deserve a one-off killing." Pyris said, his voice cold.


    "But I don''t  have time to y anymore, I will send you to your creator!" The monsters shivered they opened their mouth as if to say something?


    But he raised his hand stopping them, "No need to thank me!"


    Summoning a swirling mass of wind. With a flick of his wrist, the wind mmed into the creature, sending it flying across the chamber and into the far wall.


    The other two creatures, now barely alive, whimpered weakly. With a slice of his ws, he severed their necks with no hesitation.


    Pyris turned his back on them, his aura fading as he walked toward Zara.


    As Pyris returned to the group, Zara''s healing magic was still flowing into Seren, Lyra, and Alera, closing their woundspletely. They looked up at him with a mix of gratitude and awe.


    "You didn''t have to go that far," Seren said softly, her voice tinged with guilt.


    "They hurt you," Pyris replied, his tone firm. "That''s reason enough."


    Lyra managed a weak smile. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."


    Pyris smirked, crossing his arms. "Just don''t get hurt, and you''ll be fine." He chuckled at her cautious voice.


    Alera reached out, her hand brushing against his arm. "Thank you, Pyris." Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    He looked at her, his gaze softening for a moment before he nodded, he hugged his woman in a gentle squeeze, he was separated from her and the monsters.had tricked her to near death.


    "I am sorry lovebug, I will never lose a sight of you again!" He kissed her forehead softly.


    "Mmm~" Alera melted in slowly.


    "Let''s keep moving. We''ve wasted enough time here." Nysa called out seeing their affectionate disy.

 Chapter 248 Zaryanas Plots

    Nysa had been keen as she observed everything which unfold with a keen, calcting interest.


    Pyris¡ªthe young noble who had stumbled across her imprisonment in this forsakenbyrinth¡ªwas nothing short of a curiosity wrapped in enigmas. He was a storm of contradictions: noble yet reckless,posed yet brimming with untamed ambition.


    And beyond all that, he reeked of mysteries¡ªsecrets so profound they seemed capable of unraveling the very fabric of the heavens themselves.


    Even his woman, Alera was a package of mystery in her own right.


    Her gaze lingered on him, drawn to the fire burning in his eyes, a fire she hadn''t seen in millennia. It reminded her of her younger self when she just started her journey, back when she believed her will alone could change her world. But the intensity in his eyes¡ªit burned brighter than hers ever had, threatening to consume everything in its path.


    She knew, unlike her, Pyris was going to reach the end of his goals, he wasn''t going to be cornered to be just as an illusion of his own dreams and potentials like she had be when she faced the monster¡ªher brother.


    This line of thought pulled her into reflection on her own existence. Here she stood, a woman who had oncemanded respect in her own realm, reduced to a wanderer in a ce she had only heard of in whispers by none other than her own blood.


    As one who had held influence, she was far from alien to the idea of the Goldly  Realms, but now she found here herself navigating a mortal one, bound to a man who was as puzzling as he was resourceful.


    Her thoughts wandered to her newfound awareness. After "Collecting"¡ªa rare ability unique to the females of her kind¡ªNysa had absorbed an abundance of information, more than she could have imagined.


    Most of it revolved around this peculiar young man, Pyris, and this new world where mana ruled supreme.


    Surprisingly, she had discovered much about herself as well. The bond tying her to him had not only granted her insight into his life but also made her capable of surviving here, blending seamlessly with the beings of this realm. She could now wield mana like them¡ªa feat she would have considered beneath her before her downfall.


    Yet, she knew how unique this was, her bond with Pyris, she knew she had been unteethered from fate was happy to have reached and hardly believe.


    Still, she had her worries. Chief among them were the Divinitarchs¡ªthe sovereigns of this realm.


    While her presence was muted enough to avoid detection, anypse in control could provoke their wrath. She likened herself to a single silver fish in a vast ocean: insignificant, unless she stirred too many waves.


    If she ever tries to release even a bit of her mana to fight or even defend, here in the mortal realm, gods will be on her in no time.


    The only ce where Nysa will be able to use her mana freely are the Immortal Realms or in a situation where she was faced with a middle rank immortals.


    Yet despite these concerns, she couldn''t deny that staying close to Pyris made things easier. His influence shielded her from threats while his inherent charm piqued her interest. And then, there was the most surprising revtion of all: Phantoms.


    The remnants of a race believed to have vanished even in her own realm.


    It took every ounce of her self-control to stifle her bubbling excitement. In her world, Phantoms were not feared but revered, seen as creatures of legend and unfathomable power.


    And here they were, thriving in the shadows of this new world she just been introduced to. The prospect of meeting them was thrilling.


    Still, another revtion had left her reeling. Pyris wasn''t just an anomaly in this realm¡ªhe was something more.


    His soul, as she had discovered before the "Collection" andter confirmed, hailed from an entirely different world, one devoid of magic, where survival relied solely on wit and ingenuity.


    A world unimaginable to her.


    "Humans are truly remarkable," she mused. "They adapt to anything, even to the most barren of existences." It was iprehensible to her, a life without power. And yet, he stood here, alive, thriving in a ce he shouldn''t have belonged.


    But she noted something conspicuously absent from her findings: Goddess Lilith. Pyris had skillfully concealed any knowledge of the goddess, a precaution she now understood. He wouldn''t expose that secret¡ªnot until he was certain he could protect her from the wrath of the gods.


    His resolve, she realized, was more than admirable¡ªit was terrifying. He had been keeping his connection to the Goddess from everyone but now only Nysa knew.


    Her thoughts snapped back to the present as she continued to process thebyrinth''syout.


    As they moved deeper, shes of unfamiliar knowledge flooded her mind. It wasn''t memory; it was more akin to visions¡ªor imnted knowledge, ced deliberately by a singr hand. Nysa had no knowledge of thebyrinth pe say, she had never explored it, she had but visions left behind in her mind with one silent order¡ªGuide The Young Mortal To His Goals!


    There was only one being she knew who could wield such precision...


    "Lady Zaryana," she muttered under her breath, her tone bitter yet tinged with awe.


    The pieces were falling into ce. Zaryana, the master of schemes and plots, had left her here on purpose and didn''t save her, ensuring she would encounter Pyris. This wasn''t coincidence¡ªit was calcted.@@novelbin@@


    The young noble, with his strange powers and unyielding will, had be a master piece in one of Zaryana''s intricate games.


    Nysa''s eyes narrowed her teeth and lips shivering. "She sacrificed my freedom in hopes to him saving meter¡­ that means she holds him in the highest regard. What game is she ying, and why is he so central to it?"


    The realization struck her like a blow. Pyris wasn''t just a participant in Zaryana''s game; he was her main piece, her greatest gamble.


    Her freedom to finally be her own self, her very existence, was tied to a boy wrapped in mysteries.


    The sting of being relegated to a supporting role in this cosmic chess game was sharp, but it was tempered by the thrill of being a part of it. She had traded the shackles of Fate and Destiny for the subtle strings of Zaryana''s machinations and Pyris'' own mysteries.


    And while the former was suffocating, thetter was exhrating. She wasn''t going to allow to be a supporting character, she was going to be a lead just like Alera, no matter what, she swore.


    "She doth y against the Divinitarchs," Nysa surmised. "This young noble¡­ he is her de. I will his shieldter!"


    With a wry smile, she epted her role she just gave herself. "So be it, young noble. Let us see how far thy path shall lead us."


    ____


    After Pyris and the group regrouper, Lyra informed them of their location.


    "This section is still part of thebyrinth''s outeryer, and it''s core" Lyra exined. "But we''re nearing the inner parts."


    Nysa confirmed this, adding her knowledge. "The Blood Chalice lies in the transition zone, between the outer and inneryers of thisbyrinth."


    The news was a relief, but it brought its own dread. If the outer sections were this treacherous, what horrors awaited them deeper within? Pyris knew none of them were eager to find out.


    "For now, we''ll take what we came for and leave," he announced.


    His words were met with nods of agreement. Yet, even as he spoke, a flicker of curiosity burned in his eyes. Pyris was not one to leave questions unanswered. He''d be back¡ªwhen he was stronger.


    Alera, Zara, and Nysa were unbothered by his deration.


    The Blood Chalice was their only goal. But Lyra and Seren remained silent, their expressions guarded. Pyris turned to them, his voice firm yet kind. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "The moment hase," he said, drawing their attention.

 Chapter 249 Moment Of Truth, Serens Worry

    Opening up to others, especially strangers or those we''ve just met, is often difficult because it exposes our vulnerabilities, fears, and truths¡ªthe very things we instinctively guard to protect ourselves.


    Secrets are tied to our identities and our most personal experiences; sharing them can feel like handing over a piece of ourselves to someone who may not cherish or understand it.


    This hesitation stems from several fears the fear of judgment where one worries that revealing our truths will lead to rejection or ridicule.


    Will they still see us the same way?


    Then there''s a fear of betrayal¡ªtrust is a fragile thing, and giving someone ess to your innermost thoughts requires believing they won''t misuse or share them.


    Also the fear to be misunderstood¡ªexining something deeply personal to someone who hasn''t walked in our shoes might lead to misinterpretation or ack of empathy.


    But there''s also an undeniable catharsis in being understood. Even if the initial fear is overwhelming, sharing secrets in a safe space can bring.


    Relief where one no longer bearing the burden alone, are connection is formed in a sense of intimacy and trust that can deepen bonds. And also sometimes healing¡ªthe act of vocalizing something long-held can lessen its power and hold over people.


    In some cases, it''s about finding the right person, timing, and level of trust to let those walls down. Until then, those secrets remain a fortress¡ªa private sanctuary for thoughts, waiting for someone worthy to unlock them.


    Was this also true to the Seren-Lyra duo?


    The air between the group was thick, weighted by the unspoken question Pyris had yet to voice. Seren and Lyra could feel his gaze, burning with quiet insistence.


    His sharp, probing eyes sought answers, but he didn''t press them¡ªat least not yet.


    Pyris was a master of subtlety when it came to unraveling secrets. He had already begun tipping the icebergs of mystery that shrouded the hearts of the two young women, slowly earning their trust and loyalty just witn creating a sense of camaraderie since they joined him.


    Seren''s crimson eyes darted to Lyra for a moment before stepping forward.


    Her expression was a mask of calm, but her slightly trembling hands betrayed her inner turmoil. When she finally met Pyris''s gaze, she saw no malice or impatience, only unyielding curiosity, trust and the strength of someone who wouldn''t judge.


    Taking a deep breath, she spoke, her voice steadying with each word.


    "I''m Seren Nightshade," she began, her tone formal, as if she were preparing for a duel. "I know you''ve been waiting to ask about my purpose here. I won''t waste your time. I came to retrieve something, and thanks to you, I''ve made it this far¡ªcloser than I''ve ever hoped" Her voice grew stronger, her hesitation fading as resolve reced doubt.


    After all if not for Pyris, her and her group would have either retreated or killed by the Special ss Rank 17.


    "I''m looking for the Flower of Darkness."


    Before Pyris could respond, Zara''s sharp intake of breath filled the silence. Her piercing gaze locked onto Seren. "So you''re that woman''s daughter¡­"


    Seren blinked in confusion. "You know my mother?"


    "I do," Zara replied, her voice a mix of surprise and nostalgia. "Or rather, I encountered her long ago on one of my journeys. She''s a formidable woman... She was¡­ once. Before¡­" Zara''s words trailed off, her expression clouded with something between sorrow and disdain.


    "Before ''that'' happened," Seren finished softly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.


    Pyris''s sharp gaze flickered between the two women, noting the subtle tension in Seren''s posture. Zara''s words weren''t just idle musings¡ªthey carried a weight that the vampire clearly felt deeply.


    "When I heard you mention the Flower of Darkness," Zara continued, "it clicked. You look familiar, a young replica of her. You have the same fighting style. You took after her in every way, Little Nightshade."


    Seren''s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed the sadness beneath. "Thank you," she murmured. "But¡­ my mother isn''t who she used to be. She''s but a dark illusion of her past self now."


    Zara upon seeing Seren thought she looked familiar but she didn''t press to much to it and given how they faced off at the entrance of thebyrinth, it left no room for further probing, so she hadpletely forgotten about it all.


    The group fell silent. Even Zara, who rarely let her emotions show, seemed affected.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris, however, chose to step around the subject entirely. He wasn''t about to tread the treacherous waters of Seren''s family history¡ªnot now.


    He hoped not ever.


    Instead, he turned his attention back to their mission. "And where is this Flower of Darkness?"


    Before Seren could respond, the system''s cold voice echoed in Pyris''s mind answering the question he had silently asked the system.


    > [Host, the Flower of Darkness is a magical herb found in areas saturated with the Essence of Darkness. It has potent healing properties, capable of curing even the most advanced dark-elemental curses or poisons. The individual Seren''s mother is likely afflicted by such a curse.]


    Pyris''s brow furrowed. The system rarely offered information beyond what he asked for. This time, however, it had gone out of its way to even connect the dots.


    This is something only Lia did, O how missed her. Still something felt off with the system m


    Seren''s voice pulled him back to the present. "The Flower of Darkness is near the first guardian of thebyrinth''s outer parts."


    Zara tilted her head. "Convenient," she remarked dryly. "That means we won''t have to stray too far from our path."


    Pyris nodded but said nothing, his mind already calcting their next steps.


    It was Lyra''s turn now. Unlike Seren, who had shown no hesitation in baring her purpose, Lyra was visibly uneasy. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her golden eyes darting between the group.


    "My goal¡­" Lyra began, her voice barely above a whisper. She exhaled sharply and straightened her back. "I want the core of the first guardian."


    The silence that followed was deafening.


    "What?!" Seren eximed, her crimson eyes zing with disbelief. "You want the core? Are you insane?"


    Even Zara''s brows lifted in surprise, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips.


    Lyra crossed her arms, her posture defensive. "I know it sounds crazy," she admitted, her voice firming. "But that''s why I''m here."


    Before anyone could argue further, Pyris chuckled softly. "Fair enough," he said. "Let''s go, let''s do it."


    Seren blinked, stunned by his nonchnce. "What? You''re just¡­ agreeing? Do you even know what you''re up against?"


    Pyris shrugged. "It doesn''t matter. We were going to face the guardian anyway. My goal lies beyond it, so killing it changes nothing for me."


    "You''re insane," Seren muttered, shaking her head.


    "You''re not wrong," Lyra added, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "But Petne," Seren pressed, her voice lowering, "fighting and defeating the guardian''s challenge is one thing. But killing it? It''s impossible."


    "Impossible?" Pyris''s lips curled into a dangerous grin. "I like the sound of that."


    "It''s unkible," Lyra exined, her voice tinged with frustration. "You can defeat it, yes, but killing it? It''s immortal!"


    "Interesting," Pyris mused, his curiosity piqued. "So we just have to figure out how to do the impossible."


    "You''re ridiculous,"


    "Oh I know!"

 Chapter 250 Classification & Guardian

    "It''s unkible," Lyra exined, her voice tinged with frustration. "You can defeat it in it''s challenges, yes, but killing it is out of the question."


    "Interesting," Pyris mused, his curiosity unmistakable. "So we just have to figure out how to do the impossible," he added, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smirk. He wanted every bit of this challenge to test his limits.


    "You''re ridiculous," Seren muttered, though there was a flicker of admiration in her crimson eyes.


    Alera, her brows furrowed, broke the momentary silence. "I don''t understand," she said, her voice tinged with genuine confusion. "Why does it sound easy to defeat the guardian but it''s impossible to kill it?" At the end of her words one could already feel her desire to im the life of the so-called guardian.


    She felt like she wanted to give this guardian a kiss of death.


    Her question drew Lyra''s attention. With a somber look, the light-user exined, "That''s because the guardian only requires six moves to be decided. You get three, and it gets three."@@novelbin@@


    Alera blinked, still processing. "Six moves? That''s all? What kind of twisted game is this?"


    "It''s not a game. It''s thebyrinth''s rule to get past it into the inneryers,," Zara interjected with a sly chuckle.


    Lyra nodded grimly. "For your three moves, you must make the guardian take just a few steps back. If you seed, you win that phase. Easy, right?"


    "Too easy¡­" Pyris murmured, his sharp mind already dissecting the catch hidden behind the seemingly simple rules.


    "And its moves?" Alera asked cautiously.


    Lyra''s lips curled into a bitter smile. "You just have to survive. That''s the rule¡ªdon''t die during its three moves."


    The group fell silent for a beat. The simplicity of the challenge was deceptive, a signature trait of thebyrinth''s cruel design.


    Pyris finally nodded, breaking the stillness. "I see. And how powerful is this guardian exactly?"


    "Hah," Seren let out a sardonicugh. "It''s only a Rank 16."


    Alera gasped. "Rank 16? That''s it?" Thebyrinth had already thrown Rank 16, 17 and even the weak Rank 18 creatures at them, and they had managed although thetter had nearly killed them thanks to their tricks.


    Zara raised an amused brow, sensing Alera''s anticipation. "Don''t let the number fool you," she warned. "This guardian isn''t just any Rank 16. It''s an Emperor ss beast."


    Now, Pyris nodded, he understood why the guardian was feared.


    Creatures and corrupted beasts followed the same ranking system as awakeneds, but their sses made a world of difference. Normal, Special, Elite, Emperor¡ªeach jump was exponential.


    A single Special-ss beast could annihte five Normals without effort.


    Seren Nightshade and Elion Arvad had faced a Special ss creature and it trashed them. Pyris had delt with it easily though and now it was Alera''s Shadow Guard but...


    They hadn''t faced an Elite yet, but now, skipping ranks straight to an Emperor was their reality.


    "Skipping ranks again, huh?" Pyris mused inwardly, it felt and sounded familiar, he had skipped ranks into a foursome with his women without having a threesome, "I guess it will be amazing." He said inwardly.


    If Lia was here she would have rolled her eyes.


    Alera''s eyes gleamed with determination. "An Emperor ss, huh? This will be¡­ interesting." Her excitement was palpable, but Pyris could see the tension hidden beneath it.


    "I see you''re excited," he teased, ruffling her hair. "Just don''t let your enthusiasm kill you, Lovebug."


    Alera swatted his hand away but couldn''t hide her grin.


    Lyra, however, wore a more somber expression. "It''s not as simple as it sounds," she said, her voice low. "Defeating the guardian just to pass is one thing, but killing it outright? That''s another story. The guardian doesn''t die."


    "Doesn''t die?" Pyris echoed, his interest piqued.


    "Exactly," Lyra confirmed. "Its energy is almost infinite. You can beat it, but you can''t end it."


    Pyris leaned back, his lips curling into a wolfish grin. "That just makes it more interesting, doesn''t it?"


    "You''re insane," Seren muttered, though she couldn''t help the faint smile tugging at her lips.


    "Perhaps," Zara added, smirking from the sidelines.


    "So, what''s the n?" Zara finally asked, her gaze shifting to Pyris.


    Pyris''s expression turned serious, his mind already formting their approach. "We''ll retrieve the Flower of Darkness first. Alera, Nysa, and I will deal with the guardian''s six moves together. After that, we''ll head for the Blood Chalice."


    The group nodded, the weight of his words sinking in.


    ____


    As the group prepared to move forward, the tension between them eased, reced by a shared determination. Pyris''s calm confidence was infectious, even as thebyrinth seemed to loom darker and more foreboding with every step.


    "Let''s get this done," Pyris said, his tone resolute.


    Behind him, Seren exchanged a nce with Lyra. "Do you think we can pull this off?"


    Lyra hesitated, then nodded slowly. "If anyone can attempt the impossible, it''s him. But killing the guardian?" She shook her head. "That''s as unlikely as sharing a table with the gods." It was as if she was doubting the sess of her own goal why she came to thebyrinth. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    From the back, Zara smirked, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, this is going to be fun."


    Nysa, silent as ever, trailed behind, her thoughts inscrutable. Yet her sharp eyes never left Pyris. "A curious mortal indeed," she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let us see how far thy arrogance carrieth thee, young noble. Thou shalt soon face the consequences of thine ambition."


    The path ahead grew darker still, and the air thickened with tension. Thebyrinth was waiting.


    Thebyrinth''s jagged pathways stretched endlessly, each step feeling heavier under the oppressive atmosphere. Beasts¡ªdistorted amalgamations of ws and fangs¡ªlunged at them from the shadows, only to be swiftly dispatched. Seren''s hammer crushed skulls with satisfying thuds, while Alera''s Living Shadows turned attacks back on their origin. Pyris mostly observed, asionally hurling a streak of lightning or a burst of me.


    "You''re gettingzy," Lyra said, ncing at him as she drove her de through another creature''s throat.


    "Delegation isn''tziness," Pyris retorted. "It''s leadership."


    "Or cowardice," Seren muttered.


    "I heard that."


    "Good."


    With thest beast felled, Nysa stepped forward, her every movement dripping with effortless grace. "Follow closely. I hath glimpsed the path that leadeth to thy precious flower."


    The group moved in tighter formation, Lyra and Nysa guiding them through a narrow opening in thebyrinth wall. It was barely wide enough for their bodies, the rough stone scraping their arms as they squeezed through.


    "Alera, are you stuck?" Pyris asked, ncing back.


    "No," Alera growled. "I''m just... taking my time."


    "You sure? It looks like your... assets are holding you back."


    "Pyris, I swear¡ª"


    "Focus," Nysa interrupted, her voice calm butmanding. "Beyond this threshold lies the terrain thou seekest."


    They emerged into a swamp.

 Chapter 251 Elite Class... Rank 17

    The group moved in tighter formation, Lyra and Nysa guiding them through a narrow opening in thebyrinth wall. It was barely wide enough for their bodies, the rough stone scraping their arms as they squeezed through.


    "Alera, are you stuck?" Pyris asked, ncing back at the struggling Alera. Had she gained weight?


    "No," Alera growled, it was embarrassing in everyway "I''m just... taking my time."


    "You sure? It looks like your... assets are holding you back." her breasts and ass were still stick in the small stony path.


    "Pyris, I swear¡ª"


    "Focus," Nysa interrupted, her voice calm bark butmanding. "Beyond this threshold lies the terrain thou seekest."


    After the short path which right now every woman here apart from Nysa¡ªloathed¡ªthey emerged into a dark swamp.


    "Tell me anything but not going through that path again!" Serenined. She had the biggest ass so she faced the worst experience.


    "Well it was quite a show!"


    """Pervert!"""


    "..."@@novelbin@@


    Before them was the infamous Shadowed Swamp...


    The air turned thick and humid, carrying the sharp tang of rot and decay. The ground beneath them oozed with dark, murky water that reached their knees.


    Every step felt like a fight against a sucking force eager to pull them under.


    "Lovely ce," Pyris said, his tone dry.


    "Shut up," Lyra snapped, swatting at a cloud of biting insects buzzing around her head.


    "Hey youngdy, be nice to handsomes, okay?"Pyris chuckled but knew when to stop, there was something to explore now.


    The swamp felt alive, but not in the way any of them liked. Every tree had a twisted, sinister shape, their gnarled branches drooping low as if they were trying to reach for the group. Around them, strange carnivorous nts loomed¡ªmassive, pulsating blooms with jagged petals and tendrils that swayed hypnotically.


    "What are those?" Seren asked, pointing at one particrlyrge nt that shivered as they approached.


    "Carnivorous herbs," Nysa replied. "They art not merely nts; they art predators. A single misstep, and thou shalt find thyself consumed."


    Alera stepped carefully, her Living Shadows writhing around her legs, testing the swamp for stability. "This ce is worse than the beasts," she muttered.


    "Agreed, Ancient beauty," Lyra said, her hand resting on her de.


    Nysa just smiled at the strange nickname, she kind of liked it.


    But before they could even n, the first nt attacked without warning.


    A tendrilshed out, wrapping around Seren''s arm and pulling her toward the gaping maw of a monstrous flower. She screamed out of surprise than fear, to the sudden unseen attack, struggling against its strong grip.


    Before she could fight back someone wanted the spotlight...


    "Not today, ntie we still need her, you see," Pyris growled, shing through the tendril with a de of fire. The severed appendage writhed before sinking back into the water.


    "I would have handled that one!" Seren retorted, Pyris saving her against a weak beast made her feel weak too.


    "You''re wee, Nightshade," he rolled his eyes.


    "Stay alert!" Zara called, her voice cutting through the chaos. "These things are everywhere!"


    Lyra swung her sword in a wide arc, cutting down another tendril as it reached for her leg. "Define ''everywhere,'' because I think I just saw one move underwater!"


    "Yeah, that''s exactly ''everywhere,''" Zara chuckled.


    Alera unleashed her Living Shadows, the dark tendrils coiling around the nearest nt and pulling it apart with brutal efficiency. "These things are tough," she muttered. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    "And hungry," Seren added, smashing her hammer into another nt that had been creeping toward Nysa.


    "Thy assistance is unnecessary, child," Nysa said, dodging the attack with ease.


    "Of course it is," Seren grumbled, turning her attention to another nt. She had just wasted her energy on Nysa who didn''t seem to need it all.


    She had a swallow the bitter pill.


    The group pressed forward, the nts bing more aggressive the closer they got to the glowing light at the swamp''s center¡ªthe Flower of Darkness.


    "You know," Pyris began, casually sting away a smaller nt with a burst of lightning, "I always pictured dangerous nts being... I don''t know, more subtle?" He wasn''t a fun of nt corrupt creatures, not even in stories, nts were supposed to be nice and beautiful, right?


    "Like hiding in the bushes until you least expect it?" Lyra shot back, slicing through a tendril.


    "Exactly. These things are just screaming, ''Hey, look at me, I''m going to eat you!'' It''s tacky."


    "Tacky?" Seren echoed incredulously, swinging her hammer at another nt. "That''s what you''re worried about?"


    "Focus on fighting, you fools!" Zara snapped, hurling a bolt of energy that disintegrated a cluster of nts in their path. The nts, although many, they were weak and Zara although rarely acted, she sted some to quicken their journey.


    Alera chuckled despite herself, her Living Shadows twisting another nt into oblivion. "I have to admit, though, he''s not wrong. These things are obnoxious."


    "Obnoxious and deadly," Pyris corrected, sidestepping a tendril that shot toward his chest.


    "You can add ''persistent'' to that list," Lyra muttered, shing away another attack.


    As they neared the flower, the nts seemed to retreat slightly, their movements growing slower and more deliberate.


    "Why are they stopping?" Seren asked, her hammer still at the ready.


    "I sense something," Nysa replied, her eyes narrowing. "Something more dangerous than them."


    "Great," Pyris said. "Because this ce wasn''t terrifying enough already and Seren was bing senile in her attacks." Thetter rolled her eyes.


    The glow of the Flower of Darkness was now just a few steps away, its light casting eerie shadows across the swamp.


    "Stay close," Pyris instructed. "I don''t trust this."


    "Good," Zara said. "Neither do I."


    As the group moved toward the flower, the swamp fell unnervingly silent.


    A low, guttural and disgusting growl echoed through the swamp, sending chills down their spines. The water rippled violently as something massive began to rise from the depths, its shadow towering over the group.


    Pyris sighed, summoning his energy. "Of course. Because why wouldn''t there be a boss fight?"


    Bubbles of noxious gas burst on the surface, releasing an acrid stench that clung to their lungs. Slowly, the murky water began to rise¡ªnot from flooding, but from something immense stirring beneath.


    Then it surfaced.


    A massive flower-like creature unfurled from the depths, each petal a twisted, grotesque mix of flesh and vegetation. Its core pulsed with a sickly green light, veins of dark energy spidering through its translucent body. Razor-sharp tendrils, dripping with toxic sludge,shed out around it, carving through the swamp as if marking its territory.


    The creature emitted a sound¡ªnot a roar, but a cacophony of screeches and wails, like the anguished cries of its devoured victims. Its central eye opened¡ªa glowing orb of malevolent energy that seemed to pierce their very souls.


    The swamp rose higher, lifting the flower onto a throne of churning darkness. Every nt around them twisted and shriveled, feeding their life force into the monstrosity.


    "Elite ss... Rank 17," Pyris muttered, his voice taut.


    It loomed over them, a god of decay and despair. Then, it struck.


    "And here I thought I would skip this rank too!" The irony was lost on him it would seem.

 Chapter 252 Eternal Suns Champion

    The training hall buzzed with energy, a vast chamber reserved for the royal bloodline.


    Polished marble floors reflected the glow of ornate sconces lining the walls, their flickering light dwarfed by the radiance emanating from the eldest prince.


    Prince Kaelion stood tall, his lean, muscr frame glistening with exertion. Golden hair clung to his forehead, framing a face that bore the confidence of a born leader. His movements were precise, each swing of his spear a calcted masterpiece.


    A rank 16 training automaton lunged at him with mechanical precision, only for Kaelion to counter it with fluid grace.


    His spear ignited with a soft golden glow, imbued with the light element, as he drove it into the construct''s chest. The impact hurled the automaton across the hall, where it shattered against the wall. The force of the blow left an echoing silence in the room, broken only by Kaelion''s steady breaths.


    "No longer my rank it seems?" He wondered, his voice was soft and measured.


    Yet as he moved to wipe the sweat from his brow, a blinding, radiant light flooded the chamber. It was warm yet oppressive, a paradoxical blend offort andmand. Kaelion Elise froze, his body trembling as he instinctively dropped to his knees. His spear ttered to the floor, forgotten.


    A voice resonated through the hall, rich and arrogant, as if the world itself bent to its speaker''s will.


    "Kaelion Elise, Prince of the Human Continent," the voice boomed,ced with an imperious edge, "Rejoice, for the Sun God himself has graced you with his presence."


    From the light stepped a figure bathed in brilliance, his form impossible to discern through the searing radiance. It wasn''t a man but something far greater, a being whose mere existence demanded worship. The light twisted and turned, shaping into the unmistakable aura of a divine being: Heris, the Sun God, also known as The Eternal Sun.


    "You kneel before greatness, mortal," Heris continued, his tone both grandiose and condescending but Kaelion was already on his knees even before Eternal Sun spoke, "You have caught the gaze of a god¡ªa privilege that countless kings and emperors would die for, yet it is you who has been chosen."


    Kaelion''s head bowed lower, his voice a tremor. "My Lord Heris..."


    "Silence!" Heris interrupted, his tone sharp. "Do not speak unless bid. You, Kaelion, shall be my Champion. Through you, my light will scorch the shadows and my enemies of this world. Through you, mortals shall bask in my radiance and tremble before my wrath."


    Kaelion clenched his fists in excitement against the floor, his chest heaving as the weight of Heris'' words bore down on him.


    "Know this," Heris said, his voice softening but losing none of its authority. "It is not your worth that earned this honor but my magnanimity. You shall serve, Prince, for my will is absolute. Do you dare refuse such a gift?"


    Kaelion''s breath hitched. Refuse? The very thought was unthinkable.


    "No, my Lord," he managed, his voice steady despite the overwhelming presence. "I shall be your instrument."


    Heris chuckled, a sound that sent chills through Kaelion despite its warmth.


    "Good. Then rise, Champion. You are now a harbinger of my glory. Come forth, for my light shall burn brighter through you than ever before, O Champion Of Eternal Sun!"


    The brilliance in the chamber reached a crescendo as Heris extended his radiant hand toward Kaelion.


    The Sun God''s light coalesced into a sphere, golden and pulsating with unimaginable power. The air itself seemed to kneel before the divine energy, trembling under its weight.


    Kaelion dared not raise his head, his breath caught in his chest as Heris'' voice thundered through the room, echoing even beyond its walls.


    "Kaelion, my chosen Champion, thou shalt bear the eternal light of the Sun. This power is mine alone to bestow, and through thee, my glory shall pierce the heavens and shatter the darkness!"


    The sphere descended, slow yet unstoppable, its brilliance filling every corner of the hall. The very fabric of the room quivered, cracks spreading across the marble floor as though reality itself struggled to contain the overwhelming force.


    Yet in effortless grace, the room would go back to it''s normal condition seconds after.


    When the sphere touched Kaelion, his body convulsed, his muscles locking in ce as his veins illuminated with golden energy. A blinding pir of light erupted from his chest, shooting straight through the ceiling and into the skies above.


    The world paused.


    Across the Human Continent, day turned brighter than ever before. Farmers in their fields stopped their plows, children in bustling streets ceased their games, and nobles in their castles fell to their knees.


    Every mortal soul turned their gaze toward the radiant beacon piercing the heavens, their instincts screaming reverence.


    And then it appeared: the Avatar of Heris.


    "Lord Hero''s!" The human emperor mumbled as he bowed his head slightly.


    A colossal figure of burning light materialized in the skies, its form radiant yet indistinct, towering high enough to brush the clouds. The Avatar''s outstretched arms seemed to embrace the continent, its very presence a promation of divinity. The skies sang with the resonance of Heris'' power, and the people below wept, some in fear, others in joy.


    "Behold!" Heris'' voice thundered, carried across the winds to every ear. "Your prince, my Champion, shall bear the Eternal Sun''s power! Through him, my light shall guide and protect thisnd. Bow, mortals, for this is a moment of divine will!"


    And bow they did. From the farthest viges to the grandest cities, every knee bent, every head lowered. The Human Continent submitted, its faith unyielding, as they acknowledged the will of their god.


    Kaelion''s body lifted from the ground, suspended in the radiant column of light. His aura intensified, zing with a golden brilliance so pure it burned away all shadows. His Rank surged, shattering the barriers of his previous limits. Rank 17 fell like a whisper, and Rank 18 followed swiftly after, his presence nowparable to the strongest of the realm.


    His spear, once an ordinary weapon, transformed in his grasp. Its shaft glowed with runic engravings of the sun, its de radiating a light that no darkness could hope to withstand, it had be an Immortal Rank weapon!


    Kaelion''s appearance shifted subtly, his features sharper, his aura radiant yet terrifying. He wasn''t just a man anymore; he was a force of nature, the living embodiment of Heris'' will.


    Heris, observing his work with a satisfied grin, spoke once more.


    "Thou art my Champion, Kaelion. Bear this power with pride, for thou art destined for greatness. But know this: the Eternal Sun is not a gift; it is a responsibility. Fail me, and the light shall consume thee."


    With those final words, the Avatar dissolved into particles of golden light, which rained down upon the Human Continent like a gentle blessing.


    Kaelion copsed to his knees, his spear ttering to the ground. He didn''t feel exhausted; instead, his body thrummed with boundless energy, as if the sun itself burned within him.


    Slowly, he rose to his feet, gripping his spear tightly. His heart swelled with determination.


    He was the chosen Champion of Heris. The world would bow before the Eternal Sun.


    Far from the Human continent, in a realm of twilight and shimmering starlight, a goddess watched, her lips curling into a knowing smile.@@novelbin@@


    "Ah, Heris," she whispered, her voice lilting yet sharp. "So predictable and always a show off. Let us see how thy Champion fares when faced with mine."


    The scene faded, the goddess vanishing into the ether, her amusement lingering like a shadow of the inevitable.

 Chapter 253 Elite Flower Beast

    The air was heavy with tension as they stared at the monstrosity before them.


    The Elite ss Flower Monster towered above the ruined swamp, its massive petals pulsating with a dark, otherworldly energy. The stench of decay filled the air, contrasting with the grotesque beauty of the creature.


    Its vines coiled like predatory serpents, brimming with barbs that dripped a viscous green poison.


    Seren tightened expression too tightenedz she pulled out new pair of weapons her grip on her dual des tightening each resonating with the dark and blood energy shemanded.


    Her crimson eyes glowed faintly, abination of determination and the power of her bloodline coursing through her.


    "I''ll take it alone," Seren dered, stepping forward.


    Pyris raised a skeptical brow, his greatsword restingzily on his shoulder. "You want to tackle that thing alone? You do know it''s an Elite, right? Not a Regr. Not an Special. An Elite."


    "I know what it is," Seren shot back, her tone steady but firm. "But this is my quest. I need the Flower of Darkness to heal my mother, and I won''t burden you anymore. You''ve done enough for me, Pyris."


    Pyris tilted his head, a small smirk curling at his lips. "Oh? Are you saying you don''t need me around to swing my oversized piece of steel at things anymore?"


    Seren''s lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "I''m saying you can stand back and watch for once. Maybe take notes."


    "Fair enough," Pyris chuckled. "But I draw the line at watching you get eaten, you might have just joined us midway but you''re part of the team. I can''t see you die. Alera, Lyra, back her up."


    Seren''s expression softened at little.


    Lyra unslung her bow, her fingers already ghosting over the darkwood string. "I''ve got this," she said, but as she stepped forward, Alera caught her arm.


    "Wait." Alera''s voice was calm butmanding. "This isn''t just about helping. Seren wants to prove herself, and we''ll let her. But we can''t afford mistakes here. I''ll summon my generals to even the odds."


    Seren looked over her shoulder, irritation flickering in her gaze. "Alera, I don''t need¡ª"


    "You don''t get to decide whether we help," Alera interrupted smoothly, her violet eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "You''ll still be leading the charge, but my shadows will keep it from turning you into mulch."


    Alera stepped forward, Living Shadows pooled at her feet, rising like smoke before solidifying into three towering figures: Shadowshed, her Elite ss general, and hispanions Dread and Torment.


    Each exuded an aura of menace, their shadowy forms flickering like living nightmares. Shadowshed, a hulking knight d in jagged ck armor, brandished a massive sword wreathed in darkness.


    Dread and Torment, more humanoid in form than before, wielded twin curved dark des and a barbed whip, their movements sinuous and unnervingly silent.


    "Woah! Lovebug, your Shadows have went through a startling change!" Pyris gasped.


    They were not like this before when hest saw them.


    "Yeah," she smiled wryly, the change had happened when she woke up from the torment of the mist.


    At that time she had felt the change but didn''t rush to check it you.


    Now all her three Shadow Generals were Elite ss Shadows a change that was brought by the Spark that not only changed her appearance but the boost in her powers amd army of Shadows too.


    "Shadowshed, Dread, Torment," Aleramanded, her voice resonating with power. "Support her. No mistakes, give hell to that oversized "rose"."


    The three generals bowed their heads slightly, acknowledging her order.


    Seren sighed but didn''t protest further. With a determined nod, she charged, her blood energy swirling around her like a crimson storm. The Flower Monster reacted instantly, its massive vinesshing out with blinding speed.


    The first vine came crashing down like a whip, splitting the water surface where Seren had been moments before. She sidestepped gracefully, her des shing as she severed the vine in a single, fluid motion.


    Dark green ichor sprayed from the wound, but the monster didn''t slow. Instead, two more vines shot toward her, faster this time.


    "Blood Veil!" Seren shouted, spinning her des. A crimson barrier erupted around her, absorbing the impact of the vines and giving her the opening she needed to close the distance. She lunged, aiming for the creature''s central stem, but the Flower Monster reared back, its petals ring open to reveal a gaping maw lined with razor-sharp teeth.


    From above, Shadowshed leapt into the fray, his massive sword crashing down onto one of the beast''s vines. The shadow energy rippled outward, severing the vine and leaving a smoldering wound.


    Shadowshed executed with a deep growl. He swung again, the darkness coiling around his de like a serpent.


    The attack forced the Flower Monster back, giving Seren a brief moment to regroup.


    Dread and Torment nked the beast, their movements a blur. Dread''s twin des danced through the air, each strike leaving trails of shadow energy that sapped the creature''s vitality.


    Torment''s whip coiled around one of the vines, holding it in ce long enough for Seren to sh through it.


    The Flower Monster screamed¡ªa high-pitched, ear-splitting sound that reverberated through the grove. Its petals began to glow, a sickly green light radiating outward.


    The ground beneath them trembled, and massive thorns erupted from the earth, forcing everyone to scatter.


    "Watch the waters" Alera called out, her voice sharp. She raised her hands, summoning a shield of shadows to deflect the iing projectiles.


    Seren ducked under a thorn, rolling to her feet falling into the mucky waters just in time to dodge another vine.


    Her breathing was ragged, her energy beginning to wane. The Flower Monster was relentless, and even with the shadow generals, the fight was far from easy.


    With a surge of blood Seren''s body was enveloped in a crimson aura. Her movements became faster, her strikes more precise. She darted around the monster, shing at its vines and petals, but the beast retaliated with equal ferocity.


    Shadowshed roared, his sword glowing with a dark light as he unleashed his ultimate skill.


    The attack cut through multiple vines, carving a deep gash into the monster''s central stem. For a moment, it seemed as though the tide had turned.


    But the Flower Monster wasn''t finished. It let out another scream, its body convulsing as it unleashed a cloud of toxic spores. The shadow generals were unaffected, but Seren, retreated coughing as the noxious fumes filled the air.


    "Enough!" Alera growled, her patience wearing thin. She extended her hand, summoning a massive shadow spear. "Shadowshed, distract it. Dread, Torment, support Seren."@@novelbin@@


    The generals obeyed without hesitation. Shadowshed charged forward, his massive form drawing the beast''s attention.


    Dread and Torment nked it, their coordinated strikes forcing it to focus on multiple targets. Seren took the opening, her des glowing withbined blood and darkness energy.


    Seren shouted as leaped high into the air. She brought both des down in a devastating strike, the energy exploding on impact. The Flower Monster let out a final, agonized scream as its body began to disintegrate, the dark energy consuming it from within.


    As the waters settled, Seren stood in the center of it all her chest heaving as she caught her breath. In the monster''s unfortunate remains, the Flower of Darknessy untouched, its petals glowing faintly.


    ****


    Thank for the support, I finally hit 300 fans! Thank for the support, gifts, power stones and golden tickets!

 Chapter 254 Champion of the Other Forgotten

    The Dark Temple stood isted in a realm that didn''t seem tethered to existence. Shrouded in an eternal twilight, its ancient stones pulsed faintly with dark energy, as though they were alive and breathing. The structure loomed impossibly tall, the spires seeming to disappear into the shadowed heavens.


    Only a chosen few could even perceive its existence, let alone enter its sacred confines.


    Inside, the Grand Dark Altar dominated the heart of the temple. It was carved from obsidian, its edges sharp and wless, as though it had been hewn directly from the night itself.


    Tendrils of darkness oozed from its surface, curling and weaving around the chamber like sentient beings.


    Upon the altar sat Ruvon, a striking young woman with raven-ck hair that cascaded down her back like a midnight waterfall.


    Her pale skin seemed to glow faintly in the dim light, a stark contrast to the swirling shadows that clung to her form. Her once-ordinary figure had been honed into a vision of dark perfection¡ªethereal yet fearsome. Her piercing violet eyes, now tinted with the faintest hue of divine darkness, burned with an intensity that could silence even the most defiant soul.


    Ruvon''s slender wrists were bound by dark chains that emanated raw, unrelenting energy.


    The restraints weren''t merely physical¡ªthey were conduits, pumping streams of dark divine-like power into her body.


    Each pulse of energy was overwhelming, like moltenva coursing through her veins, yet she endured it. She had no choice. This was the path she had willingly chosen to escape mediocrity.


    If an immortal or a god were to see this, they would realize that, this power went beyond just being divine


    _____


    Weeks had passed since the Darkness Deity had chosen her as their Champion. She had spent every waking moment chained to the altar, enduring the infusion of power that threatened to unravel her very being. It was a test, a forging of sorts.


    Every fiber of her being screamed to break free, yet she knew better than to resist. The chains were not her captors¡ªthey were her deliverance.


    Her mind wandered back to the months before she had arrived here. She was nothing then¡ªa beautiful but powerless girl, a demon in name only.


    Born without a trace of magical power, she had been an outcast, a disgrace to her kind. Yet the dreams... the dreams had changed everything.


    The images were vivid, pulling her toward something greater¡ªa temple hidden in an abandoned vige, cloaked in shadows and ancient whispers.


    She believed it had to be a relic of a bygone era, a ce where the most devout could seek an audience with the divine.


    The idea seemedughable, even to her, but the dreams had been insistent, relentless.


    Her journey had been grueling. Months of searching, following fragments of visions, had led her to the crumbling ruins of a forgotten vige.


    And there, beyond a veil of darkness, she had found it¡ªthe temple that existed outside of time and space.


    The moment she had stepped inside, the world had shifted. She hadn''t noticed the spatial fluctuation, not with her mundane senses, but the air had felt... different.


    Denser. Alive. It wasn''t long before she found herself standing before the altar, her knees buckling as the overwhelming presence of the Darkness entity descended upon her.


    The entity had spoken not with words, but with sensations¡ªpromises,mands, and truths that bypassednguage entirely. It was then that the chains had emerged, binding her to the altar and marking the beginning of her transformation.


    Then when she sat on the cold surface of the altar, she had felt the changes taking hold. Her once-ordinary body had been reshaped, refined, as though sculpted by the shadows themselves. Her strength had grown exponentially.


    Even without standing, she could feel the power humming beneath her skin¡ªa storm waiting to be unleashed.


    _____


    The infusion of divine energy was relentless. Whenever she advanced, the chains reacted, flooding her with even more power, pushing her further, testing her limits. At first, she thought it would kill her. But each time she felt she was about to break, the darkness within her seemed to stabilize, anchoring her.


    She was no longer unawakened. The transformation had ignited a Darkness Core within her, pulsating with a blend of mortal and divine energy. It was a gift that few couldprehend, let alone wield without having any affinity to it.


    It was just about having the eptance of the Darkness entity!


    After reaching Rank 9, she had started achieving feats that defied logic.


    Her abilities were no longer tethered to her rank. She had bested a Rank 13 construct with ease, her movements fluid and precise, her power overwhelming.


    The entity had not held back. They were preparing her for something far greater.


    ''Soon I will be amongst the very best, I will join the academy and show everyone who dared to look down on me what real power means!


    The chains stirred, as if sensing her thoughts. A fresh wave of divine energy surged through her, causing her body to arch involuntarily. Her breath hitched as the darkness filled every pore, threatening to consume her entirely. Yet she endured.


    She always endured.


    A voice, deep and resonant, echoed within her mind. It was the Darkness entity, their tone neither cruel nor kind, but absolute.


    "You have endured much, my chosen. But the forging is far fromplete. You shall not merely wield the darkness¡ªyou shall be it."


    The chains pulsed once more, their grip tightening briefly before loosening again. It was a reminder of her purpose, her destiny.


    Ruvon opened her eyes, the faint glow of violet intensifying. Her gaze fell upon her hands, still bound but no longer trembling. The girl who had once been powerless was gone.


    In her ce stood a force to be reckoned with¡ªa Champion of the Darkness Deity.


    ____


    Outside the temple, the realm quaked, as though reacting to her  slowly awakening powers. The shadows seemed to whisper her name, their voices reverent, awed. The transformation was nearlyplete.@@novelbin@@


    And somewhere, beyond the boundaries of this hidden realm, the world trembled, though it did not yet know why. Ruvon''s time wasing. And when she stepped into the mortal world once more, she would not be the same.

 Chapter 256 The Flower of Darkness

    Flower of Darkness. Its haunting beauty stood in stark contrast to the chaos that had surrounded them mere moments ago when Seren was facing an Elite ss Beast just so she could get her hands on it.


    It''s petals shimmered like obsidian, their edges faintly glowing with a dark purple hue, pulsing softly like a heartbeat.


    It was rooted deep in the swamp, its long, sinewy vines entwined with the darkened earth as if the flower itself was drawing strength from the shadows that surrounded it.


    Pyris took a step back, crossing his arms with a knowing smile. "Go on, Seren. It''s yours."


    Seren hesitated for a moment, her crimson eyes fixed on the flower. Tears welled up in them as her emotions surged uncontrobly. This wasn''t just a flower. It was hope.


    It was her family''s salvation. Her mother''s face shed in her mind¡ªfrail, pale, and gasping for air in a bed that had seemed to swallow her whole.


    Now, the possibility of healing her was within Seren''s grasp.


    She sniffled softly, quickly wiping at her eyes before taking a deep breath. Her steps were cautious but purposeful as she approached the flower. Every movement felt monumental, as though the weight of her family''s past and future pressed down on her shoulders.


    When she finally reached the flower, she knelt down, her hands trembling.


    Carefully, she began digging around its base, her des cutting through the dense, tangled roots of the swamp. The air around her felt heavier as though the flower itself was resisting her touch. Seren''s heart pounded in her chest. Memories of her mother''sugh, her soothing words, and her strength, even in sickness, shed in her mind.


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    A lump formed in her throat, but she pushed through it, her determination unshakable.


    Finally, with a soft tug, the Flower of Darkness came free, its roots still intact. Seren held it in her hands like the most delicate treasure in the world, staring down at it as a tear escaped down her cheek.


    She couldn''t help but smile, the chaotic swirl of her emotions finding some peace. "This¡­ this is it," she whispered to herself.


    Behind her, the others watched in silence, respecting the moment.


    Seren ced the flower gently into a specially prepared container, sealing it carefully.


    Her movements, precise, almost reverent.


    She whispered a silent promise to her mother, tucking the container into her storage artifact with the same care one might use to cradle a fragile life.


    As she stood, brushing the musky waters off her hands, Zara approached her. The witch''s expression was asposed as ever, but there was a softness in her violet eyes that Seren had rarely seen.


    Without a word, Zara pulled her into a brief, but heartfelt embrace.


    Seren stiffened for a moment, surprised by the gesture. Zara wasn''t one for sentimentality. But as the older woman''s arms wrapped around her, Seren rxed, letting herself lean into the rarefort.


    "Your mother," Zara said softly, her voice uncharacteristically gentle, "is a strong woman. She always was. This flower is her strength mirrored in yours. You''ve done well, Seren."


    Seren blinked rapidly, swallowing hard to keep her emotions in check. "Thank you¡­ Zara," she managed to say, her voice thick with emotion.


    Zara stepped back, her usual stoic demeanor returning. "Don''t get used to that," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.


    Pyris chuckled from behind them. "Zara being all warm and fuzzy? I should''ve recorded that moment."


    Zara shot him a re sharp enough to cut through steel. "Don''t ruin it, Pyris."


    The emotional tension broke into softughter, a much-needed reprieve from the weight of the moment.


    Just as the group began to settle back into their usual dynamic, Nyasa''s voice cut through the air. "We need to move."


    The ancient beauty stood at the edge of the clearing, her green shade eyes fixed on a distant point. "The guardian isn''t far. We''ve lingered here long enough."


    The group nodded, their focus shifting as they prepared for the next leg of their journey. Seren cast onest nce at the flower safely tucked away in her storage artifact, her resolve solidifying further.


    Her mother''s cure was in her hands now.@@novelbin@@


    With that thought, she turned and followed the others into the darkened woods, the promise of another challenge¡ªand perhaps another victory¡ªjust ahead.


    Nysa moved ahead with an unyielding grace, her steps deliberate as if she tread upon a path invisible to others but clear to her.


    Thebyrinth responded to her presence in subtle ways¡ªthe dark mist seemed to part, and the oppressive silence gave way to faint, ominous whispers. She carried an air of authority, not over them but over thebyrinth itself, as if its very essence recognized hermand.


    "The guardian lies beyond this path," she announced, her voice echoing faintly, as if amplified by the walls themselves.


    The group followed her lead, the atmosphere heavy with tension. The shadows seemed to stretch longer here, moving as though alive, and the air grew colder with each step. Pyris kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, his instincts sharp.


    He noticed Alera and Seren exchanging nces, there was a shared bond between them, as Lyra and Zara followed silently, their senses equally alert.


    But the journey was anything but smooth. From the darkness, twisted beasts emerged¡ªcreatures malformed by thebyrinth''s sinister influence. Some resembled wolves with jagged, bone-like spines, their eyes glowing an eerie green.


    Others were serpent-like, their bodies coiling with unnatural speed as they lunged at the group.


    Seren stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "Let me handle this," she said, her tone firm yet carrying a hint of gratitude.


    Pyris raised a brow but ultimately smirked, gesturing toward Alera. "Let her have her moment," he said.


    Alera sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes as if the idea of involving herself was the gravest inconvenience. But with a flick of her wrist, she summoned a portion of her shadow army.


    Five shadowy figures materialized around Seren, their forms indistinct but menacing, their dark essence radiating quiet power.


    "Try not to let them outshine you," Alera teased Seren with a warm chuckle, earning another faint chuckle from Pyris, Seren and others.


    The five shadow warriors nked Seren as she surged forward to meet the beasts. Blood and darkness magic intertwined, creating arcs of crimson and obsidian energy that cleaved through the creatures with deadly precision. Each time a beast fell, the shadows moved to absorb its essence, their forms glowing faintly as they grew stronger.


    Seren felt the surge of satisfaction with each victory, her strikes bing faster, her movements more fluid.


    The shadow warriors fought beside her with a precision that spoke to their Mistress''s control, their synergy with Seren seamless as they cut through the wave of beasts.


    From behind, Alera watched with a quiet satisfaction, her fingers twitching slightly as she directed her shadow warriors with ease. Pyris noticed her gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    "Your little army''s doing well," hemented.


    Alera shrugged, though a flicker of pride shone in her eyes. "They''ve not been working hard enough. It''s only fair they get to y now. They have grown sloppy."

 Chapter 257 Infernum (The first Reckoning)

    Her shadow army had grown immensely in strength during their time in the Grove when she was training.


    Each of her 15 shadows was now a Rank 13 Special ss warrior, thanks to the death essence they had absorbed during her rigorous training.


    Pyris had initially stopped her from harvesting essence in thebyrinth from thebyrinth''s creatures, though she still didn''t fully understand why. Even now, her three generals¡ªShadowshed, Dread, and Torment¡ªrefused to absorb essence from these creatures, as if thebyrinth''s energy held something they instinctively rejected.


    But Pyris no longer objected to her lesser shadows feeding. And with each essence absorbed, their forms became more defined, their power more tangible.


    At the front...


    The battle raged on, Seren moving with the grace of a dancer and the ferocity of a predator. The shadow warriors mirrored her movements, covering her blind spots and striking down any beasts that came too close or striking them with deadly precision to finish them from the shadows.


    Serene was in her element, her enthusiasm and gratitude fueling her every action.


    From his position, Pyris crossed his arms, watching Seren with an approving nod. "She''s good," he remarked.


    "She''s learning well. Pyris if you ever get a chance, you know what to do," Zara replied with a whisper to Pyris , her voice carrying a note of pride.


    But Pyris shook his head in denial.


    As the final beast fell, Seren stood amidst the carnage, her breathing steady and even. She felt good that she was doing the dirty job for the group to show her gratitude.


    "She''s a different vampire!" Alera let out. Her first encounter with a vampire wasn''t a good memory but Seren was proving a difference.


    The shadow warriors dissolved back into Alera''s control, their forms flickering faintly as they returned to their Mistress''s side.


    Seren turned to the group, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks for letting me take care of that," she said, her voice steady.


    Pyris grinned. "You''re wee. But don''t think this means we''re going easy on you from now on."


    Alera smirked. "Next time, I''m charging you a fee for borrowing my shadows."


    Seren rolled her eyes, though the gratitude in her expression was clear. She nced at Alera. "Your shadows¡­ they''re incredible. I wouldn''t have been able to finish that fight so quickly without them."


    Seren and Lyra didn''t know how Alera was doing it since the concept of necromancy was alien to them. Most of young generation was like that even the past Pyris but he, a reincarnated soul, was different and he knew more.


    Alera waved her hand dismissively, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward. "Don''t get used to it," she replied. "They''re spoiled enough as it is."


    With the battle behind them, the group pressed forward, their path growing darker and more oppressive. Nysa''s voice called out from the front.


    "We''re close. Prepare yourselves. The guardian is not far from here."


    Her words sent a ripple of tension through the group, each member steeling themselves for whaty ahead.


    Pyris exchanged a nce with Alera, who nodded silently. Seren adjusted her des, Lyra''s magic flickered faintly in her hands, and Zara''s staff hummed with quiet energy.


    The group trudged forward, the weight of anticipation palpable in the air.@@novelbin@@


    Nysa led the way, her strides steady and purposeful, a stark contrast to the lingering unease among the others. The shadows of thebyrinth seemed alive, whispering of the immense trial ahead. The tension was broken only by the asional snarl of a beast that was quickly dispatched by Seren''s newfound vigor and the support of Alera''s shadow soldiers.


    As they walked, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier. The darkened swamp and jagged rock formations began to shift, the terrain bing more surreal, almost like a forgotten piece of another realm stitched into thebyrinth.


    Finally, Nysa stopped, raising a hand to signal the group.


    "We''re here," she said simply, her voice carrying an edge of reverence and foreboding.


    Before them stood a monumental archway formed of ckened stone, glowing faintly with crimson etchings. The air around it shimmered, fluctuating unnaturally, as though reality itself was struggling to hold its shape.


    Without a word, Nysa stepped through the gate, her form dissolving into the undting distortion. The others followed, their steps hesitant yet resolute.


    Crossing the threshold felt like plunging into an abyss. Their surroundings shifted violently, the oppressive dark reced by an otherworldly realm of green-tinged skies and rivers of molten crimson coursing through cracked earth. Jagged spires stretched toward the twin moons looming above, their light casting eerie shadows that seemed to writhe with malevolence.


    The ce was both a nightmare and a masterpiece, like a realm where beauty and terror intertwined.


    Seren''s breath hitched, her eyes wide as she took in the surrealndscape. Alera''s usual stoicism faltered for a moment, her gaze narrowing as she processed the sheer magnitude of the ce.


    But what truly seized their attention, what froze them in ce, was the being at the center of this hellish domain.


    Seated atop a dais of jagged obsidian was a massive figure, shrouded in tattered ckened robes and dark cloaks that seemed to meld into the darkness itself. Its form exuded raw, unyielding power, its very presence warping the air around it. Waves of dark energy pulsed outward with each of its measured breaths, carrying an almost palpable storm that swept through the expanse.


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    The ground trembled beneath its might, and the molten rivers red briefly with every exhale.


    Its head was bowed slightly, the features beneath the hood obscured. Yet, even in its apparent stillness, the figure radiated an aura of dominance, its existence a testament to the immensity of its power.


    This was no just a guardian¡ªit was an Emperor ss beast, the pinnacle of thebyrinth''s firstyer.


    Seren instinctively took a step back, the primal part of her mind screaming at her to flee. Beside her, Alera clenched her fists, her usual icy demeanor betrayed by the subtle tremor in her hands.


    The overwhelming aura of the guardian was enough to render even her shadow soldiers still, their forms wavering under its pressure.


    Pyris, standing tall despite the suffocating energy, reached out and grasped Alera''s hand.


    His touch was firm, a silent reassurance that she wasn''t alone. Alera nced at him, her crimson eyes meeting his unwavering gaze, and found a semnce of steadiness in his presence.


    "Don''t move," Zara whispered, her tone sharper than usual. "If you show it fear now, who are you meant to face it?"


    The girls remained frozen, their breaths shallow. Time stretched, the air thick with anticipation as the guardian remained motionless.


    Yet, as they watched, the faintest shift urred¡ªa subtle tilt of the head, almost imperceptible, but enough to send a jolt through their spines.


    And then, its eyes fluttered open.


    A deep, crimson glow emanated from beneath the hood, twin orbs that burned with an intensity that seemed to pierce through their very souls. The oppressive aura surged, its power doubling in an instant. The molten rivers roared, the shadows writhed violently, and the very ground beneath them quaked as the guardian acknowledged their presence.


    The monstrosity''s gaze locked onto them, unyielding and merciless.


    ****


    Guys mark the word (Infernum)

 Chapter 258 Abominable (Darkness Infernum)

    In the vast Mortal Realm, the Argos World which no one knew it''s end, beasts roamed freely, their existence an ever-present challenge to mages young and old.


    Among them, Normal Beasts and Special ss Beasts weremon foes¡ªobstacles to temper strength and prove valor. Every day, hopeful adventurers ventured forth, eager to test their mettle, their magic, and their courage.


    To confront such beasts was to embark on a journey of growth, a rite of passage etched into the blood of the mortal realm.


    But beyond thesey creatures of greater dread¡ªmonstrosities whose presence could reshape the fates of those unfortunate enough to cross their path.


    Elite ss Beasts, though rare, were encounters that spelled disaster for the unprepared. It wasmon knowledge that even five capable and above-average awakened like Seren could struggle to bring down an Elite of the same rank.


    The effort was grueling, the risks astronomical, and even the most talented hunters hesitated before facing one. Yet, such beasts could still be conquered with enough strategy, strength, and resolve. Just like how Seren had defeated the Elite flower nt creature with Alera''s Elite ss generals.


    But Emperor ss? They were a different tale altogether.


    This rank of monster almost had transcended mortality''s reach. Their power was a force of nature, capable of obliterating those who dared to oppose them.


    Rumors had it that... Even those who stood at the peak of awakening¡ªRank 20 leaders of the great empires¡ªhad faced an Emperor ss Beast two decades ago and nearly fallen.


    Despite theirbined efforts, their unity, and their overwhelming power, it had taken everything they had to survive. To this day, the scars of that encounter rippled through history, a chilling reminder of these beasts'' unstoppable might.


    Thebyrinth''s Emperor ss Guardian was one such creature. To challenge it was to embrace despair, to gamble one''s life for fleeting glory.


    Most awakened dared not enter its domain, choosing instead the safety of the outeryers of thebyrinth. Only the foolhardy, the desperate, or the supremely confident ventured further.


    Thebyrinth was not for the weak of heart, and even its inneryer, guarded by another Emperor, was known only to a few living souls.


    But here they stood, a mismatched group of adventurers before an unyielding shadow of dread.


    ____


    The moment they crossed the warped gate, the air shifted. The vibrant hues of thebyrinth gave way to an ominous darkness, a realm of shadows illuminated by rivers of moltenva flowing through jagged chasms. Streaks of green light pulsated through the air, twin moons hanging eerily in a sky that seemed painted in despair. The space felt unreal, like a world torn from the nightmares of a dying god.


    The group had froze.


    Then their breaths had hitched as the source of the suffocating energy came into view.


    Sitting in the heart of the fiery expanse was the Guardian, a massive figure cloaked in darkness, its presence more of a storm than a being.


    It sat motionless, yet the waves of its aura battered their senses, every pulse carrying raw, unrelenting power. Its hooded face was hidden beneath shadows that moved like living smoke, but its sword¡ªimpossiblyrge and drenched in malice¡ªrested against the ground, dragging against the stone like it carried the weight of a cursed world.


    Alera and Seren instinctively took a step back, their faces pale.


    Pyris stepped forward, his voice low yetmanding. "Alera, call your generals."


    The words broke through the oppressive silence, but it was clear even Alera''s formidable presence wavered in the shadow of the beast. Her generals¡ªthe trio of Shadowshed, Dread, and Torment¡ªstirred uneasily, their forms flickering as though the Guardian''s aura alone sought to unmake them.


    Alera closed her eyes, exhaling slowly, her fingers curling into fists. She would not falter. Not here.


    Still, Seren''s voice trembled as she whispered to Lyra, "Are they... Are they insane?"


    "I know," Lyra hissed back, though her eyes never left the Guardian. "They have to be."


    The Guardian''s eyes snapped open.


    The suffocating aura became a deluge, mming into the group like a tidal wave. They shielded their faces, their instincts screaming at them to run. But Nysa and Zara stood unbothered, their figures unyielding.


    Pyris, too, took a steady step forward, his hand reaching out to Alera''s shoulder, gripping it firmly.


    Alera''s knees nearly buckled under the pressure, her breathing in shallow gasps.


    But Pyris'' golden energy surged into her body, a radiant shield forming around her¡ªa buffer against the oppressive weight.


    His voice was calm, almost gentle, as he said, "You can do this. Just like we nned."


    She looked up at him, the calm in his expression cutting through her fear. "Don''t worry," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "This was my choice, after all... and I''m confident."


    His hand dropped from her shoulder as Zara tossed her a pill. "It''ll protect your internals. You''ll need it."


    Without hesitation, Alera caught the pill and swallowed it. The bitter taste barely registered as her focus turned back to the towering beast. With a small nod of gratitude to both Pyris and Zara, she stepped forward, each step heavier than thest as the oppressive energy pressed down on her.


    The Guardian moved.


    Its sword scraped against the ground, sending sparks flying into the air. The sound alone was deafening, like the grinding of mountains. Yet when the beast swung the sword, it moved with terrifying grace. What should have been an impossible weight for anyone to lift became an extension of its will, as light as a feather in its hands.


    The de swept through the air with a speed that belied its size, carving arcs of power that sent shockwaves through the ground.


    Alera''s eyes burned, the pressure almost unbearable as she forced herself to move closer. Her generals, beside her, the trio taking their positions like shadows tethered to her soul.


    Each of them stood firm, their ethereal forms rippling with barely restrained power.


    Seren and Lyra watched in horror, their breaths caught in their throats. "Are they really doing this?" Seren whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Lyra shook her head, her expression torn between disbelief and terror. "It''s suicide..." It felt ironicing from the one who needed the core of the guardian.


    The Guardian took a step forward, and the ground quaked beneath its weight. The sheer size of the creature dwarfed even the tallest among them, its presence a monument to hopelessness. Every instinct screamed at them to flee, yet Alera did not stop.


    She raised her hand, her smirk bordering on madness as she called out to her generals.


    "Let''s give it something to remember."


    The generals surged forward, their forms splitting into streams of ck energy that coiled around Alera like living armor. Shadowshed, the newly ascended Elites with it''s fellow generals, roared as it led the charge, its de-like ws crackling with dark energy.


    Dread and Torment followed, their forms merging with the battlefield as they readied their assault.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris watched her carefully, his expression unreadable. Zara folded her arms, her gaze sharp and calcting.


    For Seren and Lyra, the sight of Alera walking into the storm was almost too much to bear.


    The Guardian''s sword rose again, its massive form eclipsing what little confidence remained in the air.


    And then, it struck.


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    Infernum!

 Chapter 262 The Guardians Sudden Ascension

    Pyris adjusted his stance as he sized up the towering guardian before him. Its massive frame radiated ominous energy, the ck aura around it pulsating like a living force.


    The battle thus far had been a sobering experience. Even with his lightning speed and raw power, every attack Pyris had thrown at the creature felt like striking an immovable mountain.


    This time, he was determined to make an impact¡ªsomething that would crack its defenses, no matter how slight. If he could create even the smallest opening, he could exploit itter in the death challenge.


    With a deep breath, Pyris gathered his elemental forces. He summoned the raw power of the Light Element, letting radiant energy surround his fists like golden mes. From his left hand, Darkness slithered and coiled, a stark contrast to the brilliance in his right.


    Finally, he infused the spatial distortions of mana into his feet, warping the ground beneath him.


    He vanished in a blink, reappearing above the guardian with light-infused fists. The impact of his strike sent a blinding shockwave cascading through the room, but the guardian only staggered, taking two steps back.


    Pyris'' feet hit the ground, and he wasted no time. Using Darkness Energy, he plunged his hand into the shadows beneath the guardian''s feet, pulling a void-like eruption that coiled upwards, trapping the beast momentarily.


    The second strike came quickly¡ªspace itself fractured around the guardian as Pyris struck it with apressed wave of warped reality. The ground shook violently as an explosion of disced air and magic rippled through the chamber.


    The guardian was pushed back three more steps, its wed feet dragging against the stone floor.


    Finally, Pyris darted forward with Light Energy glowing fiercely around his body, bing a streak of golden light. He mmed his fist directly into the creature''s chest with all his strength. The impact sent a thunderous boom echoing through thebyrinth, and the guardian was forced back two more steps.


    Seven steps.


    That was all!


    Pyris took a step back, breathing heavily. His brow furrowed as he observed the towering monstrosity before him. It stood motionless, as if his attacks had barely fazed it. Its massive chest heaved once, releasing a sound that was somewhere between a snarl and a growl.


    "So that''s all I managed," Pyris muttered to himself. The guardian had taken his assault like a sponge absorbing water. No cracks. No visible signs of weakness.


    For a fleeting moment, he clenched his fists tighter, frustration threatening to bubble to the surface. But then, reality sank in¡ªa reality he had known from the beginning.


    The guardian''s defenses were unparalleled almost insurmountable if you say that. This was no ordinary fight. This was a calcted dance against an opponent designed to endure the impossible.


    Pyris exhaled sharply, regaining hisposure. He couldn''t afford to let frustration cloud his mind. He had tested its limits and learned what he needed: the guardian was far more resilient than even he had anticipated.


    And then, the thought struck him like a bolt of rity, a reminder. This wasn''t the time to defeat the guardian, not here, not now.


    Killing the guardian would mean closing off ess to thebyrinth''s inner zones for seven days. Seven days was a luxury they didn''t have. The Blood Chalice awaited them beyond this floor, and every second wasted here was a second closer to failure.


    "Fight it now to kill? That would be the height of foolishness," Pyris muttered under his breath. His mind raced as he pieced together the strategy. This fight wasn''t about total victory¡ªit was about survival mostly. Surviving the guardian''s challenge.


    Nysa''s earlier warnings echoed in his mind. The guardian was a test, not just of strength but of will and resourcefulness. They needed to bypass it, secure the chalice, and returnter for the true battle.


    That final confrontation could wait until thebyrinth''s inner sanctum had given up its secrets.


    But even as Pyris steadied himself, something shifted. The guardian''s posture changed subtly.


    It tilted its head back, as if gazing at the unseen heavens. The hood that had cloaked its face fell away, revealing its grotesque visage. Its features were monstrous¡ªtwisted and unnatural, a face born of ancient nightmares.


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    For a moment, there was silence as the group processed the sight before them. Then, without warning, the crimson glow of the guardian''s eyes faded.


    In its ce, a golden radiance burned. The light was blinding, divine, and terrifying. It wasn''t merely energy¡ªit was the essence of something far greater.


    The room fell deathly silent.


    "Young nobles! By the Ancients! That glow¡­ That is the energy of the Divinitarch!" Nysa''s voice broke the silence, her words trembling with urgency.


    Her tone carried the weight of ancient wisdom, but even she sounded shaken. Pyris turned slightly, catching the rm in her expression. Her usual regalposure cracked under the revtion.


    "I know!"


    "Divine Mana," Zara whispered, her voice sharp with panic. She took a step forward, her eyes wide as she called out, "Pyris, retreat! That''s Divine Mana! You can''t fight that!"


    But Pyris didn''t move.


    Instead, a grin spread across his face. A grin that spoke of defiance, madness, and perhaps just a hint of arrogance. He wasn''t the kind of man to run, even when faced with a power far beyond his own.


    Then, a sound broke through the heavy tension¡ªa familiar, digital tone that only Pyris could hear.


    [Ding! Mission Generated!


    1. Survive the divine attacks of abyrinth firstyer guardian!


    Reward: Anti-Divine Mana Information!


    2. Engage the guardian in a death match.


    Reward: ???


    3. Survive and Kill the guardian.


    Reward 1: Information on the Unknown Orb from the Goddess


    Reward 2: Information about the Elemental Deity''s Spawns!]


    The options hung in his mind, each oneced with its own risks and promises. He couldn''t focus on the details now¡ªnot with the guardian stirring once more.


    Golden light cascaded from the creature''s body, flooding the chamber with its oppressive presence. The very air seemed to shift under the weight of its divine energy. Pyris felt it, a pressure unlike anything he had encountered before.


    The guardian''s golden eyes locked onto him, and its massive frame moved with purpose.


    "Here we go," Pyris muttered, his grin never faltering. He tightened his fists, summoning his elemental powers once more.@@novelbin@@


    Before he could strategize further, the guardian struck.


    The sheer speed of its movement was unlike anything it had shown before. One moment it stood still, and the next, it was upon him. The first blow shattered the ground where he had been standing just a second prior, sending shards of stone flying in all directions.


    Pyris dodged by the narrowest of margins, his body a blur of motion.


    He didn''t have time to think¡ªonly to survive.

 Chapter 263 The First Divines Wrath

    The air hung heavy, crackling with the guardian''s ominous energy. Pyris, still steady from his earlier recovery, stared down his towering opponent. His dragon aura red around him, defiant and unyielding.


    A divine mana began to pulse from the guardian''s form, weaving into its ominous aura. Its fists, once coated in raw malice, now radiated with divine mana, the golden lightced with an almost unbearable intensity. Pyris'' eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists. He hadn''t expected this shift in the creature''s power either but he was eager!


    Before he could strategize further, the guardian struck.


    The sheer speed of its movement was unlike anything it had shown before. One moment it stood still, and the next, it was upon him. The first blow shattered the ground where he had been standing just a second prior, sending shards of stone flying in all directions¡ªor so it looked.


    He didn''t have time to think¡ªonly to survive.


    It wasn''t just fast¡ªit was blinding, the first attacks was...a blur!


    Pyris barely registered the shift in the air before the first strike mmed into him with the force of a meteor. He tried to dodge, relying on his lightning-enhanced reflexes, but the divine mana bolstering the attack made it impossible to predict.


    The blownded squarely on his side, sending him careening through the air. His body twisted mid-flight, a sharp crack resounding from his ribs. He hit the ground with a sickening thud, his fingers digging into the earth as he tried to stabilize himself.


    Blood trickled from his mouth, and his breathing was ragged.


    Before he could recover, the guardian was upon him again. The second punch, infused with even more divine mana, struck him in the stomach. Pyris'' eyes widened as all the air was forcibly expelled from his lungs. His body convulsed under the sheer weight of the blow, and he wasunched backward once more, mming into a jagged rock formation.


    He gasped for air, but his lungs wouldn''tply. His vision blurred, his body trembling under the overwhelming assault. He could feel the divine energy coursing through his system like poison, burning him from the inside out.


    The guardian stepped forward one final time, its massive fist glowing with concentrated divine mana. Pyris could barely lift his arms to defend himself, but it wouldn''t have mattered. The punch came down with an unrelenting fury, crashing into his chest and driving him deep into the earth.


    A deafening silence followed the impact. Dust,va debris and mana clouded the air as the sheer force of the attack caused the ground to tremble.


    When the ground where he had fallen settled, Pyrisy motionless in the crater, his body battered and broken. The divine energy surrounding the guardian began to dissipate, fading into faint wisps of golden light.


    The others rushed to Pyris'' side, their faces etched with worry. Zara and Seren were the first to reach him, kneeling beside his battered form.


    "Pyris! Pyris, can you hear me?" Zara''s voice was frantic as she ced her hands on his chest, her healing magic flowing through him.


    Seren''s usually calm demeanor cracked, her hands trembling as she worked to stabilize him. "He''s alive¡­ barely," she muttered, her voice strained.


    Pyris stirred, coughing weakly as more blood trickled from the corner of his lips. His eyes fluttered open, but he said nothing, his expression distant.


    Behind them, the guardian silently retrieved its fallen gauntlets and sword. It stood tall, its presence still as imposing as ever. Slowly, it turned toward the group, its gaze settling on Pyris.


    There was something in its eyes¡ªan emotion, fleeting but undeniable. Pyris noticed it even through the haze of his pain. It wasn''t just malice; it was something deeper, more deliberate.@@novelbin@@


    The guardian''s aura shifted briefly before it turned away, walking back to its ce near the center of the chamber. Pyris'' mind raced despite his broken state.


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    The attacks had been aimed to kill¡ªthere was no mistaking that.


    Yet, the way the guardian carried itself now¡­ it felt almost like it was acting on someone''s orders. Pyris shook his head slightly, his thoughts muddled.


    ''Am I overthinking this?'' he wondered. ''Or was there really someone pulling the strings behind this? Let''s notin and win like a kid. This is no forgiving world. Kill or be killed!''


    He clenched his fists weakly, forcing himself to stay awake. The flicker of emotion he''d seen in the guardian''s eyes haunted him. He couldn''t shake the feeling that this was far from over.


    And truthfully? He was anticipating their next encounter.


    As Zara and Seren worked tirelessly to heal his injuries, Pyris remained quiet. His allies bombarded him with questions.


    "What were you thinking, taking it head-on like that?" Seren demanded. "You could''ve died!"


    "What happened during the fight? After it used the divine mana, did you pick up something?" Zara asked, her voice tinged with both concern and frustration.


    "Did you see something? Pyris, talk to us!" Seren pleaded.


    But Pyris didn''t respond. He barely acknowledged their words, his gaze fixed on nothing in particr. His mind was elsewhere, focused solely on the notifications that appeared before him.


    __


    [System Notifications]


    Ding. First Mission Aplished.


    Mission: Survive the divine attacks of thebyrinth''s firstyer guardian.


    Rewards being distributed.


    Anti-Divine Mana Information Unlocked.]


    The words burned themselves into his mind as he read the next line carefully, his heart pounding despite his weakened state.


    [Anti-Divine Mana: Known as the energy capable of nullifying divine powers, Anti-Divine Mana¡ªor God-yer Mana¡ªis a force that transcends mortalprehension. It is a power wielded only by beings capable of ying gods themselves. Few in history have ever mastered its use, and fewer still have survived the weight of its immense potential.]


    Pyris'' eyes widened slightly as he absorbed the information. God-yer Mana¡ªa force that could challenge even the mightiest of beings.


    His battered body trembled, not from pain, but from the realization of what this meant. If he could master this power, he wouldn''t just survive the guardian. He''d have the means to face whatever forcesy beyond it.


    As his allies continued to tend to him, Pyris'' lips curled into a faint smirk.


    This was only the beginning. The real start of his journey!

 Chapter 265 Betray The Terrifying Dracula!

    The air grew heavier as Pyris, Alera, and Lady Nysa stepped into the inneryers of thebyrinth.


    Although she hadn''t been fully healed, Alera had been persistent with following Pyris deeper into thebyrinth, just beyond the outeryer to retrieve the Blood Chalice.


    The oppressive presence of the Guardian was left behind, its unyielding form still stationed as a silent sentinel at the border between the firstyer and the inner sanctum.


    Yet, even in their relief at passing its judgment, they knew the true trial was just beginning.


    Ahead of themy an expanse cloaked in unnatural darkness. The deeper they ventured, the more palpable the tension became. The Blood Chalice was near¡ªnear in proximity, but shrouded in a veil so absolute that even Lady Nysa, with her immense experience and immortality, struggled to sense its presence although she had knowledge of where it was supposed to be!


    "This way," Nysa murmured, her voice a whisper that barely disturbed the suffocating silence. Her glowing green eyes, stark against the dimness, scanned their surroundings.


    The aura of the chalice was hidden, deliberately concealed by ancient wards that had withstood centuries of seekers.


    Alera ced a hand against the cool stone wall beside her. "It''s almost as if this ce, it almost feel¡­ alive," she said, her voice trembling.


    "It is alive," Nysa corrected sharply, her tonemanding respect. "These walls have been bathed in blood and magic since the dawn of this world. The Blood Chalice thrives on it. It is no mere relic¡ªit''s a living artifact, pulsing with the essence of every vampire who has dared to seek it."


    Pyris exhaled deeply, his dragon aura barely suppressed. "Then let''s not waste time."


    They moved cautiously, stepping into a narrow corridor that seemed to stretch endlessly. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the faint sound of their breaths and the asional drip of unseen liquid echoing in the distance.@@novelbin@@


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    The passage twisted and turned, each corner more ustrophobic than thest, until finally, they reached an archway. The entrance was carved with intricate sigils of ancient vampire lore, glowing faintly with blood-red energy.


    "This is it," Nysa said, her voice reverent. She stepped forward, cing a hand against the sigils. The energy pulsed beneath her touch, and the ground trembled as if the ancient magic acknowledged her presence.


    The archway parted, revealing a chamber bathed in an eerie crimson glow.


    The room was cavernous, yet it felt suffocating, as if the air itself had been steeped in centuries of bloodshed. At the center of the chamber was a pedestal, and atop it rested the Blood Chalice.


    It was a masterpiece of the vampiric world, carved from a translucent, blood-red stone that seemed to breathe. The chalice pulsed faintly, as if alive, radiating an aura so intoxicating that it made the air hum with raw power.


    The room seemed to warp around it, bending reality to its will.


    Nysa took a step forward, her green eyes locked onto the Blood Chalice. Each pulse of its aura seemed to resonate with her very being, calling to her as if it recognized her immortality.


    "This¡­ is the Blood Chalice," Alera whispered.


    Pyris, standing beside her, felt his dragon instincts re. The sheer allure of the artifact was overwhelming. Even Alera, weakened as she was, could not help but be drawn to its radiance.


    As Nysa approached the pedestal, the chalice''s aura intensified. The crimson light filled the chamber, washing over them like a tide of blood. The air grew thick with power, making it difficult to breathe.


    Nysa hesitated for a brief moment, then extended her hand. The moment her fingers brushed against the chalice, a surge of energy exploded outward, sending a shockwave through the chamber.


    The Blood Chalice''s pulsing grew stronger, its blood-red glow now blinding. It was as though it recognized her, acknowledged her as worthy.


    Suddenly, a familiar chime rang in Pyris'' mind.


    [Ding!


    Host has acquired a treasure¡ªBlood Chalice.


    Options Generated:


    1. Use the Blood Chalice to gain Drac''s favor.


    2. Consume the Blood Chalice.


    Rewards:


    1: Acquire another Blood Truth¡ªOne.


    2: Upgrade Blood Truth: Sovereign ---> Blood Sovereign!]


    Pyris froze, his mind reeling. The system''s notification was clear, but it was the implications that left him breathless.


    "Blood Truths¡­" he murmured, his voice barely audible.


    Blood Truths were the foundation of any blood element user. They were the sophisticated principles that allowed mastery over the blood element. Without a Blood Truth, no vampire, demon, or Fallen could manipte the blood element.


    But the system wasn''t offering just one option. It was offering him two possibilities: to upgrade his existing Blood Truth, the Sovereign, to the near-mythical Blood Sovereign and to gain a second Blood Truth¡ªOne.


    Or... Betray Drac and consume the Blood Chalice!


    The very idea was insane. No one could wield more than one Blood Truth. Even Drac, the current of all vampires, fallens and demons held only a single Truth.


    Yet here Pyris stood, faced with a choice that defied allws of existence.


    His fingers twitched as he fought to suppress the greed wing at his mind.


    Forget Drac. Forget alliances. The allure of power was too great to ignore. Pyris wasn''t conflicted¡ªnot even slightly.


    A devilish smirk spread across his face. "Betray Uncle Drac?" he muttered to himself, chuckling darkly. "Oh, that''s far too tempting. But not something I can''t do!"


    Nysa, clutching the chalice, turned to him. Her emerald eyes, glowing with the chalice''s energy, narrowed as she studied his expression.


    "Pyris," Alera''s voice cut through the tension. Her tone was firm, but her eyes betrayed her worry. "You''ve already decided, haven''t you?"


    Pyris didn''t answer. He didn''t need to. The greed in his eyes spoke volumes.


    As the chalice''s aura continued to fill the chamber, the tension between them grew thicker. Pyris knew the choice he would make¡ªand he knew the path ahead would be paved with betrayal and bloodshed.


    But to him, it didn''t matter. For power like this? For the chance to wield not one, but two Blood Truths?


    It was a price he was more than willing to pay.


    Was he going to betray Drac and go back on his word?


    ****


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 Chapter 268 Lias Unfortunate Fate

    Pyris strode forward, his boots crunching against the jagged terrain of thebyrinth''s heart. Behind him, Nysa and Alera followed in silence, their gazes heavy with expectation.


    None of them seemed to be able to discern the meaning behind his actions.


    The atmosphere was thick, weighted by more than just the stale air of thebyrinth. A chilling aura radiated from the towering gate that stood before them¡ªthe gate to the Guardian''s domain.


    Pyris''s mind churned as he reyed the warnings Nysa had shared before they entered.


    "You can''t fight the Guardian as a group to kill it," Nysa had said firmly, her green shade eyes locking onto each member of the team. "If you try, thebyrinth will eject all of you without mercy¡ªThrowing you out."


    Her words had left no room for debate. Thebyrinth''s rules were absolute.


    To even have a chance to fight it until one lost their life, they needed to invoke the Death Match Challenge, a duel to the death with the Guardian.


    A single mistake, a moment''s hesitation, and everything would be lost¡ªLyra''s chance to im the Guardian''s core, Alera and Pyris''s hidden ns, all of it.


    Now, as Pyris walked ahead, his mind was alight with a tumult of thoughts. He had fought the Guardian before, testing its mettle, and it had humbled him. Never in his life had he faced an opponent who matched him sopletely¡ªnot in raw power, not in skill. The Guardian was a Rank 16 monstrosity, and while Pyris himself had attained Rank 16, the Guardian stood above him, its divine mana amplifying its strength twofold. It had taken everything Pyris had just to scratch its defenses in theirst encounter.


    "Almost... Almost impossible," Pyris muttered under his breath. His fists clenched as his mind reyed the fight. Every strike hended had felt like hitting an immovable wall.


    Every counterattack from the Guardian had threatened to shatter him.


    His jaw tightened. "If only I had Divine mana too¡­"


    He thought of Goddess Lilith, the deity he served. As her chosen champion, Pyris wielded extraordinary gifts¡ªhis Lust and Golden Dragon lineages, his mastery of multiple elements, and the blessings she had bestowed. But one thing was missing: the essence of Divine mana, the very force that separated mortals and immortals from gods. Other champions of gods and goddesses wielded it as proof of their divine backing, yet Pyris had been left without.


    He sighed, shaking his head. "No," he said to himself. "If I can''t defeat a Guardian without Divine mana, how can I ever hope to face gods? Or Immortals? How can I Pyris Obsidian start making such excuses. I will faces this ugly monstrosity and more toe without Divine mana!"


    The thought settled something inside him. Pyris was determined to ovee this challenge with his own strength, without leaning on the crutch of divine power.


    Yet, as if the Goddess herself was listening, a familiar sound rang in his ears.


    [Ding!]


    The system''s voice echoed in his mind:


    The Goddess recognizes your undying resolve.


    Pyris stopped in his tracks, his breath catching as a new notification unfurled before his eyes.


    [Ding! The Goddess has gifted you a treasure to her Champion.


    Treasure: Void Essence Crystal!]


    Before Pyris could react, more notifications followed.


    [Ding!] New Mission Generated.


    Mission: Find the treasures to create ????


    Time Limit: 1 year.


    Rewards: Soul of Lia!]


    Pyris''s heart sank at the mention of Lia, the system''s administrator and his firstpanion in this world. His chest tightened as the next updates came.


    [Update: Host can no longer ess System Administrator Lia. Finish the mission to reim her Soul.]


    [Update 2: Failure toplete the mission will result in total annihtion of Lia'' Soul.]


    The final words hit Pyris like a physical blow. His vision blurred, the world around him seeming to spin. Annihtion. Not just death, but total obliteration. Lia would cease to exist.


    "Lia¡­" he whispered, his voice trembling. Images of her flooded his mind¡ªthe first voice that had guided him when he awakened in this world, the unseenpanion who had been there through every trial, every victory, every defeat.


    Lia wasn''t just a system administrator; she was a part of him, a constant presence in his life.


    His knees felt weak, and for a moment, he stumbled. The weight of the Goddess''s decree threatened to crush him. But as despair crept in, Pyris clenched his fists, his dragon blood surging with renewed resolve.


    "If this is your will, Goddess¡­" he growled, his voice low but steady. "I will fulfill it. And when I do, you better have a good reason for this." He exhaled sharply, his breathing out in a puff of mist. "But I''m not doing this for your reasons whatever they are. I''m doing it for Lia."


    His words carried the weight of his determination. The fear in his chest didn''t vanish, but it transformed, fueling his purpose.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris straightened, his golden eyes zing with fire. He would gather the treasures, no matter what it took. He would fight, bleed, and suffer, but he would not fail. Lia''s existence depended on it.


    "System," hemanded, his voice firm. "Prepare me a list of everything I need to gather. I''ll review it when I get back home."


    [Yes, Host.]


    The system''s reply was calm, a stark contrast to the storm inside him. Pyris resumed walking, his pace brisk. Hispanions exchanged nces, sensing the shift in his mood but saying nothing.


    Before him loomed the Guardian''s domain, like a vast arena bathed in a foreboding light. The air was electric, heavy with the Guardian''s presence. Pyris stepped through the threshold, his confidence unshaken despite the odds stacked against him. He had a fight to win, a soul to save, and far too much to protect.


    But as he stood at the center of the arena, staring at the hulking figure of the Guardian, doubt whispered at the edges of his mind. He had tasted the Guardian''s power before¡ªits raw strength, its divine aura.


    Was he truly ready for this? Or was his confidence mere bravado masking the truth?


    The Guardian''s aura red, dark and oppressive. Its eyes glowed with an unearthly light, and its voice boomed through the arena.


    "Mortal, do you challenge me to a Death Match?"


    Pyris raised his chin, his golden gaze settling on the guardian but didn''t say anything immediately for some time before opening his mouth, his expression unyielding. "I do." And hell broke loose.


    *****


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 Chapter 269 Elemental Sovereign Awakens

    The air in the guardian''s domain shifted as Pyris and hispanions stepped into the arena. Darkness oozed from every corner, the atmosphere so thick it felt as though even the bravest of hearts would falter. Lava-like steam hissed from cracks in the ground, glowing faintly beneath their feet, casting eerie shadows that danced along the obsidian walls. The arena was alive, pulsating with a sinister energy that threatened to crush anyone unworthy.


    A deathly silence nketed the area, broken only by the faint, rhythmic hum of the guardian''s energy.


    The guardian stirred, its golden eyes snapping open as it regarded Pyris with an unsettling calmness. Slowly, it rose to its feet, gripping the hilt of its sword. It didn''t speak but struck its sword into the ground with an effortless strength that made the ground tremble. The earth heaved, and within moments, the terrain reshaped itself.


    Walls of jagged ck rock shot upwards, enclosing them in a perfect circle. The air grew heavy, oppressive, as if the arena itself had be a spectator to their duel.


    Darkness rolled off the guardian like a tide, coalescing into an aura of death so tangible it made the others shudder. Alera''s sharp intake of breath broke the silence as she stepped forward, her voice rising in rm.


    "Pyris, be careful! The death mana around it... Don''t let it touch you more than five times!"


    Her words carried the weight of genuine fear. Pyris nced back at her, offering a reassuring nod.


    Then he turned his attention back to the guardian. Its posture was rxed, but its presence radiated an ominous calm¡ªlike an angel of death awaiting its prey.


    Pyris strode forward, his steps steady, madness and battle-hunger glinting in his eyes. His aura red to life, a vortex of dragon power that surged and crackled with untamed intensity. The air around him seemed to warp under the sheer magnitude of his presence.


    There was no hesitation, no hint of fear¡ªonly unshakable confidence that made the others falter in their worry.


    "Guardian of the Inner Cores," Pyris dered, his voice firm, reverberating through the dark arena. "I invoke a death match."


    Pyris''s heart pounded, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He could feel the weight of every decision, every moment, leading to this. The Death Match had begun.


    The guardian tilted its head as if to consider the challenge, then remained motionless. For a moment, Pyris wondered if it would respond, but the stillness was broken by a shift in the air around him.


    His transformation began with a deafening crack of power as if provoking it. Pink and golden scales erupted along his skin, their shimmer radiant and otherworldly. But there was something new¡ªdark grey streaks intertwined with the other colors, their presence ominous yet mesmerizing. The ground beneath Pyris cracked as his aura intensified, bending reality itself.


    The space around him crackled with unstable energy, creating a surreal fluctuation that made the others feel as though they were witnessing the birth of something entirely new.


    This was not just one form¡ªit was all three of Pyris''s humanoid dragon formsbined. The Lust Dragon''s alluring charisma, the Golden Dragon''s unmatched brilliance and golden creation energy, and the Elemental Dragon''s raw, primal power merged into an unprecedented form.


    Zara, Seren, and Lyra could only stare, their hearts pounding in awe and disbelief. Zara, who had seen one of Pyris''s dragon form before, felt her breath hitch. This one... This one was entirely different.


    It wasn''t just power¡ªit was sovereignty, the epitome of draconic might.


    A dragon with several heritages!


    Seren and Lyra were rooted to their spots. Both had heard of humanoid dragon forms, but this surpassed even the wildest legends. Lyra''s thoughts churned with emotions she couldn''t name. Dragons capable of humanoid forms were rare¡ªroyalty among their kind. Yet here stood Pyris, transcending all expectations.


    Only royal and dragons with rare and powerful Bloodlines could assume humanoid forms the rest could only turn into full dragons unlike the earlier groups which had three forms.


    Did this mean Petne as they knew him as, was a royalty or a high noble? And his humanoid forms was unique.


    Nysa''s reaction was quieter but no less profound. Her gaze softened with an understanding born of the bond she shared with Pyris. Their fates were entangled, defiant against the dictates of destiny itself. She alone could feel the undercurrents of his power, the ripple of rebellion in his soul.


    Then it happened¡ªan eruption of energy so potent that the ground beneath Pyris scorched ck. The weight of his fully unleashed Elemental Sovereign''s Aura descended upon the arena. The air stilled, time seemed to pause, and then¡ªeverything bent to his will. Steam swirled as if obeying him, theva beneath their feet dimmed, and the oppressive darkness receded slightly.


    Elemental Domination, Aura of Submission, Elemental Dragon Form, Absorption, Elemental Domain, and Aura of Vitality¡ªabilities that marked him as a true sovereign of the elements.


    Alera''s eyes widened as realization struck her. This was why Pyris wasn''t worried about the guardian''s death mana. With the full Elemental Sovereign''s Aura, elemental attacks of the same rank, even those two ranks above, would fail to harm him. He could absorb attacks, turning them into devastating counterattacks.


    The only true threat was the guardian''s divine mana and its unmatched physical strength.


    But Alera wasn''t the only one concerned. Zara, Lyra, and Seren exchanged anxious nces. Despite Pyris''s overwhelming disy of power, they couldn''t ignore the aura of the guardian. It was a force of nature, a being designed to kill.


    Lyra stepped forward, determination shing in her eyes. "This isn''t worth it. We don''t need the core. Pyris''s life¡ª"


    Zara stopped her with a firm grip. "Do not underestimate him. Pyris has chosen this path, and we will honor it."


    Lyra hesitated, but Nysa stepped closer, her voice calm yet resolute. "He knows what he''s doing. Believe in him."


    Pyris turned to them, offering a lopsided smile that radiated confidence. It was disarming, almost yful. Lyra''s heart clenched unexpectedly. He was risking everything for her goal. Her lips trembled as an unfamiliar feeling took root¡ªa forbidden emotion she didn''t dare name. Alera noticed the flicker in Lyra''s expression and smirked faintly. Pyris, ever the unintentional heart thief. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    Little did she know, Pyris wasn''t doing this for her at all, Alera smiled at how Pyris had captivated Lyra without even trying.


    The guardian stepped forward, its aura sharpening into a de of death. It acknowledged Pyris''s challenge with a nod, gripping its sword with both hands. The de glowed faintly, the divine mana within it stirring.


    Pyris responded in kind, drawing his sword. The de gleamed ck, its edges razor-sharp. The atmosphere grew heavier, the tension unbearable.


    The women watched as Pyris and the guardian locked eyes. The weight of their presence sent tremors through the arena. Neither moved, the calm before the storm dragging on for what felt like an eternity.


    "Mortal, do you challenge me to a Death Match?"@@novelbin@@


    Pyris raised his chin, his golden gaze settling on the guardian but didn''t say anything immediately for some time before opening his mouth, his expression unyielding. "I do." And hell broke loose.


    The Guardian tilted its head, as if amused. "Very well. Prepare yourself¡­ for death awaits."


    And then, without warning, both fighters surged forward. The ground quaked, the air splitting under the sheer force of theirbined power. The arena trembled as the battle began¡ªbut their sh woulde in the next heartbeat, the promise of devastation hanging in the air like a loaded gun.


    *****


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 Chapter 270 Clash with Darkness Infernum!

    The air trembled as Pyris Obsidian stepped forward, the ground beneath him cracking under the sheer weight of his aura. Madness danced in his eyes, a battle-hardened fervor ignited by the thrill of an impossible challenge. His dragon lineage red through him, raw power radiating like a storm ready to break. Despite the massive difference in their odds, Pyris showed no fear.


    The fight would be difficult, almost unwinnable, but it was not in his nature to retreat.


    Across from him, the Guardian stood silent and still, an overwhelming presence that seemed to absorb andmand the surrounding space. Its divine aura emanated power so oppressive that the air felt thick, making it hard to breathe. It raised its sword, shimmering with spatial distortions, and the de hummed with untold intent¡ªa concept Pyris had yet to fully grasp.


    The Guardian''s lips, shadowed by its hood, curled into what resembled a smirk. The acknowledgment of Pyris as a challenger was almost patronizing.


    Without hesitation, Pyris shot forward using Superspeed and with lightning crackling around him as he blurred into motion. A thunderous boom erupted in his wake, the earth shattering from the force of his eleration. Infusing his movements with lightning and space, Pyris closed the distance between them in less than a second and struck with a devastatingbination of punches and kicks, reinforced with the earth element to amplify the impact.


    Each strike connected, sending shockwaves reverberating through the battlefield. Dust and debris swirled, masking their movements for a moment. When the air cleared, the Guardian was pushed back¡ªits massive feet sliding several paces as cracks spiderwebbed underfoot.


    Pyris smirked. "Not so untouchable, are you?"


    But the Guardian remained unmoved by the taunt. Its sharp divine aura sharpened even further, the shift like a dagger to Pyris'' senses.


    The Guardian responded!


    With a flick of its wrist, the Guardian''s Spatial Sword carved through the air, sending an arc of space-distorting energy hurtling toward Pyris. The attack came so fast that Pyris barely had time to react. Superspeed and lightning allowed him to dodge the first sh, his form zipping out of harm''s way just as the space where he had stood was torn apart.


    The second arc followed immediately, faster and more precise. Pyris twisted mid-air, his time element briefly increased his perception to allow a narrow escape. But the Guardian was relentless. The third strike came faster than Pyris couldprehend. The energy mmed into him, sending him sprawling across the battlefield.


    The impact was immense, the divine-infused space energy tearing through his defenses. Pyris skidded to a halt, coughing blood as he pushed himself to his feet.


    The Guardian didn''t pause. It charged forward, this time with its fists glowing ominously with dark divine energy. Its movements, defying its enormous size, were faster than Pyris anticipated.


    "I have to countery," Pyris thought.


    Before the Guardian could strike, Pyris activated his shadow and darkness elements all at once giving him even higher perception to the dark, phasing momentarily into the shadows beneath him.


    He emerged behind the Guardian, delivering a solid blow with his earth-imbued fists, driving the Guardian back several feet. He followed with a lightning-infused uppercut, forcing the Guardian to raise its arms in defense.


    The air snapped and roared with the sheer energy unleashed in their exchange.


    But even as Pyrisnded these hits, the Guardian seemed unbothered. Its divine aura burned brighter, and its adaptability became clear.


    It was the Guardian turn for onught, the fight seemed to be going in phases which strangely didn''t seat well with him. It felt as though it was letting him enjoy his time before it attacked.


    More or less the guardian seemed to be in control of the fight!


    The Guardian''s next three attacks were devastating. It struck with precision and brutality, each punch imbued with divine energy that seemed to bypass Pyris'' elemental defenses. The first punch narrowly missed, the speed forcing Pyris to phase into shadows again. The second punch grazed him, the mere contact sending him reeling back, the divine aura burning into his skin.


    The third attack though¡ªa sword attacknded square in his chest. It was faster than the others, almost impossible to anticipate, and Pyris felt the full force of it. The impact shattered the ground beneath him, throwing him like a ragdoll into a nearby boulder. He coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips as he gasped for air. For a few agonizing moments, he couldn''t breathe, his chest feeling as if it had copsed entirely.


    "This thing is so fast, I don''t seem to get enough time to weave through it''s attacks despite the many elements I have!" He thought.


    The Guardian stepped forward again, its presence more oppressive than before. Pyris, however, refused to stay down. His life element surged within him, knitting his injuries as he rose shakily to his feet. He wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes zing with renewed fury.


    "You''re good," he admitted, his voice hoarse but filled with resolve. "But you''re not unbeatable."


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    The Guardian tilted its head as if amused, its divine aura ring brighter.


    Pyris knew it had already begun adapting to his attacks. He couldn''t rely on the same tricks twice. Worse still, he needed to conserve his strength for the next phases of the fight.


    Pyris steadied his breathing and prepared himself. His void element, though imperfectly mastered, began to swirl around him, giving him an edge in speed and unpredictability.


    The battlefield crackled with energy as the twobatants locked eyes once more. Pyris felt the weight of the Guardian''s overwhelming power, but he refused to back down. He had learned something critical from their initial exchange, and he intended to use that knowledge to his advantage.


    The Guardian raised its sword once more, the de humming with lethal intent. Pyris clenched his fists, his aura ring like an unstoppable storm.


    The battle was far from over, but one thing was certain¡ªPyris wasn''t walking away unscathed...


    ...Maybe not even walking away at all...@@novelbin@@


    The Guardian lunged forward, its sword cleaving the air in a blur of motion. Pyris braced himself, his void and shadow elements coiling protectively around him. As the de descended, time seemed to slow, the tension of the fight reaching its peak.


    And then¡ªeverything went white. A cataclysmic explosion of energy erupted, blinding and deafening all at once. When the light cleared, the battlefield was unrecognizable, and Pyrisy motionless amidst the rubble. Whether he could rise again remained uncertain.


    The Guardian stood tall, unfazed, its divine aura unwavering.


    *****


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 Chapter 271 Darkness Infernum Can Joke?

    The air was heavy with tension as the guardian raised its sword high, the massive de catching glints of the dim light in the arena. It prepared to deliver an earth-shattering blow, but then, it hesitated. A shift in the air¡ªsubtle but clear¡ªalerted it to something behind. Pyris appeared out of nowhere, his sword raised, shimmering with a chaotic infusion of lightning and me.


    The guardian swiftly pivoted, swinging its weapon to meet Pyris'' strike, but the Pyris in its sight burst into a cloud of pink and violet coloured mana.


    An illusion.


    From behind the veil of the dissipating mana, the real Pyris roared, his de already mid-swing. A resounding sh erupted as the two swords collided, the sheer force of their collision generating shockwaves that rippled through the battlefield. Both were hurled back several paces, the guardian''s massive frame skidding slightly, while Pyris slid gracefully, his dragon-infused aura holding steady.


    "Not bad for an oversized walking mountain," Pyris said, twirling his sword effortlessly before leveling it toward the guardian.


    The guardian did not reply, but a shift in its presence¡ªa sharp, cutting edge to its aura¡ªspoke louder than words. It raised its sword, which began to shimmer with divine energy. Spatial distortions rippled around the de, fragments of the surrounding space bending and twisting unnaturally.


    Pyris''s grin faltered for a moment. "Spatial and divine, huh? Great, just great," he muttered under his breath. "Exactly what I wanted to deal with today."


    The guardian shed forward with a massive swing. A streak of divine energy and warped space tore toward Pyris, carving a jagged path through the battlefield. Pyris leapt to the side, his movement a blur, as the attack missed him by inches, leaving a rift in the air where it passed.


    In retaliation, Pyris raised his sword and summoned the elements to his aid.


    Lightning crackled along the de, fire roared at its edge, and wind coiled around it in chaotic harmony. He swung with ferocity, sending a crescent-shaped wave of elemental power racing toward the guardian.


    The guardian stepped forward, meeting the attack with a swing of its own sword. Its de seemed to fold space, and the elemental wave shattered against the distortion, scattering harmlessly into embers and sparks.


    Pyris grit his teeth. He infused his sword with earth energy, driving it into the ground. Spikes of jagged rock erupted beneath the guardian''s feet, aiming to skewer it. But the guardian''s spatial magic red, and it stepped aside¡ªjust a single step¡ªand was suddenly meters away, the spikes missing entirely.


    "Alright, I''ll admit it. That''s a cool trick," Pyris quipped, before hurling a second,rger elemental wave¡ªa vortex of water and lightning¡ªat his opponent.


    The guardian raised its sword and shed diagonally, and the vortex was split cleanly in two, the remnants scattering into harmless streams.


    Before the guardian could counter, Pyris appeared above it, sword raised high, his entire form crackling with lightning. He swung downward with immense force, his de aiming for the guardian''s shoulder. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The guardian turned slightly, its divine aura ring, and brought its sword up in time to block.


    The collision produced an explosion of light and energy that pushed bothbatants apart once more. Pyrisnded in a crouch, skidding back as he gasped for breath. His dragon scales shimmered under the assault of divine energy, but thin cracks began to appear along their surface.


    "Damn, that stings," he muttered, rubbing his chest where the divine energy had grazed him. "That''s not fair, you know? You''re basically cheating with divine energy."


    The guardian finally spoke, its deep voice resonating through the air. "A battle is not fair. It is survival."


    "Oh great, now the giant philosophical meathead has opinions," Pyris shot back. "Thanks for the wisdom, O Mighty Wall of Muscle. But I like the odds really. How cool it will be to beat you, divine ve!"


    The guardian didn''t react to Pyris''s words but instead swung its sword, sending another spatial de racing toward him. Pyris barely managed to sidestep it, but the force tore through the scales on his left arm, leaving it slightly exposed. He hissed in pain but didn''t stop moving.


    This time, he retaliated with speed. Using his lightning-infused body, Pyris moved faster than the eye could follow, darting around the guardian and striking from multiple angles. His sword shed against the guardian''s, sparks flying with each collision. Every time he swung, he infused his attacks with a different element¡ªfire, water, wind¡ªbut the guardian deflected them all with precision, its spatial magic allowing it to parry and counter without dy.


    The guardian finally went on the offensive again. It raised its sword high, the de glowing with an overwhelming divine light.


    Pyris''s instincts screamed danger. He poured all his energy into his lightning, moving just as the sword came crashing down, obliterating the ground where he had stood a moment before. The shockwave threw him into the air, and before he could recover, the guardian shed again, sending a spatial wave that grazed his side, leaving a deep gash.


    Pyris crashed to the ground, coughing blood. His chest heaved as he struggled to stand. The divine energy lingering in the air seemed to sap his strength, its presence oppressive and relentless.


    "Alright¡­ n C," he wheezed, gripping his sword tightly. His life energy surged, the wounds across his body beginning to heal. He stood tall, defiant.@@novelbin@@


    "You know," Pyris said, a wild grin forming despite the blood trickling from his lips, "if you keep throwing all your best moves at me now, what''ll you have left when I actually start trying?"


    The guardian tilted its head slightly, as if intrigued. "You jest, yet you bleed. Arrogance or desperation?"


    "Neither," Pyris replied, his voice steady. He raised his sword, the energy around it crackling violently. "It''s called buying time."


    The guardian won''t see iting!


    He swung his sword in a wide arc, unleashing a massive surge of fire and wind, forcing the guardian to retreat a step. Pyris used the moment to regain his footing, his confidence unwavering despite the overwhelming odds.


    The guardian''s aura sharpened again, the pressure growing. It raised its sword, and Pyris braced himself. He could feel it in his bones¡ªthe next exchange would push him to the edge. But he was ready.


    "Round two," Pyris said, his voice carrying both determination and a hint of madness.


    *****


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 Chapter 272 Titan and Dragon

    Pyris used the moment to regain his footing, his confidence unwavering despite the overwhelming odds.


    The guardian''s aura sharpened again, the pressure growing. It raised its sword, and Pyris braced himself. He could feel it in his bones¡ªthe next exchange would push him to the edge. But he was ready.@@novelbin@@


    "Round two," Pyris said, his voice carrying both determination and a hint of madness.


    The air grew colder, as if even the elements themselves were stifled under the guardian''s overwhelming presence. Its ominous dark aura red, twisting reality around it, swallowing what little light dared shine in its space. The battlefield seemed to shrink under the weight of the guardian''s oppressive force.


    Shadows writhed on the walls, alive with malice.


    Pyris stepped forward, his shoulders squared and his draconic aura ring around him like a tempest. The madness in his eyes burned brighter, his lips curling into a battle-hungry grin. His essence crackled with raw, primal power¡ªthe power of a dragon unchained.


    He could feel his heartbeat roaring in his chest, the challenge fueling his very being.


    "Let''s do this," Pyris muttered to himself, his voice low yet brimming with determination. He nced over his shoulder at the others.


    Nysa stood still, arms crossed, her expression as unreadable as the void. Zara, however, leaned forward, her intense ck eyes fixed on him, almost daring him to falter. The younger ones¡ªAlexa, Seren, and Lyra¡ªwere pale with worry, their hands clutching each other tightly.


    Then came the sound¡ªa low, guttural chuckle reverberating from the guardian.


    The hooded monstrosity tilted its head, as if amused by the challenge Pyris presented. The smile visible beneath its hood widened, jagged and cruel.


    It was as if it hadn''t expected him to reach this far.


    Without warning, Pyris moved. His body became a blur of lightning-infused speed, the ground beneath his feet exploding as heunched forward. A trail of light and crackling energy followed him. Pyris twisted in mid-air, summoning the earth beneath to erupt into jagged spikes aimed at the guardian''s towering form.


    Simultaneously, his fist, zing with a fusion of lightning and raw dragonic power, struck the guardian''s side.


    The impact was deafening. The arena shook violently, cracks spiderwebbing across the ground and walls. The guardian stumbled, its massive frame taking three heavy steps backward. It was more than anyone had pushed it so far.


    A flicker of surprise¡ªanger¡ªshed in its malevolent aura.


    Pyris didn''t relent. His fists became blurs of destruction as he infused lightning into every strike. He tore through the air like a storm given form, unleashing devastating blows on the guardian. With every punch, the arena filled with shrapnel and lightning, the sheer force creating a thunderous cacophony that rattled even the bones of those watching.


    Lyra gasped, clinging to Alera''s arm. "Is¡­ is he actually pushing it back?" she whispered, hope briefly sparking in her wide eyes.


    But Nysa, standing still as a statue, smirked faintly. "Don''t celebrate yet, child. The real fight hasn''t even begun."


    As if on cue, the guardian shifted. Its aura sharpened into something almost tangible¡ªrazor-edged and suffocating. The spikes Pyris had summoned from the earth crumbled into dust as the guardian''s dark energy overwhelmed them. Its massive fists clenched, ck, ominous energy pooling around them.


    The ground beneath it cracked, as if unable to bear the weight of its growing power. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    The guardian didn''t roar or shout. Instead, with one fluid motion, it stepped forward and unleashed a punch. The air screamed as the dark-coated fist surged toward Pyris. He moved, lightning coursing through his body, his speed carrying him to safety just as the punch obliterated the spot he''d been standing in.


    The ground caved in, a crater left in its wake, ck energy sizzling at its edges.


    But there was no time to breathe. The guardian was relentless. Another punch came, then another sword sh, each one faster than thest, each carrying the weight of annihtion. Pyris dodged with razor-thin precision, the dark energy brushing his skin, leaving it tingling and raw even as he avoided direct contact.


    Then came the third strike. It was faster¡ªmuch faster¡ªthan the others.


    "The bastard can use both fists and the sword at the same time."


    Pyris didn''t see it until it was toote. The guardian''s massive fist collided with his chest, a wave of dark energy exploding outward on impact. Pyris was flung across the room like a broken doll, his body mming into the far wall with a sickening crunch.


    Alexa screamed. Lyra covered her mouth, eyes wide with horror. Even Zara''s confident smirk wavered, her hand twitching as if she wanted to intervene but knew she couldn''t.


    Pyris slid to the ground, coughing violently. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth as he gasped for air, the impact having knocked the wind out of him. His vision blurred momentarily, but the fire in his eyes didn''t dim. Slowly, shakily, he pushed himself to his feet.


    The guardian didn''t move. It stood tall and imposing, watching him as if evaluating whether he was worth finishing off. Its dark aura pulsed, as if mocking him.


    Pyris wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, his chest heaving. "That''s¡­ all you''ve got?" he spat, forcing a grin despite the pain. His draconic aura red again, this time brighter, more focused.


    The wounds on his body began to heal, his life energy surging as he drew on his dragonic vitality.


    Zara''s lips curled upward once more, her eyes narrowing. "Now he''s serious?" she murmured, a hint of excitement in her voice.


    "I-Is he okay?" Seren stammered, looking to Nysa for reassurance. But Nysa didn''t answer. Her emerald eyes remained locked on Pyris, studying him with an intensity that betrayed her intrigue.


    Pyris cracked his neck, the madness in his eyes returning tenfold. "Alright, big guy," he muttered, his voice low but dripping with determination. "Let''s dance."


    The guardian''s aura shifted again. It nodded, as if acknowledging Pyris'' resolve. The brief moment of understanding between warrior and monster was unsettling, but Pyris didn''t flinch.


    This wasn''t over. Not by a long shot.


    *****


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 Chapter 274 Final Clash: Pyris vs. Infernum

    The air grew heavier, suffused with an ominous tension. The guardian''s towering form seemed to radiate an almost suffocating power as though it had reached its breaking point. Its movements, slower but more deliberate, gave the impression of calcted rage¡ªa creature that had been pushed too far, but still held mastery over the battlefield.


    Pyris stood firm amidst the chaos, his breath steady, eyes alight with determination. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, yet his presence was unyielding.


    His dragon blood thrummed with energy, and his aura crackled with sparks of lightning and flickers of bending space-time.


    "You''ve pushed me hard very well," Pyris muttered, his voice calm yet dangerous, "but this ends here."


    The guardian didn''t respond in words, only action. It roared¡ªa low, guttural sound that made the very ground tremble¡ªand reached for its massive de, the earlier dropped weapon thrumming with dark energy as if responding to its master''s fury.


    With a fluid motion, the guardian swung the weapon in an arc that shattered the air itself, creating a trail of void-like energy in its wake.


    Pyris raised his hand, a pulse of lightning wrapping around his arm like a living snake. With a quick gesture, he summoned a barrier of charged mana, meeting the sword head-on. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves rippling across the room, throwing debris everywhere.


    Pyris was pushed back, his boots skidding across the ground as the guardian advanced.


    "Time for something new," Pyris murmured, his tone steady.


    He stretched his arm forward, conjuring a tear in the fabric of reality with the Void and Space.


    From the rift emerged a spatial distortion, warping the trajectory of the guardian''s next sword swing. The massive de missed by inches, crashing into the ground with a deafening boom that left a crater. Pyris disappeared in a burst of superspeed, reappearing behind the guardian, his hand glowing with spatial energy.


    "Let''s see you handle this."


    Apressed ball of time and space exploded against the guardian''s back, warping its movement for a split second. Lightningnced through the opening, striking with pinpoint precision. The arena lit up in a dazzling disy of raw elemental power, and for the first time, cracks appeared on the guardian''s once-imprable armor.


    Yet it didn''t falter. It turned sharply, swinging its sword horizontally. Pyris ducked under the strike, but the guardian was faster than anticipated. A backhanded strike, now infused with its own dark energy, caught him squarely in the chest. The impact hurled him into a nearby wall, the force denting the stone and forcing a cough of blood from his lips.


    His ribs burned in protest, but he pushed himself up, unwilling to yield.


    "Still standing. One strike of it causes more damage than ten of mine." Pyris grinned weakly, his aura ring back to life. "Good."


    The guardian seemed to take Pyris'' resilience as a challenge. Its aura shifted, condensing into a dark, swirling mass around its sword. The air screamed as the weapon now moved faster, heavier, as if feeding off its wielder''s anger.


    It raised the de high and mmed it down, releasing a shockwave of pure destruction.


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    Pyris moved faster than thought, vanishing in a sh of lightning. The ground where he had stood moments ago erupted, chunks of stone and debris flying into the air. He reappeared mid-dash, lightning coursing through his veins, andunched himself at the guardian. At thest moment, he twisted through time-space, appearing behind the guardian tond a flurry of electrified punches and sword strikes.


    It semmed as if he had been consumed by madness...


    Each strikended with a sound akin to thunderps, further cracking the guardian''s armor. The beast staggered, but it wasn''t done. It pivoted with unnatural speed, its sword radiating with an ominous glow. This time, it didn''t swing.


    It plunged the de into the ground, and the entire battlefield was consumed by a tidal wave of ck energy.


    Pyris barely had time to react. He erected a shield of spatial energy around himself, but the wave tore through it like paper. The dark energy struck him with full force, mming him into the ceiling before gravity dragged him back down.


    He crashed into the ground, coughing blood, his vision blurring. His body screamed in pain, his magic reserves dwindling, but still, he rose.


    The guardian advanced, its steps heavy, its breathingbored. Its own armor was cracked and dented, glowing faintly as if barely holding together. The twobatants locked eyes, mutual respect passing between them despite the ferocity of the fight.


    "Onest round?" Pyris asked, his voice hoarse but unwavering.


    The guardian responded with a sharp nod.


    The Final exchange was here, the time hade and the stalling was over.@@novelbin@@


    Pyris discarded his sword, letting it tter to the ground. Instead, he focused entirely on his magic, gathering every ounce of his remaining energy. Golden Lightning enveloped himpletely, arcing wildly as he bent space around him.


    Time itself seemed to slow as he prepared his final move.


    The guardian raised its de, dark energy pooling around it in a vortex of destruction. It lunged, closing the distance with surprising speed for its size.


    Pyris met the charge head-on. He vanished in a burst of superspeed, reappearing at the guardian''s side. His hand glowed with spatial distortion as he drove it into the cracks in the guardian''s armor. The impact reverberated through the arena, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if the guardian would fall.


    But it didn''t.


    The guardian retaliated with a desperate swing of its de, catching Pyris across the shoulder. Blood sprayed, and he staggered, but he didn''t let up. With a final burst of energy, he unleashed a devastating lightning-infused punch directly into the guardian''s chest.


    The two attacksnded simultaneously. The guardian''s armor shatteredpletely, and Pyris was hurled across the arena, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud. Bothbatantsy still, their bodies broken, their energy spent.


    A stalemate?


    Silence fell over the battlefield, broken only by the sound ofbored breathing. Pyris forced himself to sit up, painncing through his entire body. The guardian, too, rose slowly, its form battered but upright.


    Pyris smiled faintly. "Looks like¡­we''re even."


    The guardian inclined its head slightly, acknowledging the sentiment. It then turned and stepped back, as if to signal the end of the round.


    Pyris copsed back to the ground, his body finally giving in. His vision blurred as exhaustion overtook him, but he felt a flicker of satisfaction.


    He had pushed the guardian to its limits¡ªand survived, time was right.


    ****


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 Chapter 275 Fall—Divine Darkness Infernum.

    The atmosphere was dense with tension, every breath in the arena a weight that pressed against their chests. The hulking figure of the Guardian loomed like an unyielding mountain, its dark energy rippling in anticipation. Pyris Obsidian stood tall, despite the blood staining his lips and the tremor in his limbs.


    His dragon blood with a hint of gold burned within him, his aura ring with raw intensity.


    The battle craziness in his eyes danced like wildfire, a reflection of his indomitable spirit. There was no fear, no hesitation¡ªonly purpose.@@novelbin@@


    The Guardian moved first, its hulking form deceptively fast as it lunged at Pyris, its dark aura trailing like ominous smoke. Pyris matched its speed with his own, lightning-infused energy crackling around him.


    Their first exchange was a blur of motion and power.


    The Guardian struck with a massive swing of its fist, dark energy coiling around its arm. Pyris ducked beneath the blow, his superspeed allowing him to evade just in time. In retaliation, heunched a devastating kick infused with lightning, the sheer force of it sending shockwaves through the arena. The Guardian staggered but quickly regained its footing, its aura sharper now, more dangerous.


    Pyris smirked¡ªhe had managed to push it back further than expected.


    The two shed again, Pyris weaving between strikes like a streak of lightning and superspeed,nding earth-shaking blows with his elemental-infused strikes. Each hit caused fissures in the ground, the sheer energy lighting up the battlefield.


    The Guardian retaliated, swinging with precision, its dark and golden energy pulsating dangerously. Pyris dodged and countered, sending a massive lightning bolt crashing into the Guardian''s side. The resulting explosion sent debris flying in all directions, but when the dust settled, the Guardian stood firm, its ominous presence undeterred.


    The tension escted as Pyris felt the shift in its aura. This wasn''t just a battle anymore¡ªit was a duel of dominance. The Guardian''s eyes seemed to glow beneath its hood as it delivered a series of devastating punches, each one coated with an ominous ck energy that made the air vibrate with danger.


    Pyris blurred with superspeed, evading the first punch narrowly. He could feel the raw power behind it, a power that could obliterate anything in its path. The second punch followed immediately, and Pyris dodged again, his movements a testament to his unmatched agility the third too. But the fourth punch came too fast, faster than even he had anticipated. It connected with his chest, a dark energy exploding upon impact.


    Pyris was sent flying like a ragdoll, his body mming into the ground with enough force to crack it. He coughed up blood, his breath stolen from him as he gasped for air. The pain was immense, his chest feeling as if it had been crushed. For a moment, hey there, struggling to breathe, his vision blurring.


    The Guardian loomed over him, its presence like the shadow of death itself.


    But Pyris wasn''t done yet. Through sheer willpower, he forced himself to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. His dragon blood burned brighter, healing his injuries as his life energy surged.


    He wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes locked on the Guardian with renewed determination.


    "This isn''t over," Pyris growled, his voice filled with defiance. He had a n, and now was the time to execute it.


    The arena trembled as Pyris and the Guardian resumed their battle. Pyris unleashed a flurry of attacks,bining his lightning and earth and his other elements elements in devastating tandem. Pirs of earth erupted beneath the Guardian, attempting to trap it, while bolts of lightning struck from above. The Guardian countered with dark stream of dark and divine energy sts that tore through the air, each one capable of annihting entire armies. The sh was cataclysmic, the sheer force of their attacks shaking the very foundation of the arena.


    Pyris was relentless, but he knew the Guardian was adapting. Its movements were bing sharper, more precise. It was learning his patterns, countering his strategies. He couldn''t afford to drag this out.


    He needed to end it¡ªnow.


    The Guardian charged at him, its fists glowing with dark energy. Pyris stood his ground, allowing it toe closer. To an outsider, it looked like madness, as if he had resigned himself to defeat. The Guardian''s first punch came down like a hammer, and Pyris dodged it by a hair''s breadth. The second punch followed immediately, grazing his shoulder and sending a jolt of pain through his body. The third punch was the most devastating, aimed directly at his head. Pyris blocked it with both arms, the impact sending him skidding backward.


    He fell to one knee, blood dripping from his arms. The Guardian loomed over him, ready to deliver the final blow. Pyris smirked through the pain. This was exactly where he wanted it.


    The Guardian raised its fist it''s guard almost down for his challenger was only a blink away from his fated end, divine energy coiling around it like a serpent. But before it could strike, Pyris moved. Time seemed to slow as he activated his trump card¡ªa fusion of time and void magic. The world around them warped, the colors bleeding together as if reality itself were being bent.


    Pyris disappeared in an instant, reappearing directly behind the Guardian. His hands glowed with a dark, pulsating energy¡ªa concentrated void attack aimed directly at the Guardian''s weak spot with every ounce of his mana. He went all out.


    The Guardian turned, but it was toote, the time element had slowed down it''s movements thanks to so much mana.


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    Pyris jumped and plunged the attack into the back of its neck, the concentrated void energy tearing through its defenses.


    The Guardian froze, its massive body trembling. The arena went silent as a crack appeared in its form, spreading like a spiderweb. Pyris stepped back, his breathing heavy, his body barely holding on.


    He fell on his knees...


    The Guardian''s divine energy began to disintegrate, its dark energy too dissipating into the air. It let out a final, guttural roar before copsing to the ground. The impact shook the arena, dust and debris filling the air.


    The Void had erased life out of it!


    And then there was silence.


    Pyris stood there on his knees, his body battered and bruised, but his spirit unbroken. The Guardiany motionless, its massive form lifeless. For a moment, no one moved, the weight of what had just happened sinking in.


    Pyris turned to the others, a faint smirk on his bloodied face. He had done it. He had used himself as bait, luring the Guardian into a position where he could deliver the killing blow.


    It had been a gamble, but one that had paid off.


    All of this, all he had to do was tire the guardian while keeping more and more of his mana and not waste it through the fight just for this onest calcted attack.


    As the weight of the situation settled, the reality of their victory began to sink in. But Pyris knew this was only the beginning.


    *****


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 Chapter 276 God-Slayers, Miras Submissiveness

    Pyris stood atop the colossal, still form of the guardian, his chest rising and falling steadily as he felt its divine essence begin to flow into him. It wasn''t something he could see, but rather, something felt¡ªa wave of power so overwhelming that it left him intoxicated. The energy, ancient and vast, coursed through him, filling every fiber of his being.


    He let out a shaky breath, his pupils dting as raw ecstasy painted across his expression. It was as though the weight of an entire realm was being absorbed into him.


    His hands trembled, not from fear or weakness, but from the sheer power surging through him. The system''s notifications pinged in the background, their mechanical tone dull inparison to the raw euphoria consuming him.


    __


    [Ding! Host has unlocked 12% of "his" Anti-God (God-yer) potential after killing and absorbing Divine mana of the Elemental Deity!


    Ding! New title has been unlocked: God-yer!


    Host has be the enemy to gods.


    Ding! Gift from Zaryana: The ring has suppressed the aura of a God-yer. No god can feel your aura until you fully unlock all your God-yer potential and Anti-divine Mana!]


    The notifications ended, yet Pyris remained lost in the intoxicating flow of the divine essence. His body began to glow faintly, cracks of gold and crimson light tracing along his skin. The gaping wound on his chest knitted itself shut, his torn muscles reweaving as if they''d never been damaged.


    Each scar, bruise, and cut faded into nothingness, leaving behind skin unmarred and shimmering faintly with an ethereal hue.


    He didn''t even notice the passage of time, only the feeling of his dragon lineages roaring to life inside him. The chaotic swirl of his dragon aura became an untamed tempest, golden lightning crackling and hissing around him like feral serpents. His dragonic scales, dormant until now, glinted beneath his healing skin.


    The divine essence seemed to awaken something deeper in him¡ªnot just raw power, but an ancient and primal force tied to his very bloodline.@@novelbin@@


    The air around Pyris grew heavier as his aura expanded, pressing against those around him like a suffocating weight.


    Zara, Nysa, and the others could barely breathe, their knees trembling under the unrelenting force of his presence. His power wasn''t just alive¡ªit was alive and furious, a chaotic maelstrom that reflected his awakened potential.


    His golden eyes glowed with otherworldly radiance, pulsating like twin suns.


    And yet, for all the grandeur of the disy, Pyris noticed something unusual¡ªhis rank had not risen.


    "No rank increase?" he muttered, his voice hoarse but tinged with awe. "Not bad¡­" A smile crept across his lips, one brimming with dangerous confidence. It wasn''t a loss. No, it was better.


    He could feel the untapped potential pooling within him, waiting to be unleashed. His dragon lineage and now his Anti-God essence were coalescing into something¡­ far greater.


    Pyris'' knees buckled as the weight of his power finally overwhelmed him. He crumpled softly to the ground, the light dimming from his eyes as he slipped into unconsciousness. Zara rushed to his side, her hands glowing with magic as she attempted to heal him.


    But as she examined him, she realized¡ªthere was nothing left to heal. His body was fully restored, no signs of the battle evident.


    "He''s fine," Zara whispered in relief. She gently moved him off the guardian''s body, her hands brushing against his now unblemished skin.


    To everyone''s surprise, it was Lyra who began to cry, her delicate sobs breaking the tense silence. She knelt beside Pyris, her tears falling freely onto his now pristine armor. "I¡­ I thought we''d lose him," she murmured, her voice trembling.


    The others exchanged nces but said nothing, giving her the moment she needed.


    However, amidst the concern for Pyris, none of them noticed the subtle transformation happening in Nysa.


    Her vibrant green eyes began to glow, their shade deepening until they radiated a rich, verdant hue. For a brief moment, a flicker of gray shed within them before vanishing just as quickly. She felt it¡ªthe awakening. The tether that connected her to Pyris pulsed with newfound energy.


    She could feel her strength surging, her senses sharpening. Her heart pounded as realization dawned on her.


    "A Divinitarch¡­" she whispered in ancient tongues, her voice trembling with reverence and disbelief. "I¡­ I can kill them now."


    Her words, though quiet, carried an air of finality, as if they were a deration of war against the divine itself.


    When the chaos settled, Lyra and Seren worked together to extract the guardian''s core.


    The massive orb, pulsating with dark energy and spatial distortions, was wrenched free. Lyra''s hands trembled as she held it, her tears flowing once more.


    "Let''s go," Zara urged, her voice steady but soft. Alera added a quick nod, winking at Nysa, who returned the gesture.


    As the others turned to leave, the guardian''s body disappeared into golden motes of light. Nysa, smiled to Alera, she remained still for a moment, her lips curving into a knowing smirk.


    With Zara''s magic, a floating bed was constructed to carry Pyris, Zara felt the unsettling energy brimming in Pyris'' body, he wasn''t fully healed.


    It was only temporary.


    The group moved swiftly, a portal summoned by Zara leading them far away from the crowds gathered near thebyrinth''s entrance. As they stepped through, thebyrinth behind them began to copse, its intricate structure vanishing into nothingness.


    ____


    On the other side of the portal, a figure awaited them. Mira stood with her arms folded, her expression cold and unreadable. Her ck dress clung to her body, its revealing design showcasing her wless curves and powerful presence. The sight of her left Seren, Lyra, and even Nysa momentarily stunned.


    Mira''s beauty was unlike anything they had ever seen¡ªunearthly and imposing. Her dark eyes gleamed with icy calction, and her aura was suffocating, more terrifying than anything they''d encountered before.


    Without a word, Mira stepped forward and snatched Pyris from Zara''s side. She cradled him in her arms, her grip firm yet gentle. Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Useless witch," Mira spat, her voice sharp as a de. She cast a cold nce at Zara before turning her attention to Alera, her expression softening slightly. "Young Lady,e closer."


    Alera approached, pulling Nysa along with her. Mira studied Nysa briefly but said nothing, her silence an indication of her trust in Pyris'' judgment. For now, Nysa''s presence was tolerated, though Mira''s sharp gaze conveyed that tolerance would only go so far.


    "Let''s move," Miramanded, summoning a void portal with a mere flick of her wrist. Her authority was absolute, her power undeniable.


    Seren and Lyra, still shaken by Mira''s suffocating presence, exchanged whispers as they retreated. "She''s terrifying," Seren murmured.


    "She''s beyond terrifying," Lyra replied. "Pyris¡­ just who is he to have someone like her at his side?"


    Their thoughts were cut short as Mira''s cold voice echoed in their minds. "Don''t get too curious, girl."


    Lyra stumbled, her face pale as the weight of Mira''s words bore down on her. Without hesitation, the pair fled, unwilling to remain under Mira''s scrutinizing gaze any longer.


    With everyone gathered, Mira gestured for Alera and Nysa to step through her portal. "Young Lady Alera," she said respectfully, though there was an underlying sharpness to her tone.


    Alera smiled wryly. "Don''t be so formal. It''s¡­ unnerving,ing from you."


    Mira''s expression softened, but her words were firm. "You have proven yourself worthy to stand beside the Young Lord." Her gaze flickered to Zara, her tone turning icy. "Unlike some who merely watch."


    Zara flinched but said nothing, her lips pressed into a thin line. Mira''s authority was absolute, and even she could not challenge it.


    With that, the group stepped into Mira''s portal, vanishing into the void. Behind them, thebyrinth copsed entirely, leaving no trace of the battle that had taken ce.


    *****


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 Chapter 277 Face Off With Light Goddess

    Two days ago, far from the Human Continent, in a realm of twilight and shimmering starlight, a goddess watched, her lips curling into a knowing smile.


    "Ah, Heris," she whispered, her voice lilting yet sharp. "So predictable. Let us see how thy Champion fares when faced with mine."


    The scene faded, the goddess vanishing into the ether, her amusement lingering like the shadow of the inevitable.


    ____


    The space above the Obsidian Hotel crackled with intense lightning. The massive building, towering over all nearby structures, seemed to draw the energy of the storm. Yet, the change went unnoticed by most of the weakly awakened, save for the powerful.


    Within the Dragon Empire, the mightiest of its powerhouses felt a wave of rm at the sudden surge of energy. But instead of urgency or fear, they experienced an overwhelming sense of calm.


    The light, though intense, carried a soothing aura. It healed burdens, eased stress, softened stiffness, and even cured hidden ailments.


    They recognized the source immediately: The Light Goddess.


    If not for the unmistakable aura of her divine power, they might have questioned her presence in the Dragon Empire. After all, the Light Goddess'' influence was centered in the Human Continent. What business did she have here?


    But such thoughts did not cross their minds¡ªnot while they were under the spell of unending peace that emanated from her. They felt rejuvenated, as if the very secrets of the heavens were opening to them, gifted by the goddess'' luminous presence.


    Not all, however, shared this blissful tranquility.


    ___


    Sitting with Alexa, the Duchess sat cross-legged while her daughter-inw held her hands gently over her forehead. A soft, golden light emanated from Alexa''s palms.


    "Everything seems fine now, Mother. Your fatigue is all gone," Alexa said with a smile.


    "Ah~ that''s a relief. I don''t know what I would have done without you, Alexa," Emberly replied, caressing her daughter-inw''s cheek softly.


    Alexa giggled, her bright eyes narrowing. "Don''t be so modest, Mother. I know you''ve been trying to help me refine my powers. You weren''t actually tired, were you?"


    "Aww~ seems like my clever daughter-inw caught me," Emberly chuckled, covering her mouth as peals ofughter escaped.


    Alexa''s pointed look seemed to say, You can''t hide anything from me, Mother-inw.


    For a month now, Emberly had been visiting the hotel¡ªor sending Anastasia in her stead¡ªto give Alexa "tasks" that required her to use her abilities, including divine powers. Gradually, they had been training Alexa to grow morefortable with using her gifts on people rather than relying solely on her practice sessions with Aurelia.


    This subtle encouragement had worked beautifully, and Emberly thought it was time to thank her daughter-inw. Yet, before she could, a sudden shift in the air made her freeze.


    "Get behind me. Now!" Emberly ordered sharply, her tone brooking no argument.


    Alexa barely moved before the light of the goddess descended upon them.


    Unlike the others, Emberly felt nofort in its presence. If anything, it filled her with unease. The soothing, divine aura that healed others had no effect on her. Instead, it left her feeling helpless.


    Alexa, too, felt the shift. Her unique Light affinity allowed her to sense the goddess'' presence clearly. She recognized it at once¡ªthe Light Goddess, revered in her homnd, the Human Continent.


    "This is bad!" Emberly thought, her mind racing. "Have the gods discovered Alexa''s connection to divinity?"


    Her heart pounded at the possibility. "No, that shouldn''t be possible," she reassured herself. "The Phantoms wards are everywhere Alexa goes, and the enchanted bracelets should be hiding her presence, even from prying divine eyes."


    But doubt lingered. For the first time in months, Emberly wasn''t sure their precautions were enough.


    "Mother-inw," Alexa whispered, her voice trembling with worry as she stood behind Emberly. Her unease was palpable, her fear barely masked.


    Unlike most, Alexa knew the gods were not as virtuous as their devotees imed.


    "Don''t worry," Emberly said firmly, her voice like a shield against Alexa''s fears. "If ites to the worst, we''ll resort to the st'' option. I won''t let anyone take you away. Not now, not ever."


    Alexa felt warmth bloom in her chest. Was this what it felt like to have a caring parent? She clung to that feeling, even as the tension in the air thickened.


    Both of them knew why the Light Goddess was here. Mira had warned them¡ªthis was the Era Of Champions. In a time like this, someone as extraordinary as Alexa was bound to draw the gods'' attention.


    Whether they came with peaceful intentions or forceful demands, no one could say.


    That was why Emberly had always ensured a Phantom guard followed Alexa or any of Pyris''s women in his absence. Yet, even with those precautions, who would have thought a god would dare make their presence known when Emberly herself was here?


    The worst part? Emberly knew that with a mere wave of the Goddess''s hand, she could be flung through her own hotel windows like a leaf in the wind.


    But who said Emberly was helpless?


    "Ah~~ Obsidians, and their arrogance," a soothing, amused voice echoed, light and mocking. A soft chuckle followed, brimming with disdain.


    The Light Goddess''s avatar appeared in the penthouse. Ethereal and divine, her form was cloaked in radiant light, her features hidden beneath the brilliance. Her presence was overwhelming, though not crushing¡ªit exerted pressure, a reminder of her superiority, but it did not harm Emberly.


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    She didn''t need to harm her. Yet.


    The Goddess''s tone was lilting with amusement, but her words carried sharp edges. "How curious. Do you truly believe you, a mere mortal, can challenge a goddess? And not just any goddess, but me¡ªone whose power stands just beneath the Ancient Gods themselves? You must be either brave or foolish to think you can stop me from taking what''s destined to be mine."


    Emberly''s lips curled into a small, defiant smile. "Underestimate me, will you?"


    "What''s this?" the Goddess mused, her contempt dripping. "Do you think you''re you''re like ancestor, Lucy? What a delusion."


    The mention of Lucy lit a fire in Emberly''s eyes. It was no secret that the Obsidians were loathed by the gods, their uncanny abilities a thorn in the divine realm. The gods feared the reemergence of another like Lucy¡ªan Obsidian who had ascended as a God-yer.


    Not like she was the first but the most powerful!


    The Council of the Gods was always watching, waiting for an excuse to wipe out the Obsidian bloodline entirely. But they needed a reason, a justification to unleash their wrath without risking bacsh.


    "Perhaps," the Goddess thought, she could provoke Emberly into giving them that reason.


    "I''m not my ancestor," Emberly shot back, her voice like steel. "And you don''t deserve to even speak of her name!"


    If it was an exchange of words the Goddess wanted, Emberly would oblige.


    She knew a god couldn''t attack a mortal without cause¡ªunless the mortal struck first, or was a God-yer. The rules bound even the divine.


    "Oh~~ as expected," the Goddess said, her voice a mocking melody. "I thought the rumors of your defiance were exaggerated, but it seems they were true. One can never underestimate an Obsidian, can they?"


    "Hmph! Say whatever you like," Emberly retorted, her tone sharp with mockery.


    "Unlike you gods, Obsidians aren''t cowards. We don''t hide behind armies of heaven to destroy a single family out of fear. And you call yourselves the most powerful beings in existence? Pathetic!"


    The Goddess''s light red briefly, a sign of her growing irritation. "Mortal, control your tongue, or you will have no one to me but yourself for my mercy''s end!"


    The Light Goddess''sughter faded, and her glowing form turned to re at Emberly. Her voice, once warm and soothing, was now sharp andced with anger.


    "I don''t know if you''re reckless or just in stupid. Perhaps both~~" The words were spat with disdain.


    But before she could finish her tirade, her radiant gaze fell upon Alexa.


    Her tone shifted in an instant, bing gentle, almost coaxing. "Alexandra Elise," she said, her voice warm and melodic. "Do you ept to be my Champion? Ah, but no¡ªI don''t think you have a choice..."


    With a wave of her hand, light surged around Alexa, wrapping her in its radiant embrace. The divine energy pulsed with overwhelming power, seemingly preparing to bind the girl to the will of the Light Goddess.


    Emberly stared in shock! What they always feared...@@novelbin@@


    ****


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 Chapter 280 A Phantoms Obsession

    Mira''s mind was a storm of chaos, a tempest of emotions that refused to settle no matter how desperately she tried to calm herself. She sat alone in her quarters, fingers tracing the rim of her winess, the liquid inside untouched. The stillness of the room was a stark contrast to the turbulence within her.


    No matter how much she tried to think of other things, her thoughts kept returning to him.


    Pyris Obsidian.


    The youngest CEO of the most powerful technological empire the world had ever seen, a man who ruled with an elegance that bordered on divine. Pyris didn''t justmand a room when he entered it¡ªhe owned it, bending the very air to his will.


    But it wasn''t just his power or his status that made Mira feel this way. It was something deeper, something more primal, and that terrified her.


    Mira''s Shadow body shifted uneasily in her chair, her form flickering as her emotions got the better of her. Pyris was not like anyone she had ever encountered before. His allure was beyond mortalprehension, teetering on the edge of divine. There was something almost cruel about how perfect he was¡ªhis features impossibly handsome, his aura maic to the point of pain. His presence didn''t just demand attention; itmanded devotion.


    The kind of devotion Mira had sworn she would never give to anyone.


    But here she was, utterly consumed.


    Whenever Pyris spoke, his voice carried a depth that was impossible to ignore. It wasn''t just the words he used, or the way his tone held an effortless authority¡ªit was the way his presence seeped into every syble. That deep, resonant voice seemed to bypass her ears and sink directly into her soul.


    It left her trembling, unmoored, and desperate for more.


    "Stop it," she whispered harshly to herself, her voice a brittle echo in the empty room.


    But how could she? Pyris wasn''t just a man¡ªhe was a force. Every movement he made, every nce he threw her way, seemed designed to unmake her.@@novelbin@@


    The sharp lines of his jaw, the smoldering intensity of his eyes, and that intoxicating scent he carried¡ªa blend of lightning, fire, and something unearthly¡ªallbined into a being that no god or immortal could rival.


    His beauty was punishing, his allure a weapon he wielded without mercy at her.


    "You''re so cruel to me Young Lord..."


    Mira hated how he made her feel. Not just because it left her vulnerable, but because it made her question everything about herself. Pyris wasn''t her superior. Technically, they stood on equal footing in terms of powermand and influence. And yet, every time he looked at her, Mira felt like she was shrinking, like she was nothing more than a shadow beneath the brilliance of his light.


    She clenched her fingers around the armrests of her chair, her form darkening as she wrestled with her emotions. Her lips trembled as she thought back to theirst interaction.


    Pyris had leaned closer, his otherworldly face mere inches from hers. His gaze, smoldering and predatory, had locked onto hers, making it impossible to look away. And then, in that deep,manding voice, he had said her name.


    "Mira."


    It was just her name, a simple acknowledgment. But the way he said it, the way it rolled off his tongue like a promise and amand, had left her breathless. His eyes had seemed to strip her bare, seeing through her defenses, through her very soul.


    She had felt exposed, vulnerable, andpletely at his mercy.


    But it wasn''t just his voice. It was his very being. The aura of his Goddess blessing intertwined with the primal energy of his dragon heritage created a presence that was impossible to resist. It wasn''t fair. Pyris wasn''t a man¡ªhe was temptation incarnate, a living embodiment of desire.


    And Mira, for all her strength and pride, was crumbling beneath the weight of it.


    "This isn''t me," she muttered to herself, her voice trembling with a mixture of denial and desperation. "It''s this body. It''s only because I''m in my Shadow Body. If I were in my real body, this wouldn''t be happening. I wouldn''t feel this way. I wouldn''t¡­"


    Her words trailed off, her denial faltering. The thought offered her some semnce of relief, however absurd it might have been. She clung to it,ughing bitterly under her breath. Yes, that had to be it. Her shadow body was more sensitive, more vulnerable to external forces.


    Her real body¡ªher true form¡ªwouldn''t fall prey to Pyris''s charms. It couldn''t.


    She closed her eyes, exhaling shakily as a small, self-deprecating smile crept onto her lips. "If I were in my real body," she murmured, "I''d be fine. Totally fine."


    Even as she thought it, a part of her knew it wasn''t true. Pyris''s allure wasn''t something that could be escaped, no matter what form she took. He wasn''t just a man. He was a storm, a force of nature that swept through everything in his path, leaving destruction and obsession in his wake.


    And Mira¡­ Mira was caught in the eye of that storm.


    Her fingers rxed their grip on the chair as she leaned back, staring at the untouched ss of wine on the table. She hated this.


    She hated how much power Pyris had over her, how much space he took up in her mind. She hated that she couldn''t stop thinking about him, that every nce, every word, every fleeting moment between them yed over and over in her head like a tormenting melody.


    But most of all, she hated herself.


    She hated how much she wanted him. How much she craved his attention, his approval, his touch. It wasn''t just attraction¡ªit was obsession, a maddening need that consumed her every waking thought. She wanted him, not just as a man, but as a god, as a force.


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    She wanted to be the one who tamed the storm, who brought the dragon to its knees.


    But she knew it was impossible.


    Pyris wasn''t someone she could ever hope to possess. He was untouchable, unattainable, a being who existed on a ne far above her own. And yet, that knowledge only made her want him more.


    Mira''sugh was soft and bitter as she shook her head. "It''s just this body," she whispered again, as if repeating it would make it true. "It''s only because I''m in my Shadow Body. That''s all." She told herself.


    But deep down, she knew the truth.


    It didn''t matter what body she was in. Pyris had already imed her¡ªher thoughts, her desires, her very soul. And there was no escaping him.


    *****


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 Chapter 281 Elsa 2

    While Mira stayed locked in her little world of denial, unwilling to face her emotions, the others had retired to their rooms, giving Pyris space to recover. But Anastasia and Elsa weren''t going anywhere. The two women stayed by his side, determined not to leave until they were sure he was okay.


    It wasn''t just them, though¡ªothers visited frequently, showing just how much Pyris meant to everyone. Yet out of all the visitors, one stood out.


    Emilia had refused to leave, and not odd at all, neither Anastasia nor Elsa minded. If anything, they appreciated having someone else who shared their concern.


    But there was one thing none of them could ignore. Even unconscious, Pyris radiated an overwhelming aura¡ªsomething raw and intense that filled the room. It wasn''t harmful, not directly, but it stirred something in everyone who stepped too close, emotions they couldn''t quite name or exin.


    For most, it was a strange mix of awe and unease. But for Emberly, sitting quietly in the hall somewhere outside his room, it felt... familiar. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she pieced it together.


    She could forget that time when he''s aura had affected her when he fell unconscious.


    "Could it be..." she murmured to herself. "When he''s unconscious, his aura¡ªhis Lust Dragon nature¡ªleaks out. Does he...  Always suppress it on purpose when he''s awake not to affect others?"


    The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Pyris wasn''t just charming; his very presence was infused with the allure of both a goddess'' blessing and the primal energy of a Lust Dragon.


    Normally, he kept it all under control, but now, unconscious and vulnerable, his aura slipped free.


    But there was more to it than just charm. Beyond the maic pull of his aura, there was a weight to it¡ªa pressure that seemed to prick at the edges of their very beings.


    No one else in the room could put a name to it, but Nysa could.


    Standing off to the side, her piercing green eyes flickered with understanding. This wasn''t just the aura of a Lust Dragon. This was something deeper, something far more dangerous. As someone connected to Pyris through their bond, Nysa recognized it immediately.


    This was the power of a God-yer, the same power she had too.


    To her, it was almost visible: a faint, swirling gray energy that seemed to curl around his body, pulsing like a heartbeat. The others might not have seen it, but they felt it. It was impossible not to.


    Nysa''s expression tightened, but she said nothing. This wasn''t her secret to share. Whatever she and Pyris had be, whatever power they now held, it wasn''t her ce to exin. That was a burden he would have to bear¡ªand reveal¡ªon his own terms.


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    Meanwhile, Anastasia and Emilia sat beside Elsa, who clung to them with tearful eyes and trembling hands. The little girl''s gaze kept darting back to Pyris, her face pale with worry. She held onto Anastasia like a lifeline, her small fingers gripping tightly.


    "Hey, hey, Elsa," Anastasia said softly, crouching down to meet the girl''s gaze. "It''s okay. Don''t cry, all right?"


    Emilia reached out, wrapping an arm around Elsa''s shoulders. "Your brother''s tough," she said with a gentle smile. "He''s going to pull through. You know that, right?"


    Elsa sniffled, nodding slightly but still looking unconvinced. Her wide eyes stayed fixed on Pyris, lying so still on the bed, his chest rising and falling in slow, steady breaths.


    The sight calmed her a little, but the fear hadn''t entirely left her heart.


    "Elsa," Anastasia said again, cupping the girl''s cheeks in her hands. "Remember what you said? You want to show your brother how much you''ve improved, right? He''s going to be so proud of you. Don''t you want to see that look on his face?"


    Elsa blinked, her tears slowing as Anastasia''s words sank in. Slowly, she nodded, her lips trembling but her expression growing steadier.


    "That''s right," Anastasia encouraged, smiling warmly. "So no more tears, okay? You need to be strong for him. Can you do that?"


    "Y-Yeah," Elsa whispered, her small fists clenching with determination. "I''ll be strong. I don''t want Big Brother to be sad because of me."


    "There''s my girl," Anastasia said, ruffling her hair gently.@@novelbin@@


    Emilia smiled at the exchange, her heart warming at the sight of Elsa''s resolve. But even as sheforted the girl, a thought crept into her mind, one that sent a chill down her spine.


    Emilia had always been surrounded by extraordinary people. Anastasia, for one, was a genius. Her groundbreaking work in biotechnology was the stuff of legend although she always stayed in shadows.


    And Emberly? Her innovations in other techs had revolutionized entire realm.


    But Elsa... Elsa was something else entirely.


    Emilia couldn''t help but marvel at the young girl''s talent. Even at her age, Elsa''s natural aptitude for technology was staggering. While Anastasia and Emberly had worked hard to master their respective fields, Elsa seemed to understand things instinctively, as if technology spoke to her in anguage only she could hear.


    She was a prodigy, no doubt about it. In fact, Emilia sometimes wondered if Elsa''s potential might one day surpass even Pyris''. The thought was both exhrating and terrifying.


    But for now, none of that mattered to Elsa. All she cared about was her brother waking up. Everything else could wait.


    As the night wore on, the room remained heavy with tension, but the bonds between those present only grew stronger. Each woman, in her own way, found herself drawn deeper into Pyris'' world, their concern for him uniting them in a way that words never could.


    Pyris'' true nature, his raw power, and the secrets he kept remained shrouded in mystery. But even in his unconscious state, his presence shaped the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.


    When the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the women were still there, their worry giving way to hope. Whatever challengesy ahead, they would face them together. And when Pyris finally opened his eyes, they would be ready to wee him back.


    But things don''t always work as we want, do they?


    *****


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 Chapter 283 Zorynthar—The Dragon God

    While whispers in the pce hinted at a romantic y as the reason behind The Emperor''s absences were indeed frequent, and his behavior gave rise to suspicion, it was indeed true he was pursuing a woman¡ªdalliance with the Lady Caeloria, wife to General Zed Caeloria who had rejected the emperor so far.


    Although the rumours were true, they couldn''t have been further from the truth¡ªthe rumors of an affair were an unintended clever misdirection.


    The true reason for hisings and goingsy beyond the reach of the gossipmongers.


    In reality, the Emperor of the Dragon Empire was pursuing a far grander goal¡ªone that would shake the foundations of the empire itself. Only his most trusted confidant, Zed, knew the truth.@@novelbin@@


    And even Zed, with all his loyalty and strength, could barely fathom the stakes involved.


    Two days ago


    At the Grove entrance


    The duo stood at the grove''s entrance in silence. One was Zed, the High General of the Dragon Empire, his tall, imposing figure d in ceremonial armor, but his stance was humble. He stood at the back, a respectful step behind the Emperor.


    The Emperor, however, was the very picture of unassable arrogance. d in robes of deep crimson and ck embroidered with golden draconic symbols, his aura of power was palpable. It was the kind of power that made men kneel instinctively. His hands were sped behind his back, his expression serene yetmanding, the embodiment of confidence born from a life at the pinnacle of authority.


    The Emperor''s lips curled slightly as he nodded. The unspokenmand sent Zed forward.


    The general bowed slightly, as he always did, and the Emperor, as always, reveled in the thrill of it. He ought to stop his most trusted man from showing such deference, but the truth was, he enjoyed it too much.


    Zed knelt down, pressing both hands to the ground. The earth trembled softly, a whisper of something far greater lurking beneath. A faint glow spread out from the ground, as if lines of energy were being traced beneath the surface.


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    Then, with a sound like a thousand whispers, a barrier appeared before them.


    The barrier shimmered in hues of violet and gold, a translucent dome of light that seemed to hum with ancient power. Draconic runes glowed along its edges, pulsating in rhythm with the heartbeat of the earth itself. It was not just a protective field; it was a seal, a hidden gateway that could only be essed by those with the rightbination of power, bloodline, and authority.


    The Emperor stepped forward, his movements graceful yet deliberate, every step imbued with the nobility and cunning that defined him. He passed through the shimmering barrier effortlessly, as if it recognized his right to enter.


    Before vanishing, he turned back to Zed.


    "I will return," he said, his voice calm yetmanding. "Protect the empire, Zed."


    With that, the Emperor disappeared into the barrier, and it sealed itself behind him.


    The grove entrance returned to its serene silence, as if nothing had ever happened. Zed bowed once more, a final act of respect for his sovereign, before disappearing in a blur of motion and mana.


    His departure left no trace, save for the faint hum of power lingering in the air.


    ____


    Beyond the barriery Vrae, a realm hidden even from the highest echelons of the Dragon Empire.


    The ancient ruins of Vrae stretched as far as the eye could see, a hauntingly beautiful testament to the might of the Dragons who once ruled the world. Towering stone walls, now crumbled and overtaken by nature, bore the scars of battles and civilization long forgotten.


    The air was thick with the weight of history, each breath filled with the faint scent of ash and magic.


    Dragon statues, some intact and others shattered, lined the pathways. Their eyes, though empty, seemed to follow the Emperor as he walked, their lingering magic a constant reminder of the power that once resided here. Vines and moss draped over the ruins like a burial shroud, but the faint glow of Draconic runes etched into the stone revealed that Vrae was not as dead as it appeared.


    The Emperor strode forward, unperturbed by the eerie atmosphere. His gaze was fixed ahead, on his destination¡ªthe Draconian Pirs.


    The Draconian Pirs were a breathtaking sight. Monolithic obelisks of ck stone stood in a perfect circle, each inscribed with runes that seemed to pulse with elemental energy.


    These runes glowed in alternating hues, cycling through the colors of the elements¡ªred for fire, blue for water, green for earth, white for air, and ck for the void.


    As the Emperor stepped into the circle, the air seemed to shift. The elemental energies within the pirs began to react to his presence, amplifying and destabilizing in equal measure.


    This was a ce of both great power and great danger¡ªa ce where even the strongest could be undone if theycked control.


    At the center of the circley an altar, ancient and unyielding. Its surface was engraved with more runes, each one a prayer to the Dragon God Zorynthar. The Emperor approached it without hesitation.


    He knelt before the altar, bowing his head low until his forehead touched the cold stone.


    "O Great Zorynthar, Dragon God of the Eternal Void, Keeper of Secrets, Plunderer of Treasures, and Master of the Draconic Elements. You whomand the forces of space and darkness, of earth and water, of life itself, I, your humble servant, beseech you. Grant me your guidance and your favor, for I seek to carry out your will and bring glory to your name."


    The air grew heavy, charged with power. The runes on the altar began to glow, and the ground beneath the Emperor trembled once more. A low, guttural rumble echoed through the ruins, growing louder and more intense with each passing moment.


    The rumbling suddenly ceased, reced by an oppressive silence. Then, from the darkness, a figure began to emerge.


    The avatar of Zorynthar was awe-inspiring and terrifying in equal measure. A massive dragon, its scales ck as the abyss and shimmering with the faintest hints of starlight, stood before the Emperor. Its eyes burned with an otherworldly light, a mix of gold and violet that seemed to pierce through flesh and soul alike.


    Its wings, vast and imposing, unfurled slightly, their edges dripping with tendrils of shadow. Around its massive frame, the elements swirled¡ªwater coiling around its ws, earth shifting beneath its feet, and tendrils of darkness wrapping around its form like living chains.


    *****


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 Chapter 284 Descend Of Ancient Gods

    The pirs were bathed in an eerie golden glow, the sacred chamber echoing with the presence of power far beyond mortalprehension. The massive figure of Zorynthar, the Dragon God, coiled around the central pir of the sanctum, his radiant scales gleaming like molten metal. The air was thick with his authority, his very presence bending reality itself.


    When he spoke, it was a deep, resonant growl that sent ripples through the air, shaking the foundation of the Emperor''s resolve.


    "What can you offer me, mortal, usual disappointments?" the Dragon God rumbled, his voice seemingly emanating from every corner of the chamber, as if the walls themselves were alive with his power.


    The Dragon Emperor, Drakos, knelt low, his head bowed in reverence, yet his eyes held the fire of unyielding determination. He slowly lifted his gaze, meeting the god''s luminescent eyes with a courage born of desperation.


    "To serve your will, I who has been your champion, O Great Zorynthar," he replied, his voice steady, though a bead of sweat traced its way down his temple.


    The god''s eyes narrowed, the faint glimmer of amusement flickering within them. A low rumble ofughter, sharp and cutting, echoed in the sanctum, filling the space with a chilling mockery.


    "Very well," Zorynthar growled, his tone heavy with disdain. "Prove your worth again."


    Drakos rose slowly, the weight of Zorynthar''s gaze pressing down upon him like a mountain.


    For years now, these meetings had been a recurring ordeal¡ªa cycle of demands, orders, and disappointment. And this time, it was no different.


    But today, it was Zorynthar who had summoned him, and the god''s displeasure was palpable. The air crackled with an undercurrent of fury as the Dragon God''s massive head lowered, his gaze boring into Drakos with fiery intensity.


    "How long," Zorynthar began, his voice reverberating through the chamber like thunder, "...have you been my Champion? Yet you keep failing me."


    Drakos winced, his hands balling into fists at his sides.


    "You failed to bring Emberly into my fold," the god continued, his tone biting. "And instead, you secured yourself that useless empress of yours!"


    The words struck like venom, and Drakos grit his teeth, his jaw tightening. He had indeed failed to win Emberly¡ªthe woman whose beauty and power had captivated not just him, but an entire generation. She had been untouchable, a paragon of strength and independence, rejecting every suitor, including him.


    In his youth, the Dragon Emperor had proposed to Emberly publicly, confident in his charm and status. Her refusal had been swift and merciless, a blow not only to his pride but to his very reputation. His friends, nobles of the Dragon Empire, and even rulers of neighboring realms had likewise tried and failed to conquer Emberly''s heart.


    To save face and cover his shame, Drakos had orchestrated a calcted move. His father had arranged his engagement to Astrid, Emberly''s closest friend by then, in what could only be described as an act of "revenge."


    "Revenge?" Zorynthar''s mocking chuckle filled the room, cutting through Drakos'' thoughts. The god''s voice dripped with derision. "In the end, you went for revenge? Laughable!"@@novelbin@@


    Drakos'' knuckles whitened, his body trembling with the effort to remainposed.


    "But I let it pass," Zorynthar said with a wave of his massive w. "I allowed you your petty schemes. Yet even with that, you failed to bring the Obsidian boy into the fold. And now, your precious daughter has fallen for him!"


    The chamber seemed to darken as Zorynthar''sughter rang out, a dry, furious sound that made the Emperor''s stomach churn. Drakos flinched, his mind racing. He hadn''t known about Seraphina''s connection to the Obsidian boy.  He had thought she just failed, but this...


    The realization hit him like a hammer.


    "You didn''t even know, did you?" Zorynthar sneered, his toneced with mockery. "The very family you sought to dominate has ensnared your bloodline. How ironic."


    "You have really grown senile, haven''t you?"


    The mocking stopped abruptly, and the air grew heavy with a foreboding silence. Zorynthar''s gaze sharpened, his amusement reced by a cold, unyielding anger.


    "I tire of your ipetence, Drakos," the god growled. "Sever their ties¡ªSeraphina and the Obsidian boy. The Ancients are stirring, and suspicions are flying like arrows in the wind. They surround that House, and we ¡ªme and you¡ªcannot afford your family to be caught in the crossfire."


    Drakos'' heart sank at the weight of themand. He opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it when Zorynthar''s eyes bore into him, daring him to speak.


    The weight of such order could separate him with his daughter, his favourite child, it would make thingsplicated even with Obsidians.


    "There are rumors," the god continued, his voice dark. "Rumors of the Ancients making their move onto the Mortal Realm because of that family. Should this happen, it could lead to another descent of the Heavenly Army. And this time, even the Ancients themselves maye. It is a storm we cannot weather with loose ends."


    The Dragon Emperor bowed his head, the gravity of the situation settling over him like a shroud.


    "Right away," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    But as he straightened, his expression betrayed a flicker of hesitation.


    "About the suspicions..."


    Zorynthar''s eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a chilling growl. "Yes. There are whispers of Phantoms. Beings who defy the gods'' will, you probably haven''t heard of them. And then there are the God-yers."


    The mention of God-yers made Drakos'' blood run cold. His eyes widened in shock.


    Zorynthar''s gaze burned with intensity as he leaned closer, his massive form casting a shadow that engulfed the Emperor entirely. Readtest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Do not fail me again," the god warned, his voice echoing with finality. "Break the ties. Protect your bloodline. And remember, Drakos¡ªfailure is not an option."


    The Dragon Emperor bowed low, his body trembling.


    "As youmand, Great Dragon GodZorynthar."


    And with that, the chamber fell silent, the weight of the god''s orders pressing heavily on Drakos as he turned to leave. The echoes of Zorynthar''s growl lingered in his mind, a reminder of the price of failure.

 Chapter 285 The Fate No God Can Escape.

    The weight of Zorynthar''s warning pressed heavily on Drakos. Even after the god''s towering avatar faded, the oppressive aura remained, coiling around him like an invisible serpent. He nearly staggered to his feet, his breath shallow and uneven. His mind raced, torn between panic and disbelief. God-yers. Phantoms.


    It felt like the threads of his world had unraveled, leaving him clutching at empty air.


    Zorynthar''s voice still rang in his ears, sharp and venomous: "Drakos, not a word of what I just told you escapes your lips. If it does, I will know. And your family''s fate will be sealed."


    Drakos had flinched under that divine gaze, his resolve shattering like brittle ss. "I wouldn''t dare, my lord," he had said, but even as the words left his mouth, he knew it was a lie, how was he supposed to keep such a big secret?


    But he will try.


    His hands tightened into fists, his nails biting into his palms. How could he not? The knowledge he now carried was too heavy to ignore.


    Moments earlier, Zorynthar had loomed before him, his golden scales shimmering with an ethereal light. His voice carried the weight of a storm, each word a thunderp.


    "It''s such a shame, Lucy Obsidian," Zorynthar had sneered, his lips curling into a cruel smile. The god''s tone was mocking, but there was a flicker of something else beneath it¡ªresentment. "What a waste. I would have loved for her to see her family''s final end. This time, it will be the Ancients themselves who deliver the judgment. Not just one Ancient like before. All of them."


    He hadughed then, a deep, guttural sound that echoed through the ancient shrine, shaking the Draconian Pirs. Dust fell from the ceiling in thin streams, the air itself seeming to shudder under the force of the god''s amusement.


    Drakos had remained silent, his head bowed. The mention of Lucy Obsidian felt like a p to the face. She had been a legend, a shadow that loomed over every corner of the dragon empire.


    A mortal who had dared to stand against the godsand an Ancient god¡ªand paid the price for it.


    "The stupid woman," Zorynthar continued, his amusementced with bitterness. "She could have avoided her fate. She could have been my queen. Imagine that, Drakos¡ªthe great Lucy Obsidian, ruling by my side, the Great Zorynthar. But no. She chose defiance even when an Ancient God offered her such a favour. She chose death."


    The god''sugh turned harsh, almost a growl, and Drakos felt the unspoken anger simmering beneath it. Zorynthar and Elemental Deity''s pride had been wounded, and even after all these years, the scar still festered.


    Drakos gritted his teeth, his thoughts swirling. ''So, not just the Elemental Deity, but even Zorynthar himself wanted her.'' The idea was absurd, yet it made too much sense. Lucy''s strength had been unparalleled, her spirit unyielding. ''The gods had desired her¡ªbut when they couldn''t have her, they had destroyed her to save face.''


    ''It seems her doom was inevitable,'' Drakos thought bitterly. ''Even if she survived Zorynthar''s wrath, the Elemental Deity''s humiliation would have crushed her. We mortals are always at their mercy.'' The realization burned, a bitter truth he could neither deny nor escape.


    Zorynthar''s gaze had snapped to him then, sharp and furious. "Are you forgetting that I''m still here, Drakos?" the god had snarled. "You dare to think such things in my presence?"


    Before Drakos could react, a wave of divine power mmed into him, hurling him into a pir. The ancient stone shattered beneath the force, crumbling around him as he copsed to the ground.


    Pain exploded through his body, and the air was knocked from his lungs.


    "You''re nothing but a pest, all mortals," Zorynthar growled, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the chamber. "A mortal insect like you  who should grovel at our feet. That is your fate. That is every mortal''s fate. Even Lucy Obsidian couldn''t escape it, and she was stronger than you''ll ever be. You''re a shadow in her wake. Nothing more, yet you dare to have such thoughts!"


    Drakos coughed, blood spattering the stone beneath him. He struggled to rise, his body trembling under the weight of the god''s presence. "Thank you for your mercy, Lord Zorynthar," he muttered, his voice hoarse.


    But inside, his thoughts wanted to rebell. ''That mortal could have beaten you ck and blue.'' The defiant thought burned in his mind, dangerous and forbidden. He crushed it down, knowing that even a flicker of defiance could cost him his life.


    Gods could read thoughts, after all.


    Zorynthar''s slitted eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. Instead, he straightened, his towering form radiating an air of impatience. "Prepare your child," hemanded, his voice cold and imperious. "Your daughter Seraphina will receive my blessings as my champion. When the timees, she will be my weapon in the mortal realm."


    Drakos''s stomach twisted. Seraphina. His fiery, headstrong daughter. Could she bear the weight of such a burden? Could she survive the wrath of a god if she faltered?


    He wanted to protest, to beg the god to reconsider, but the words caught in his throat.


    "And remember this," Zorynthar continued, his tone dropping to a deadly whisper. "For your family''s wellbeing, sever all ties with the Obsidians. If Seraphina cannot let go of that boy to be my Champion¡ªkill her. Disown her. Do whatever it takes to ensure that your bloodline is not linked to theirs. Do not defy me in this, Drakos. I will know. And you won''t like my retaliation!"


    The words hit like a dagger to the heart. Drakos clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Yes, my lord," he said, his voice hollow.


    But he couldn''t stop himself from asking, the question spilling out before he could think better of it. "Lord Zorynthar, forgive me if I overstep, but what do the Obsidians have to do with the God-yers? With the Phantoms?"


    The chamber fell silent. Zorynthar''s eyes darkened, a shadow passing over his face. For a moment, he said nothing, the tension in the air thick enough to choke on.


    "It is a prophecy," the god said atst, his voice low and heavy. "A single Obsidian, destined to reunite the Phantoms. To free them from the Void and turn them against the gods themselves. That mortal... is a God-yer. An Obsidian said to be more powerful than all the past Obsidian God-yers. All of them!"


    Drakos felt the blood drain from his face. The prophecy hung in the air like a death sentence. The Phantoms¡ªbeings of unimaginable power, bound by cosmicws to serve the gods¡ªwere terrifying enough.


    But if they were freed? If they turned against the divine order?


    "But my lord," Drakos stammered, "aren''t the Phantoms bound by the cosmic threads? They cannot disobey the gods."


    Zorynthar''s expression twisted into a grimace. "That is the problem," he said. "The Phantoms are still bound¡ªbut the gods can no longer summon them. We can no longer control them like before. And if this prophecyes to pass..."


    His voice trailed off, the implications too terrible to speak aloud.


    Zorynthar straightened, his golden form shimmering as his avatar began to fade. "The Ancients have called a meeting to discuss this threat," he said. "Do not fail me, Drakos. You are my champion and so will your lineage. You are my descendants. Serve me well, and I will ensure your survival."


    With that, the god vanished, leaving Drakos alone in the ruins of the shrine. For a long moment, he remained still, his body trembling and his mind reeling.


    "Is it Emberly," he murmured, "or Pyris?" Her son was still a child, barely old enough to understand the world around him. It has to be Emberly. She''s the Obsidian in the prophecy. It can only be her.@@novelbin@@


    And yet, doubt gnawed at him. If the prophecy was true, then no one¡ªgod or mortal¡ªwould escape the storm that wasing. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 287 Two Orders (To Rescue and To Kill)

    To subdue the Obsidians, to prove himself not only as the ruler of the Dragon Empire but the one force capable of conquering even the gods'' will. Did he not have the means? Did he not have the might, the resources, and the favor of his people? He was Drakos Valyrian, the Dragon Emperor.


    The gods themselves would stand with him when he brought the Obsidians to heel.


    Above all else, Drakos was consumed by the thought of Emberly herself. Her spirit, her beauty, her fiery pride¡ªit infuriated him, yes, but it also drew him in like a moth to me. He wanted her under his heel, wanted her to acknowledge his dominance, to belong to him in every way imaginable.


    When this was over, when the dust of their conflict settled, she would be his.


    The Obsidians would be reduced to ashes, but Emberly... she would kneel before him, a prize to be imed, a trophy of his ultimate victory.


    He will ask gods that, to give her to him for the help he had served¡ªhis prize when it all ended.


    Drakos'' lips curled into a dark smile as he leaned back on his throne. Very well. If Seraphina''s defiance had set this chain of events in motion, then so be it. He would do what needed to be done. The gods might had warned him, they will grant him a favour if he helped on the extermination of Obsidians, and they could not stop him.


    They desired obedience, and he had that for them, for he had epted his fate, a mortal who couldn''t rival the will of the divine but ept to shine under it''s brilliance!


    They would witness his triumph and bow before to their will, just as in the end the Obsidians would bow to gods as though they were broken marites


    And Emberly? Drakos allowed himself one moment of satisfaction as he imagined her, finally subdued, looking up at him with none of that insufferable pride¡ªonly submission.


    Yes, when it all ended, he would have her too. And his beloved and unfilial daughter had offered this possibility wat too easily on her a sliver tter thanks to her disobedience.


    In the Dragon Imperial Court as the chaos erupted, he smiled with cruelty.


    "Zed! Get her!" Drakos roared, his voice filled with unbridled "fury."


    Imperial guards materialized from the shadows of the court, their movements sharp and coordinated. They moved to surround Seraphina, who staggered weakly, her steps faltering. Blood dripped from the ceremonial dagger in her hand, the scarlet stain marking her severed Valyrian bloodline.


    The act had left her drained, and she was barely standing.


    The court watched in stunned silence. The only thing keeping Seraphina conscious was the hidden strength of her Star Dragon bloodline¡ªa secret that even Drakos did not know.


    "Don''t you dare touch my child, Zed!"


    A sudden, fierce voice broke the tense silence. Astrid, the Empress, who had been silent until now, rose from her seat with unyielding fury. Her words struck the court like thunder, freezing the imperial guards in their tracks.


    "What..." Drakos began, his words faltering as he stared at Astrid.


    But then, something far more terrifying urred.


    From above the ceiling, a dark, colossal hand began to materialize. It was like the shadow of a primordial god, vast and formless, its edges shimmering with eldritch power. The hand loomed above the throne room, spreading an overwhelming presence that silenced the room entirely. It was as though time itself had paused, the air thick with dread.


    The court stood frozen, unable to move, speak, or even breathe. The dark hand descended in utter silence, its shadow enveloping Seraphina. Before anyone could react, it wrapped around her like a protective shroud and vanished as swiftly as it had appeared.


    When time resumed, Seraphina was gone.


    "WHO DARES!" Drakos bellowed, his voice shaking the very foundations of the empire.


    Silence. Not even the whispering nobles dared respond.


    "I ASKED, WHO DARES!" Drakos roared again, his fury unmatched. Yet the empire, which had been silenced by his power, could offer him no answers.@@novelbin@@


    "Zed!" the Emperor barked. "Search every corner of the empire and find her! Kill anyone who stands in your way!"


    The High General bowed, his face impassive, but before he could act, Drakos sent a private message directly to his mind: "Kill her if she resists."


    Seraphina had defied him beyond forgiveness. If she sought sanctuary with the Obsidians, he would end her himself. She was no longer his bloodline, and she would not be allowed to strengthen his greatest enemies.


    "How far are you willing to go, Drakos?" Astrid''s voice cut through the heavy air. She strode out of the throne room, her anger burning brighter than the Emperor''s. "If anything happens to my daughter..." She left her warning unspoken, but the weight of it hung heavily in the room.


    Drakos stared after her, his rage burning like an inferno, but he did not call her back.


    "Do as I say," Drakos growled, dismissing the court with a sharp wave of his hand. The nobles scattered, their fear palpable.


    In the shadows, the empire held its breath. Lines had been drawn, and the battle for Seraphina had begun.


    _____


    Moments ago when Seraphina severed her Bloodline...


    In his chamber, Pyris Obsidiany unconscious on a grand bed surrounded byvish adornments, yet hispanions sat with worry etched on their faces. Anastasia, Emilia, and Elsa remained like divine protectors, their anxious gazes fixed on him as they shielded Elsa between them.


    The tension was palpable, broken suddenly by a surge of raw, golden energy erupting from Pyris'' body.


    The force was immense, earthen gold in color, swirling with the aura of a superior earth element. Emilia and Anastasia instinctively moved to shield Elsa, but the energy swept around them without harm.


    They shivered.


    "Seraphina..." Pyris whispered, his voiceced with tenderness and worry. His golden eyes fluttered open, glowing with newfound determination. "Mira..." he called softly.


    From the shadows, a phantom figure materialized-a graceful, ethereal woman d in dark armor with an air of deadly loyalty. She bowed low, her presence like a tangible part of Pyris'' very being.


    "Young Lord," Mira said, awaiting hismand.


    "Get my woman, Seraphina," Pyris ordered, his voice firm. "Do not make your presence known."


    Without hesitation, Mira disappeared into the void, leaving behind not even a trace of her passage. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    ****


    Check out my new novel¡ªUrban Plundering: I corrupted the system

 Chapter 290 Cosmic Cursed Family

    Now Pyris sat with both Emberly and Mira staring at him. His mother seemed to be processing the revtion he had just shared. Pyris couldn''t quite discern what surprised her more: the fact that her son was a champion of Lust, him being a reincarnator or the far graver truth¡ªthat gods and immortals were plotting to infiltrate the game and subjugate everyone who dared to enter it.


    Regardless, Pyris could tell one thing for certain. For all her disdain toward gods¡ªa hatred rooted in the storied history between the deities and House Obsidian¡ªEmberly was, at the very least, grateful for the Goddess''s timely warning.


    Grateful... but only just.


    What Pyris couldn''t guess was how she would react when the rest of the truth surfaced. How she''d take the knowledge that went beyond even the disturbing pieces he''d shared tonight. For now, all he could do was wait.


    "I''m d, Pyris..." Emberly finally said, breaking the heavy silence. Her words caught him off guard, earning a wide-eyed look from her son. She continued, "Of all the gods, at least it was the Goddess Lilith who chose you as her champion."


    Emberly offered no further exnation, no context to the strange sentiment she had just expressed. Pyris, naturally, would pester her for answers in the days toe, but she would remain resolutely silent.


    There were things she had just learned¡ªfacts she wasn''t ready to voice aloud. At least, not yet.


    Instead, she shifted the conversation to what truly mattered¡ªthe immediate decisions that needed to be made. She didn''t mention the other thing.


    After a long and heated discussion, they reached a conclusion. They wouldunch the game, using the version the Goddess had provided. It wasn''t that Emberly trusted the deity entirely. No, her mistrust of the gods ran far too deep for that. But she trusted her son.


    There was also the fact that the Goddess had warned them about the looming danger¡ªthe gods'' n to dominate mortals. If Lilith truly wished for their doom, why would she arm them with knowledge of the enemy? That act alone suggested ulterior motives, though Emberly was keenly aware of how gods often yed the long game.


    The Goddess of Lust was no exception. While Goddess Lilith and her twopatriots Goddesses were known for their affection toward mortals, Emberly doubted her benevolence was born entirely of love or pity.


    No god ever acted without a deeper purpose.


    And then there was the nagging thought¡ªwhat of the other two Goddesses? Were they aligned with Lilith? And if so, to what end and why?


    "What exactly is she up to?" Emberly mused to herself, her thoughts clouded with suspicion. "Is it Pyris she''s protecting? Or is this simply another of her ploys?"


    Goddess Lilith''s reputation was certainly better than most among the divine, but Emberly wasn''t na?ve enough to think the Goddess was wless. The deity''s connection to that group of gods meant she was far from meless, regardless of her outward goodwill.


    As Emberly''s gaze settled on her son, her concerns grew. She hoped Pyris wasn''t blinded by faith, that he didn''t trust too easily. The gods had earned their reputation for betrayal a thousand times over.


    Emberly''s knowledge of the divine surpassed most mortals, thanks in part to the legacy of the Obsidian lineage. For eons, the Obsidians had passed down fragments of forbidden truths, guarding secrets about the gods and immortals alike. Their knowledge had endured longer than the mortal realm itself, yet there was one thing even they couldn''t answer: why no member of their bloodline had ever ascended to godhood or immortality.


    They were known¡ªalthough by few even for gods¡ªas the cosmic cursed family. The most oldest family was cursed by the cosmos itself.


    Shaking her head, Emberly refocused on the discussion. Pyris had made his decision¡ªthey wouldunch the game. They couldn''t abandon it, not after years of preparation, not with the stakes so high.


    The opportunities it promised were simply too great to ignore.


    The game wasn''t just a pastime. It was a lifeline. Progress made within the game''s virtual world would trante partially to reality. If a yer climbed from Rank One to Rank Four in the game, they would rise two ranks in real life as well. And then there was the real incentive¡ªthe Goddess''s promise that a lucky few, the unawakened mortals, could gain their awakening after reaching a certain level.


    A chance to awaken.


    That promise, though slim, was enough to drive mortals to madness. Awakening was power, survival, and a chance to escape the shadows of mediocrity. It was a prize that mortals would risk everything for, even if the odds were akin to finding a needle in a desert.


    And yet, that slim hope was a light in the darkness. For those who yed the game, their chances of survival against the wrath of gods would increase, however slightly.


    "I don''t know if it''s true but this looks like to the Era Of End mentioned in the Cosmic Curse Book! This game of Goddess Lilith and..." She looked at her son, "The only chance we have to survive gods!" But she kept that it herself.


    Pyris on the other hand unaware of the the real implication behind the game and himself, sighed.


    "To think we''re doing all of this... just to survive their wrath," Pyris muttered bitterly.@@novelbin@@


    He didn''t know why the gods were so obsessed with domination, nor why they feared those who might one day rise to challenge them.


    "Maybe that''s what happens when you taste absolute power," Pyris mused aloud. But he couldn''t help wondering:


    Were the gods truly absolute?


    Pyris was certain of one thing: If the gods'' power was truly absolute, they wouldn''t fear mortals. They wouldn''t need to shackle them in chains of deceit and lies.


    But they were afraid.


    Afraid of some mortals'' ability to be anything. To transcend limitations. To rise above even the divine.


    "The decaying truth¡­" Pyris murmured, his voice tinged with bitterness. Soon¡ªfar too soon¡ªthe Truth would vanish, erased into nothingness.


    If these mortals couldn''t remember who they truly were¡ªwhat they were capable of¡ªtheir knowledge, their heritage, their very essence would be ownerless. A wandering shadow without roots, untethered to reality.


    And when something had no roots?


    It ceased to exist...


    Forever...


    The word echoed in Pyris''s mind like a death knell. A chilling inevitability.


    Truth was meant to have meaning, a foundation in those who carried it. But when its carriers forgot, when the roots of Truth were severed, its meaning unraveled. It dissolved, lost to time, until nothing remained.


    That was the fate awaiting these special mortals.


    Unless, by some miracle, they remembered. Remembered who they were. Remembered what had been stolen from them.


    "Cruel..." Pyris whispered, his fist tightening. "The gods are so cruel. For power¡ªfor absolute control¡ªthey have no qualms about enving the entire mortal race!" The gods had hidden the real Truth of certain mortals.


    But what they had done¡ªthe lengths they had gone to maintain their dominion¡ªmade them a target. A target for the one force that even the gods feared.


    The unforgiving. The all-consuming. The absolute...


    The God-yer.


    "Unforgivable!" Pyris growled, his voice heavy with a seething rage.


    The gods thought themselves invincible, but they had miscalcted. Their arrogance, their insatiable greed for control, had drawn the attention of something far greater.


    Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire


    And it wasing for them.

 Chapter 292 Second Heaven Decree 2

    The city stood as a marvel of divine craftsmanship, sprawling across the celestial ne with unmatched grandeur. Towering pyramids of radiant crystal gleamed in the eternal sunlight, their surfaces inscribed with intricate sigils that shimmered faintly with the power of gods long past.


    Pathways paved with iridescent, ss-like stones stretched across the city, each step emitting a faint hum as if the ground itself resonated with life.


    This was not merely a city; it was the nexus of divine authority, a testament to the unimaginable power and artistry of the gods.


    In the heart of the city, dominating the skyline, rose a colossal structure. It was a monolithic spire, stretching so high that its apex seemed to pierce the heavens themselves. Its form exuded an otherworldly symmetry¡ªsleek, elegant, and impossibly intricate.


    Unlike anything mortal hands could conceive, the tower appeared to shift subtly as one gazed upon it, as though it pulsed with a divine heartbeat.


    The surface gleamed in hues of white and gold, radiating a celestial light that made it appear as though the building were crafted from the very essence of divinity. Runes carved with precision spiraled along its length, glowing faintly as if whispering the secrets of creation itself.


    This spire, stood as the focal point of the Godly Realms in the God Realm. Its base was a massive circr foundation, wide enough to house several of the lesser temples scattered around the city.


    Encircling the foundation were lush gardens of ethereal flora, their blossoms glowing softly in a spectrum of colors that no mortal eye could fullyprehend.


    Rivers of liquid starlight meandered through the gardens, converging into a pool at the base of the structure, casting radiant reflections onto the spire''s pristine surface.


    As one ventured deeper into the city, the grandeur only intensified. Smaller but no less awe-inspiring structures surrounded the spire¡ªpyramids, domes, and angr buildings that defied mortal logic, each infused with the essence of their creators.


    These edifices seemed to vibrate with power, their shapes bending light and space around them in ways that made the entire city feel like a living entity.


    The air itself was heavy with divine energy, humming with a symphony of distant, melodic voices that seemed toe from the buildings themselves.


    Approaching the spire, the overwhelming scale became apparent. At its base stood colossal gates, their surfaces a blend of glowing runes and intricate carvings that depicted the history of creation. The gates seemed alive, their carvings shifting subtly as if recounting the tales to those who dared to look closely. nking the gates were colossal statues-like figures of divine guardians, beings of unimaginable power whose forms shimmered with an iridescent aura.


    They stood motionless, yet their presence was palpable, exuding an aura of protective might.


    Beyond the gates, the spire''s interior was no less magnificent. The walls glowed with a soft, ambient light that seemed toe from within, casting the vast halls in a serene luminescence.


    Endless stairways and tforms spiraled upward, leading to chambers of untold purpose, each more resplendent than thest.


    At the very core of the spire, a central chamber housed a pulsating orb of pure energy¡ªa fragment of creation itself, serving as the heart of the city and the source of its divine power.


    Surrounding The Pinnacle of Eternity, stationed at every corner and along its massive perimeter, were beings of immense presence.


    They were not of mortal origin, their forms both humanoid and otherworldly. Each one stood d in radiant, crystalline armor, their faces hidden beneath visors that glowed with an inner light. They carried massive halberds, their des shimmering with raw divine energy, and their silent vigil added an air of solemn reverence to the structure.@@novelbin@@


    These were the Sentinels of Eternity, eternal guardians bound to protect the sanctity of the spire.


    From above, the spire and its surrounding city painted an awe-inspiring vision¡ªa harmonious blend of divinity and iprehensible artistry. The structure''s sheer presence was a deration of the gods'' unyielding power, a beacon of their eternal dominion.


    To step within its shadow was to feel the weight of eternity pressing upon your very soul.


    The Spire pierced the heavens, its silhouette defying logic, both terrifying and magnificent. To stand beneath it was to feel the weight of its enormity pressing down on your soul.


    Inside, the air itself was suffused with an oppressive majesty, each breath a reminder of the power woven into the bones of the structure.


    The statues¡ªif one could even call them that¡ªtowered over all who dared to enter, silent and imposing.


    Their forms were perfect yet unsettling, like beings not bound by mortal design. Wings stretched from their backs, spanning vast distances, every feather a de that shimmered faintly with an otherworldly light. The weapons they held¡ªhalberds, war hammers, ives¡ªweren''t just tools of war.


    They pulsed with dormant energy, their tips buried deep into the Spire''s floor as if they anchored the realm itself.


    These sentinels weren''t lifeless. Not entirely. Their hollow eyes followed you, or at least it felt that way. Each step past them was met with a crushing silence, the kind that gnawed at the edges of your sanity.


    Their judgment was palpable, as though they could see through skin and bone, weighing your essence in scales only they could understand.


    At the center of the Spirey the Hall of Gods, a ce so vast it seemed to contain entire gxies within its borders.


    The ground shifted beneath your feet, a mirror of the cosmos, constetions flickering and aligning in patterns you couldn''t hope to decipher. Massive columns, forged of light and shadow intertwined, rose into an endless void above, their tops obscured by a fog that shimmered with soft golden hues.


    In the middle of this impossible space sat five thrones, each one carved from elements  that seemed eternal and mastery like primordial artistry.


    They weren''t mere seats; they were monuments to creation itself, radiating an aura that would crush a mortal into dust. Upon these thrones sat the gods, their presence so overwhelming it felt like time itself bent to amodate them.


    The gods didn''t have faces, not in the way you understood. Their forms were fluid, shifting between humanoid silhouettes and vast, iprehensible shapes. One moment, they seemed tangible, the next, they blurred into storms of energy, their edges fracturing into light and void.


    Each bore a relic of unfathomable power. A staff that cracked with arcs of electricity. A de that seemed to cut through existence itself. Chains that coiled endlessly, binding chaos into submission. A chalice that glimmered with the raw essence of creation.


    And finally, a tome that whispered truths no mortal mind could contain.


    They sat in perfect silence, facing the center of their circle. There, a vortex of pure power churned¡ªa nexus of time, energy, and destiny, its mere presence a reminder that this was no ce for mortals.


    The gods didn''t speak, nor did they move, yet their will was tangible, saturating the hall with a sense of inevitability.


    This was the core of the Spire. A sanctum of gods, a ce where the threads of reality converged and split. Here, decisions were made that would shape the fates of countless worlds.


    And for those who stood before them, there was only one truth: to be in their presence was to stand on the precipice of eternity itself.


    When they spoke, their words were not sound but an undeniable force that rippled through the chamber, embedding itself into the fabric of reality.


    "Divine Decree: Judgment Onto Obsidians¡ªThe Cosmic Cursed Family of God-yers!"

 Chapter 294 Blood Of A God

    Another critical topic for discussion was the ns moving forward.


    Despite the tense and vtile rtionship between the Obsidian family and the Valyrians, Pyris was confident they could navigate these treacherous waters¡ªso long as they avoided any moves that could be interpreted as an open challenge to the Royal Family.


    With the Obsidians having too much to lose in an outright conflict with the Dragon Emperor, both Emberly and Pyris agreed: caution was their best course of action.


    Two things, however, could escte the situation beyond repair: a public opposition to the emperor, or the sudden reappearance of Seraphina at his side.


    "For now,  I suggest we y the role of the smart, deaf spectators and let the emperor bask in his pride," Mira suggested, her tone steady. "That means Seraphina will need to remain in the shadows, Young Lord."


    Pyris nodded, albeit reluctantly. Though keeping Seraphina hidden wasn''t a decision he liked, it was necessary. Her current condition, weakened by the severing of her bloodline, made it impossible for her to act anyway even if he was to refuse this development. Anyway it was the best course of action for now.


    Readtest chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Mm," Pyris agreed, though a faint unease lingered. "Don''t worry¡ªI won''t act impulsively or seek revenge for what happened to Seraphina. Not now when the odds are against us. I''m better than that."


    The others nodded, relief evident in their eyes.


    "That''s not to say the emperor will walk away unscathed for his actions," Pyris added, his voice hardening. "I can''t promise you that. But I can promise one thing..."


    With that settled, the next move was clear. The game''sunch was only days away, and Pyris had a long list of tasks ahead. Visiting the office was a priority, but so was fulfilling his deal with Drac.


    Or at least attempting to.


    "How am I supposed to give what I don''t even have?" Pyris muttered to himself, chuckling dryly. He realized he needed to prepare for a potential fallout with his uncle¡ªor, better yet, find a way to avoid it entirely.


    "Whatever you do, don''t give Drac power that exceeds his cage," Emberly warned, cupping Pyris''s face in her hands before letting go. "If that monster gets what he wants¡ªboth of them¡ªhe''ll be a conqueror no one in the mortal realm will be prepared to handle. His ambition knows no bounds. We can''t have mad man on our hands!"


    With that, she handed Pyris a vial containing thestponent he needed to fulfill Drac''s request. Pyris epted it, his hands trembling slightly as his golden eyes glowed with fierce determination.


    [Ding! Another material acquired: Blood of a God.]@@novelbin@@


    The system''s voice echoed in his mind, and a small smile crept across Pyris''s face. This was another step forward, though it was one that required a swift and decisive choice.


    Should he betray Drac and fail to deliver on their deal?


    "I thought this would be easy," Pyris mused bitterly. But going behind Drac''s back would mean war. The vampire emperor wouldn''t hesitate to send his legions against every Obsidian business under his rule.


    "We can afford to lose a single empire, you know," Emberly teased, though her tone carried an undertone of warning.


    "I know, Mother, but..." Pyris trailed off, a frown settling on his face. With the gods'' eventual descent looming, the Obsidians couldn''t afford to alienate a being as powerful and resourceful as Drac.


    Still, how could Pyris prioritize Drac''s goals over his own? Over Lia, his family, and everything they stood for?


    The path before him was one of no return.


    "Ahem." Mira''s soft cough broke through the tension. "Young Lord... you haven''t mentioned the void pocket gateways."


    Pyris chuckled at her attempt to shift the subject.


    "My beautiful Phantom," he began, a yful smirk on his lips. "You already sense them, don''t you?"


    Mira''s stoic expression didn''t falter, though her slight nod betrayed her curiosity.


    Under Emberly''s piercing gaze, Mira straightened herself.


    "You''re intimidating your potential daughter-inw, Mother!" Pyris teased, his grin widening.


    "Oh, my innocent Mira fell for your charms too, did she?" Emberly shot back, her teasing tone drawing a flicker of amusement to Mira''s otherwise stoic face.


    Eventually, the topic returned to the gateways.


    "So, were you sessful?" Emberly asked, her voiceced with curiosity.


    "Yes," Pyris replied confidently. "The pockets are stable, and Mira can enter thebyrinth."


    Before Pyris could borate, Emberly embraced him, pulling him into a rare and warm hug.


    When she finally stepped back, her eyes shone with pride. "So, Mira, can you enter now?"


    "Not just me, Mistress," Mira replied with a hint of excitement. "I can take at least a hundred Phantoms with me."


    Emberly''s expression froze in shock. Void gateways weren''t just spatial portals; they required immense energy to create. For something as potent as this, Pyris should have been at least Rank 20 to create a void pocket for just Mira.


    Yet somehow, he had created gateways not one capable of carrying an entire battalion.


    "This monster," Emberly muttered under her breath, ruffling Pyris''s hair.


    "Mira," Pyris said, his tone serious now. "Before you head to thebyrinth, meet me. There''s a request I need to make."


    "Yes, Young Lord," Mira replied dutifully.


    Before Pyris could say anything more, Mira''s body convulsed as if struck by an unseen force. Her eyes glowed with a dark, eerie light before dimming back to normal.


    "The Goddess wishes to meet you, Mistress," Mira said, bowing deeply to Emberly.


    "The Loli Goddess?" Emberly asked, her tone filled with amusement. Mira''s lips twitched slightly, wondering at the audacity of Emberly Obsidian to refer to such a being in such a flippant manner.


    "That''s my cue, dear son," Emberly said, turning to Pyris. "I''ll be away for a few hours. Take Anastasia with you. She''ll be of great help."


    Before Pyris could stop them, both his mother and Mira vanished, leaving only the faintest ripple in the air. His outstretched hand grasped at nothing.


    "Loli Goddess?" Pyris muttered under his breath, still puzzled.


    With a sigh, he turned his attention to the glowing system screen before him. Among the many notifications he had ignored earlier, one stood out.


    [Ding! Absorbed the Divine Mana Essence of the Elemental Deity! Your connection to the elements and affinity has increased.


    New Mission generated: Absorb the Divine Mana Essence of the Infernums!


    Reward: ???]

 Chapter 296 Eating Emilia**

    When Pyris neared the ce where he expected everyone to be, he sensed only one presence: Emilia.


    A smile crept across his face.


    Emilia had always harbored strong feelings for him, feelings that transcended mere loyalty or admiration. Her connection with the past Pyris had been something extraordinary¡ªa bond that surpassed the boundaries of mere subordinate and superior.


    For the current Pyris, though, this connection carried an otherworldly familiarity.


    "It''s as if nothing ever changed," he thought, his gaze distant. "Like the past and present versions of me were never separate but fragments of the same whole. Now, after reincarnation, those pieces have fused, making meplete?"


    This wasn''t a new realization. Pyris had felt this truth growing within him for a long time, intensifying with every leap in power. The further he pushed his limits, the closer he felt to uncovering the answer that had always eluded him.


    "Maybe that''s why the past me felt like a hollow husk back on Earth," Pyris mused. That unshakable emptiness, the way he had lived, the way he had craved death¡ªit had all felt like something calling to him, something he couldn''t yet name.


    But now was not the time to dwell on cosmic mysteries. Pyris dismissed the thoughts and pushed open the door, stepping into the room.


    There she was.


    Emiliay on the bed, draped in sensual ckce that barely concealed her curves. Her lingerie¡ªa delicate bra that struggled to contain her full, luscious breasts and a thong that left almost nothing to the imagination¡ªclung to her like a second skin. Her presence alone was intoxicating.


    Pyris felt the surge of her aura washing over him. She wasn''t holding back. Emilia''s true form¡ªthe subus¡ªwas on full disy.


    Her demonic pink horns curved back elegantly, glinting in the low light. Her toned body was a masterpiece of temptation, each curve and muscle harmonizing to create a vision of raw, carnal perfection. Her long, shapely thighs seemed to beckon him closer, and the forbidden space between them teased his imagination. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire


    Her heart-shaped tail swayednguidly behind her,pleting the alluring sight.


    Emilia''s glowing eyes locked onto him, and she raised her hand with deliberate grace. A wave of pink energy rippled through the room, and before Pyris could even react, his clothes vanished into the ether.


    His dragon''s lust aura red in response, flooding the room with pheromones of pure, primal desire.


    The air grew thick with a lustful tension, charged with energy that made even breathing a challenge. Emilia shivered at the intensity, her body responding instinctively as her tail swayed faster behind her.


    Without hesitation, she slid from the bed and closed the distance between them, her sultry smile never wavering. She stopped just inches from him, lowering herself to her knees as her hands reached forward.


    Her slender fingers wrapped around him, holding his massive cock with reverence. Her lips parted slightly, and a soft, trembling moan escaped her as she leaned closer.


    Sniff. "You smell so mainly ~"


    She inhaled sharply, the raw, masculine scent of him driving her wild. Her pupils dted, and her breath hitched as her tongue darted out, barely brushing against him.


    "That''s just a tip for what I have for all this long wait..."


    Pyris''s body responded in kind, the tension between them threatening to ignite into an inferno.


    Slowly, she began licking his massive member, savoring every moment.


    Slurp~


    His eyes closed as she greedily sucked the cum from him. The overwhelming pleasure was almost too much¡ªthis wasn''t the divine touch of Alexa, but the sinful mastery of a subus.


    "You''re so good for a virgin... As expected of a subus,"


    She was pure temptation, an incarnation of desire. Emilia looked up, her eyes meeting his, and they exchanged knowing smiles.


    "I like this but... Let''s save it forter. I care more for your pleasure to mine!"


    Pyris lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed. He sat on the edge, cradling her in his arms like she was his most cherished possession.@@novelbin@@


    "Mmm~"


    Their lips met in a fiery kiss, tongues entwining in a passionate dance. Her long, serpentine tongue explored every inch of his mouth, leaving no corner untouched.


    "Pyris~" As minutes melted away, Emilia moaned softly, her body responding to Pyris''s touch.


    "Aahhh~" His hands roamed with expert precision, igniting every nerve as if her skin burned under his fingertips.


    She clung to his neck like a ko, unwilling to let go, while his hands slid down to her firm, round buttocks. He wasn''t gentle, his grip firm as he kneaded her flesh.


    "Mmmm~" she purred, her voice trembling with pleasure. She wasn''t ready for his other hand, which slipped mischievously between her thighs, rubbing her through the thin fabric of her thong.


    "You''re already so wet~" he whispered against her neck, his lips lingering there before teasing her with a deep, lingering suck.


    "I want you, that''s why~" she murmured in a voice drenched with need. Emilia buried her face in his neck, nibbling on his skin as her hardened nipples pressed against his chest.


    "Oh? Really?" Pyris teased, though his fingers were already sliding her thong aside. His touch was met by her warm, slick heat.


    "So wet," he murmured, his thumb circling her clit with deliberate intent. Emilia gasped, biting his neck to muffle the moans threatening to escape.


    "Oooh, haaaaah~~" But her resistance was futile; the pleasure coursing through her body was overwhelming.


    His finger slipped inside her, moving slowly, teasingly. Her walls tightened around him, drawing him deeper.


    "You''re mine tonight..."


    He didn''t rush¡ªhis thumb continued its relentless teasing while his other hand explored her soft curves, caressing her with reverence. His mouth found her hardened nipples, drawing deep moans from her lips.


    "Ahhh~~" she cried out, her head falling back as waves of pleasure washed over her.


    The wet sounds of their connection filled the room, a symphony of passion.


    "Ooh, something is... Ahahh~" Within minutes, Emilia was already on the brink, her body trembling as she clung tightly to Pyris.


    She fought desperately against the wave of ecstasy threatening to overtake her, torn between surrendering to the overwhelming pleasure and holding onto this intoxicating edge a little longer. She didn''t want it to end¡ªnot yet.


    "I don''t want it to end... Haaaaahh~"


    Her eyes rolled back as she moaned uncontrobly, her breath hitching with every touch. Pyris, ever attuned to her desires, sensed her struggle.


    "Your wish sweet heart," A sly smile crossed his face as he held her right at the precipice, denying her release.


    Instead, he heightened their connection, each movement deliberate and teasing, sending her spiraling deeper into a state of blissful torment. "Not satisfied yet," he murmured, his voice low andmanding.


    "Pyris, I want it deep in me~"


    "Okay, let''s not keep you waiting anymore, Emilia," Pyris whispered with a wicked grin, his voice a promise of what was toe.


    In one swift motion, she was alreadypletely nakedying on the bed. With a nod of approval, Pyris pushed into the virgin pussy of the subus.


    ****


    How long I waited for this! Hahahaha. Now only Rose and Anastasia for the first targets after his reincarnation,to be over!

 Chapter 297 Lust Copy: Touch Of Lust**

    Emilia winced, her body tensing as Pyris pressed forward. In one decisive motion, he imed her entirely, the barrier between them breaking as liquid spilled forth, marking their connection.


    "Pyris..." she murmured, her voice trembling as if to plead for mercy, though her actions said otherwise. She clung to his back tightly, her arms wrapped around him as waves of pain and fullness coursed through her.


    Her subus tail moved uncontrobly, grazing along his spine, while his lips explored her soft skin, leaving no part of her untouched.


    The pain dulled, reced by instinctual expertise as the subus within her awakened fully.


    A moan escaped her, muffled against his neck as he thrusted forward.


    The room was alive with the heat of their union, their shared desire palpable in every motion. As they moved together, the wet sounds of their bodies entwined echoed like the rhythm of a battle drum, the pace intensifying with each passing second.


    Pyris pushed deeper, his movements deliberate and strong, her tight warmth resisting but yielding to him. The pleasure built between them, and soon Emilia found herself shifting.


    It wasn''t long before she took the lead, flipping him over with surprising strength while still keeping their connection intact. Her boldness faltered for a moment as he went deeper than she anticipated, drawing a cry from her lips.


    Looking down, her gaze fell to where they were joined, realization dawning on her. He''d only been halfway with his cock, yet she already felt impossibly full.


    "No fair," she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration.


    Pyris smirked, his tone teasing. "Better now?" With a thought, he adjusted himself to a size more suited to herfort¡ªa size that still stretched her perfectly, reminding her that he was far from ordinary.


    Emilia smiled mischievously, leaning forward to kiss him deeply. His hands found her waist, then slid lower, cupping her soft curves with possessive intent.


    She moaned into his mouth, her hips starting a slow, circr rhythm that sent shocks of pleasure through them both.


    Her movements grew faster, more confident, as she began to ride him with increasing fervor. Pyris''s hands gripped her hips firmly, helping her keep pace, though it didn''t take long for her to take full control.


    Her chest heaved, her body moving with a fluid, hypnotic grace as she chased her release.


    Pyris''s hands didn''t stray far, his touch firm on her curves before sliding up to cup her swaying breasts. She gasped at the added stimtion, her pace quickening as the tension built.


    "Haaaaahh~~ sooo good~"


    The moment crested. Her body tightened around him, her release leaving her trembling as she clung to him, her teeth grazing his neck while waves of pleasure washed over her. Pyris didn''t stop, even as she tried to catch her breath.


    Now seated upright, he moved with her still in hisp, his strength holding her steady as he thrust upward. Her soft cries turned into moans of surrender, her body writhing as she adjusted to the pressure building within her again.


    A hour passed, their connection unbroken, before Pyris stood effortlessly with Emilia still wrapped around him. She locked her legs around his waist, her tail curling as if to steady herself, but it was a losing battle.


    "Pyris..." she whimpered, her voice barely a breath. Her body moved in rhythm with his, his relentless strength overwhelming her senses.


    The heat between them peaked once more, leaving Emilia breathless as another wave of pleasure overtook her. Her trembling legs finally gave way, and Pyris gently lowered her onto the bed, shifting her position until she was bent forward.


    And then he began again.


    _____


    Pyris let out a sigh, running a hand through his white disheveled hair. By the time midnight rolled around, the room was a battlefield of exhaustion.


    Aurelia, Emilia, and even Alera had all copsed in various states of blissful unconsciousness, tangled up in sheets like fallen warriors after a hard-fought battle. Only he remained standing, his body aching but still charged with the fiery remnants of lust. His member stood defiant, a testament to his inhuman endurance.


    "I have too few women," he muttered to himself, half-joking, though there was a note of sincerity in his voice. He stepped away from the bed and headed for the shower.


    Scalding water ran down his battle-worn body, washing away the sweat and the remnants of their chaos. His goal had been to find Elsa tonight, but the way his women had other ns for him left little doubt he''d need a new approach. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Pyris nced down at his torso, still scarred and sore from his previous battles with the guardian. Healing would take time, but that wasn''t what concerned him right now. It was the system''s familiar chime that demanded his attention.


    [Ding! Lust Copy has upgraded. New ability unlocked.]


    [Touch of Lust: Copy a skill or ability of your woman. The copied skill or ability can onlyst 24 hours. One skill or ability per woman!]


    [Ding! Your Lust has increased!]@@novelbin@@


    The notification struck like a spark, igniting the restless desire wing at his chest. True to the system''s words, he felt the need building¡ªan insatiable craving for pleasure. Pyris clenched his fists and sighed.


    Everything came with a price, didn''t it? But for an ability this powerful? The cost seemed almost trivial.


    But how could hein? The only side effect of acquiring such a powerful ability was the relentless desire that burned in him¡ªthe need to lose himself in pleasure with his women. It was a small price to pay for something so godlike. A price he dly weed.


    This ability was as broken as it was eternal. Pyris could already envision himself wielding an arsenal of unimaginable powers, each skill or ability drawn from the women bound to him. The sheer versatility of it was staggering.


    One skill or ability per woman¡ªthat was the only restriction. But even that limitation seemed trivial. There was no cap on how many he could carry at once, as long as each was tied to a different woman.


    His potential was limitless, as vast as the loyalty and strength of the women who followed him.


    Pyris closed his eyes, letting the overwhelming realization wash over him. He could feel it¡ªthe boundless, infinite void within himself, a reservoir built to house and contain the abilities he could copy.


    It was an expanse so vast it bordered on frightening, a glimpse into the raw potential of his gift.


    [New ability acquired from Demon Subus Emilia!]


    This wasn''t just temporary. Lust Copy''s core mechanic allowed Pyris to permanently im one ability from a woman after being intimate with her. Permanently. It was a once-in-a-lifetime exchange, but it was godlike in its simplicity.


    From Aurelia, Pyris had already reimed Death Eye, a legendary ability he had gifted her after his awakening. Lia''s suggestion to give it away had made perfect sense¡ªshe must have known it would eventuallye back to him with Lust Copy.


    From Alera, he had taken Living Shadows, a power that fused with his own to form the unique Shadow Nexus¡ªa deadlybination only they could share.


    Madeline had gifted him an advanced illusion skill, enhancing his already impressivemand over deception. Even during his fight with the Darkness Infernum, Pyris had wielded illusions so potent they left the guardian stumbling.


    Alexa? That one remained a mystery. Lia had vanished before exining why Pyris couldn''t gain anything from her, and even the system remained tight-lipped. Ammit''s gift, on the other hand, was something Pyris guarded closely¡ªits power too secretive and dangerous to casually reveal.


    Now, Emilia''s skill shimmered on the edge of his thoughts, tantalizingly close but still out of reach. Pyris smirked, his body still tingling with the residual effects of their earlier encounter. Whatever he gained from the subus, he was sure it would be nothing short of extraordinary.

 Chapter 299 Endlesses 2, Eternal Forging

    Pyris could see the gears turning in Drac''s mind. The Vampire Emperor had hoped for more, but the risk of pushing too far was something even he couldn''t ignore.


    "Brat," Drac finally said, his voice low and sharp. "You promised me something that could enhance my immortality and the armor. Are you going back on your word?"


    Pyris chuckled lightly, his tone filled with calcted nonchnce. "Uncle, we both know the Chalice can do that. There''s no mistaking on that. But like I said... it requires an immortal or a god to unlock its full potential. Iam but a mortal. I can''t do that. Unless¡­ you have an immortal on standby who can help you. If so, I''ll dly lend the Chalice to you. Let''s see what you can create with it while dealing with an Immortal."@@novelbin@@


    Drac''s teeth gnashed audibly, the sound carrying through the line. Pyris knew full well that no way would Drac dare align himself with an Immortal¡ªit would be suicidal. And Drac knew it too.


    He will lose it all, and the implications around not just the armor but the Blood Chalice too. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Smiling faintly, Pyris delivered the final blow. "So here''s the deal. I''ll craft the Blood Armor, as promised. And with the Blood Chalice It''ll be beyond anything you imagined. Or, we can terminate our agreement right here. You can let your vampires run wild and sabotage Obsidian businesses in your empire. Let''s see who loses more. You or me."


    His eyes burned with a daring glint, fearless and unyielding. "But we both know the most powerful vampire alive has much more to gain than to lose, don''t we? The most powerful vampire sees beyond the echoes of time."


    Drac''s jaw twitched, his annoyance barely hidden. But Pyris could see it¡ªthe shift in his demeanor. He had won.


    "Very well, brat," Drac finally said, his voice clipped. "Someone will deliver the Blood Essence Stones to you. Do not disappoint me."


    "Wait for the good news, Uncle," Pyris replied smoothly. "Once I have them, I''llter deliver the armor myself."


    He ended the call, leaning back with a satisfied grin. There was more to his decision to deliver the armor in person than Drac could see.


    Pyris always yed the long game, and Drac would soon learn that. He had ns to visiting the Vampire Pce.


    As he stared at the now-nk screen, Pyris''s smile faded slightly. "I can''t make that armor alone," he muttered to himself. "Looks like I''ll have to contact her."


    The thought brought a mix of excitement and trepidation. His mentor wasn''t the easiest person to approach, let alone persuade but he knew her weaknesses, hehe...


    [Ding! New quest generated.]


    [Quest: Forge an Immortal and Godly Rank Items.]


    [Reward: Godly Rank Forging Hammer.]


    Pyrisughed softly, shaking his head. Even the system didn''t seem to think he was biting off more than he could chew. But there was no turning back now.


    "Give me the information the Unknown Orb," it was time to cash in his reward to get another reward.


    ____


    On the other side of the call, Drac sat silently, his expression unreadable.


    A flicker of greed crossed his mind as he briefly considered snatching the Chalice by force. But he dismissed the thought almost immediately. The Obsidians weren''t to be trifled with, not directly.


    Emberly''s secret forces ensured that much. No one knew the full extent of their power but they knew not to y with her, well, apart from the anger-blind Drakos.


    "Arrogant mother and son," Drac muttered under his breath. Yet, even as he spoke, a small grin tugged at the corners of his lips.


    He thought Pyris had yed him, but he''d still gotten what he wanted¡ªthe Blood Armor. And that was more than enough. For now.


    There was this worry of Pyris having kept the most important thing to himself but what could possibly the boy could do with the Chalice? Nothing! He thought.


    ****


    [Ding! The Unknown Orb is an ancient artifact tied to the Endlesses, enigmatic beings who existed before even the gods and immortals. The Unknown Orb is said to be a fragment of their essence¡ªa condensed piece of their limitless potential!]


    Pyris stared at the glowing notification, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the system''s words. A fragment of the Endlesses'' essence?


    Endlesses Who were they?


    But still he thought hat exined the strange energy it radiated. But then the next message appeared, and his jaw tightened.


    [The Unknown Orb can only be embedded within a construct or artificial body to unlock its abilities.]


    For a moment, Pyris felt a flicker of irritation. The orb couldn''t even be used directly¡ªit was practically useless to him in its current state. But that thought didn''t stick. His lips curved into a small smile as he tilted his head back, gazing at the swirling patterns within the orb.


    "Figures," he muttered to himself. "Nothing worth having everes easy."


    His musings were interrupted by another chime.


    [Does host wish to receive the reward? YES/NO.]


    Pyris didn''t hesitate. "Yes."


    The moment the word left his lips, the world seemed to tilt. An explosion of pain shot through his head, sharp and relentless, as if something had detonated inside his skull. Pyris''s hands flew to his temples as he stumbled, his vision blurring.


    The pain was unlike anything he''d ever felt. It wasn''t just physical¡ªit was like his mind was being torn apart and put back together all at once. Every nerve in his body screamed, and his legs buckled beneath him.


    Images, symbols, and words shed in his mind, overwhelming him with their intensity. It wasn''t just knowledge¡ªit was a torrent, a flood of information about forging weapons and items. Concepts he couldn''t have imagined seconds ago now burned themselves into his brain, carving pathways of understanding that hadn''t existed before.


    His teeth clenched as he gasped for breath, sweat pouring down his face. It felt as though his head was being ripped apart from the inside, every fiber of his being forced to adapt to the iprehensible data flooding in.


    Minutes passed, though it felt like hours. Slowly, the pain ebbed, leaving Pyris panting on the floor, his body trembling. His mind, however, was clearer than ever. The knowledge left behind was immense¡ªbeyond anything he could haveprehended before.


    A technique, designs, forms, and methods that felt as though they belonged to a being far beyond his mortal understanding.


    "This¡­" Pyris muttered hoarsely, his voice trembling with a mixture of awe and exhaustion. "This isn''t just a technique or knowledge. It''s¡­ something else."


    He staggered to his feet, gripping the edge of a table for support. The weight of the orb in his hand felt different now, heavier somehow, as if it had acknowledged him.


    The system chimed one final time.


    [Host has received Forging Technique of an unknown rank: Eternal Forging.]


    Pyris let out a breathlessugh, his golden eyes burning with newfound determination. "Guess it''s time to contact her now."

 Chapter 300 Convergence: Heavenly Hosts

    The ruinsy in haunting silence, steeped in an aura of timeless power. Crumbling structures, their surfaces etched with carvings of forgottennguages, stood like solemn guardians of an age lost to memory. Moss and ivy crept relentlessly over the cold, gray stones, blending nature''s remation with the remnants of mortal ambition.


    A spectral mist clung to the air, swirling with an unpredictable rhythm, glowing faintly with an otherworldly blue hue.


    Above, the heavens churned with ferocity, storm clouds rolling and twisting as streaks of lightning arced across the skies. Thunder growled like a distant beast, its echo reverberating through the sacred ground.


    Shadows danced wildly, cast by the sporadic illumination of the storms, giving the ruins a fleeting, eerie vitality.


    At the center of the destiony the heart of the ruins¡ªa crystalline altar, its surface humming with power. It pulsed in a steady rhythm, like the heartbeat of a living thing, glowing with a crystalline blue aura that seemed to pierce the boundaries of the physical world. The air vibrated with energy, thick and alive, as if the ground itself breathed.


    This ce was no mere relic of history; it was a nexus, a convergence of realms where the ethereal bled into the physical.


    And there they stood¡ªthe Heavenly Host, beings forged in the crucible of power and beauty, their presence undeniable against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.


    Seated on a high, weathered stone dais overlooking the altar, the archer exuded an aura of calm authority. His gleaming armor, etched with luminous runes, radiated cosmic power. His face, shrouded by a sleek helm adorned with a jagged crystal crown, revealed only his piercing, glowing eyes.


    Across his back rested an elegant bow, its surface carved with intricate patterns that shifted faintly, as if alive. A quiver of arrows, each glowing faintly with celestial light, hung at his side.


    The storm-light cast jagged shadows over him, yet he sat unmoving, a living statue of dominion.@@novelbin@@


    Energy radiated around him, pulsing in harmony with the altar''s glow. Though still, his presence seemed to anchor the chaos of the storm, as if the heavens themselves bowed to his will.


    To his right stood a vision of ethereal beauty. Her silver armor shimmered with a celestial glow, entuated by engravings that pulsed with life, resembling blooming vines. Her luminous golden eyes pierced the haze of the ruins, and her soft, sculpted features radiated serenity and strength.


    Her wings, vast and resplendent, unfurled behind her like a living tapestry of light, each feather shimmering with hues of silver and white. The mist seemed to part for her as if afraid to mar her wless presence.


    She held a slender, glowing spear in her hand, the tip flickering with a soft but deadly light. Her very being exuded a calming authority, a promise of protection amid the chaos.


    On the archer''s left, a figure of icy elegancemanded attention. Her sharp features, framed by silvery hair that fell like a cascade of moonlight, were a contrast of beauty and menace. Her icy blue eyes shone with an otherworldly light, unblinking and unyielding.


    She was adorned in armor resembling frozen moonlight, its surface shimmering with frost patterns that shifted with each movement. Her wings, carved from what appeared to be solid light, were edged with faint traces of frost. In her hand, she held a sleek, glimmering staff, its tip crowned by a crystal that radiated cold, biting light. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Around her, the mist crystallized and fell as frozen particles, creating a surreal, sparkling aura.


    At the forefront, near the glowing altar, stood a figure wreathed in living me. Her bronze skin glowed faintly, as if kissed by fire, and her fiery red hair was tied back into tight braids. She was power incarnate, her beauty fierce and radiant.


    Her war hammer, a massive weapon engraved with molten gold runes, rested heavily in her hands. The head of the hammer was encircled by a zing halo of fire, casting flickering light onto her sharp, determined features. Her armor seemed alive with molten patterns, shifting like liquid me as she moved.


    Around her feet, the ground smoldered, tiny mes licking at the mossy stone, yet the mes were somehow contained, respecting her control.


    A rumbling growl echoed through the ruins as a massive creature padded into the light of the altar. The beast, a hybrid of dragon and lion, had sapphire scales that shimmered with energy and a flowing mane that radiated electric light.


    Astride it sat a figure ofmanding beauty, her deep green and gold armor molded perfectly to her form.


    Her helm, shaped like the head of a dragon, concealed much of her face, but her piercing emerald eyes shone through. She carried ance crackling with electric energy, its tip leaving faint arcs of lightning in the air.


    The rider and her beast moved as one, an unstoppable force of nature. The creature''s steps left glowing imprints on the ground, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the ruins.


    Amidst them, towering over all, stood a figure of unparalleled presence. Their armor, forged of gleaming silver and etched with radiant patterns, pulsed with an inner blue light. Ethereal tendrils of energy coiled around their form,plementing the glowing gemstones embedded across their frame.


    In one hand, they held a shimmering de that seemed alive with energy, humming faintly with untapped power. In the other, they carried a shield that radiated a steady, unyielding strength, as if no force in the cosmos could prate it. Their helm obscured their face entirely, revealing only a single glowing slit of light that burned with quiet intensity.


    They stood as if they were the very embodiment of the ancient ruins'' power, a guardian tied irrevocably to the energy of this sacred ce.


    The storm intensified, the lightning bing more frequent as if in defiance of the figures gathered below. Yet, none wavered. Together, the Heavenly Hosts stood in eerie silence, their forms casting long shadows over the sacred ground. The convergence of realms wasplete, and with it came a sense of foreboding.


    Something vast and iprehensible was on the horizon, and they were the only barrier between it and destruction.


    The ruins pulsed once more, the altar''s light brightening, casting the figures in stark relief. A voice¡ªancient, deep, and echoing with power¡ªrumbled through the storm:

 Chapter 301 Interests Of The Death Sovereigns

    The ruins trembled as the storm intensified, lightning illuminating the sacred altar with an almost blinding brilliance.


    A sudden surge of power radiated from the crystalline structure, its pulse shifting into a steady,manding rhythm. The mist swirled and parted, and the air grew impossibly still, thick with the weight of a presence that transcended mortal understanding. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    From above, a voice descended¡ªnot merely a voice, but an all-epassing resonance that carried with it the authority of countless eons. It was regal, imperious, and absolute. The voice of the High Eternal Ancient Sovereign, the one who sat above the gods themselves, echoed through the ruins.


    {Heavenly Hosts, hearken unto my decree. The Cosmic Cursed Family Bloodline hath defied the will of eternity beyond measure. Their existence doth mar the bnce of creation itself. Go forth now, ye who art the vessels of mine will, the extensions of mine eternal essence, and mete out judgment unto them. Smite them without mercy, that their line be eradicated, and their memory cast into the void. Thus Imand thee.}


    The words did not merely carry; they carved themselves into the fabric of existence, resonating in the hearts of those gathered as though the Sovereign stood before them in her ineffable splendor.


    The archer on the throne rose, his glowing eyes zing brighter, bow in hand. He knelt, bowing his head low, his voice steady and reverent.


    "By your will, Eternal Sovereign. Your enemies shall find no refuge."


    The angelic warrior of grace unfurled her resplendent wings, the light from them illuminating the altar. Her golden eyes shone with divine fervor as she crossed her spear over her chest in solemn vow.


    "Your word is my purpose. Their judgment shall be swift."@@novelbin@@


    The frosted sentinel stepped forward, her piercing blue eyes gleaming like shards of ice. She ced the base of her glimmering staff on the ground, her voice cold and unwavering.


    "The cursed shall freeze and shatter beneath your decree."


    The mebringer raised her massive war hammer, its fiery halo zing brighter than the lightning above. Her expression was one of fierce determination as she knelt.


    "Their ashes will be scattered to the winds, Sovereign. None shall remain."


    The beast rider urged her electric-scaled mount forward, the creature releasing a rumbling growl of anticipation. She bowed her head, her emerald eyes glinting with resolve.


    "Your will is my path. They will fall to our charge."


    Finally, the radiant guardian strode to the center of the ruins, standing before the altar itself. de and shield in hand, their towering form exuded raw power. Bowing their head, their glowing slit of light dimmed for a moment in reverence.


    "Yourmand is absolute, Sovereign. They will be erased from existence."


    As one, the Heavenly Hosts knelt, their forms radiating unwavering loyalty and reverence. The storm above roared, lightning arcing between the ruins as the altar''s glow intensified. The power of the High Eternal Ancient Sovereign surged through them, sharpening their purpose and amplifying their already immense strength.


    They rose as one, their divine forms glowing brighter, and the storm seemed to part in their wake as they began their march.


    The cursed bloodline''s fate was sealed, for no force in existence could stand against the decree of the Sovereign and her chosen instruments of annihtion.


    ____


    The fortress loomed over the gorge like a jagged scar in the earth''s surface, carved into the unforgiving rock as though the mountain itself had yielded to something far older and darker.


    Thick, imprable mist clung to the cliffs, obscuring the deep chasm below, where the faint roar of unseen waters echoed like a ghost''s wail. The stone walls, ckened with age, rose impossibly high, as if daring the heavens to challenge their dominion.


    This ce wasn''t built for the living¡ªit exuded a cold finality, a graveyard for hope. The air was heavy, almost alive, filled with a bone-deep chill that burrowed into your soul. No torches burned along the narrow bridge that snaked toward the fortress, yet an eerie, silver light illuminated the path as if the very stones knew the way.


    The gates, massive and carved with unholy runes, groaned open as if pulled by invisible hands. Crossing the threshold, you were swallowed by darkness, but it wasn''t the kind of dark that your eyes adjusted to¡ªit was endless, thick, and oppressive. And yet, as you moved deeper, the oppressive gloom gave way to an otherworldly glow.


    Inside, the air grew colder, heavier. The grand hall stretched into the shadows, its walls a blend of dark stone and veins of glowing gold that pulsed faintly, like a dying heartbeat. Statues lined the room, their forms twisted and faceless, as if sculpted from nightmares.


    At the heart of the great hall, bathed in a cold, celestial glow, stood the throne. It was impossiblyrge, hewn from a single block of ck crystal streaked with veins of molten gold that seemed to shift and writhe. The seat itself radiated power, an overwhelming aura of inevitability.


    Jagged spires rose from the back of the throne, resembling both a crown and a cage, and at its base, white, spectral mes flickered, casting long, shifting shadows across the room.


    Seated upon the throne was the Death Deity, their form cloaked in flowing ck and silver, a presence both tangible and ephemeral. Their body seemed to shimmer, as if made of smoke and starlight, shifting constantly, making it impossible to discern their true shape¡ªor even their gender.


    The features of their face remained hidden beneath a veil of shadow, but their eyes, two orbs of cold, piercing light, seemed to see everything: your past, your secrets, and the moment your life would end.


    Their voice, when it came, resonated like a low hum in your chest, not loud but inescapable. "You havee far," they said, their tone devoid of emotion yet weighted with finality. "But all paths lead here Forgotten Shadow my champion."


    In front of this figure, apart from the energy screen that showed Alera, there were two figures kneeling before the throne.

 Chapter 302 Imperceptible

    Pyris dropped into the chair, the weight of the orb still in his hand. It felt heavier now, almost like it had acknowledged him. The system chimed again, delivering the final verdict.


    [Host has received knowledge of an unknown rank: Eternal Forging.]


    He let out a dryugh, his golden eyes glowing faintly. "Guess it''s time to call her."


    The thought made him pause, his gaze shifting to the screen of his phone. He pulled it out and stared at a photo saved in the gallery¡ªa picture of his tutor. She looked more like a sloth than the legendary forge master she was supposed to be. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Pyris couldn''t help but grin. "She''s gonna kill me for this."


    At five or six, Emberly had called in her debt to Argos''s most renowned forge master¡ªa reclusive legend. That''s how Pyris started his forging journey.


    He''d soaked up every lesson, every detail, faster than anyone expected. By the time his tutor left, iming she was done meddling in mortal affairs, Pyris was already surpassing her teachings.


    But this¡­ Eternal Forging? This was beyond him or her. Knowledge and techniques than nor mortal or immortal maybe even gods could fathom. He could only grasp edges of it.


    He tapped her number on the screen and leaned back. The phone rang once, twice¡­ five times. She didn''t pick up.


    With a sly smirk, Pyris hit redial.


    This time, a groggy, irritated voice answered. "What is it, Pyris? You better have a damn good reason for harassing me, you brat."


    "Wow, straight to insults. I missed you too, teacher," Pyris said, his tone light.


    "I''m serious. Do you have any idea what time it is? I''m trying to rest." Her voice was slow, almost bored, like she couldn''t muster the energy to be truly annoyed.


    "Resting, huh? I always thought you were more of a sloth demon than a dwarf. This confirms it."


    She let out a tired sigh. "You''ve grown cocky since you got some power, haven''t you? Arrogant enough to think you can disturb me whenever you like. Disrespectful, too. You don''t listen to your teacher anymore."


    "Not at all, teacher. I''m just concerned about your legendary work ethic."


    "Uh-huh. Let me rest, Pyris. Go bother someone else."


    "Sure. I just wasn''t sure if you''d be interested in a lost Forging legacy I just stumbled upon. But, hey, who am I to interrupt your beauty sleep? Bye, teacher."


    "Wait, brat!" Her tone shifted, sharper, urgent. "What legacy? I''m listening now. Don''t waste time¡ªgo on."


    Pyris tilted his head, a smirk forming. "Thought you wanted to rest?"


    There was a beat of silence, then a shamelessugh. "Hah! Forget the details, my boy. Tell me everything."


    He leaned forward, his smirk widening. "Better if you paid me a visit. This isn''t something I can exin over the phone."


    "You''re making mee there for this. So it better be worth. Alright?"


    "Well, you wouldn''t want me to waste your time and efforts, right?"


    Herugh echoed through the line again, unapologetic. "Fine, fine. I''ll be there. But if this is a waste of my time, I''ll turn that cocky grin of yours into scrap metal."


    Pyris chuckled, shaking his head. "I''ll be waiting."


    She hung up before he could say another word, leaving him smiling. It wasn''t often he got to poke fun at his tutor. But now¡­ he had her attention. And... he had work to do.


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, the faint glow of his screen reflecting in his golden eyes. He smiled to himself, recalling the way his old tutor had hung up so abruptly. She was still as dramatic as ever. It wasn''t often he got to prod her nerves like that, but when he did, it was always worth it.


    Now, she was hooked¡ªand that was exactly what he needed, he will have her pay for what he was preparing for her before she got it.


    Still, there was no time to bask in the moment. Pyris cracked his knuckles and shifted his focus. The ns were already stacking up, and his next steps needed precision.


    First up was the armor for Drac. That meant those Blood Essence Crystals were a top priority. Pyris tapped a finger on the desk, contemting his approach. He didn''t n to go all out with the Blood Chalice''s essence¡ªnot for Drac, anyway.


    A fraction would do. The rest? He had bigger ideas for that.


    When he asked the system earlier, it had been blunt. Pyris wasn''t strong enough to absorb the chalice''s full essence. Even if he tried, it''d overwhelm him, leaving plenty left to spare. But that limitation wasn''t exactly bad news.


    It meant he could finish the system''s mission and still have leftovers. And while the chalice was useless to him after that¡ªsince he wasn''t a vampire¡ªit wasn''t useless altogether.


    Pyris grinned, a flicker of mischief dancing in his eyes. He had a backup n. Vrie.


    He jotted down the rough outline of his game n, solidifying the steps in his mind. Every move had to count. He was racing against time, against the gods, and against forces that barely acknowledged his existence. Yet, Pyris thrived under pressure.


    By the time he finished, the sky outside his window was already shifting from gray to pale orange.@@novelbin@@


    Morning had crept in, and Pyris groaned as he pushed back from the desk. Rest was out of the question now¡ªit was time to head to the office.


    This wasn''t just any day, though. Pyris had been working toward this moment for months. Once he wrapped things up at the office, he''d be free to step back from the spotlight and start pulling strings from behind the scenes. It was the perfect setup.


    Pyris was determined to finish everything quickly¡ªeven the game.


    In the Sunstone Empire, Ammit had already handled the groundwork. Everything was set. All that remained was for Pyris to act.


    As Pyris gathered his things and mentally ran through his schedule, he had no idea what was waiting for him.


    The game¡ªhis game¡ªwas about to turn on its head. It would defy everything he knew, rewrite rules that even the gods considered unshakable. For it wasn''t a game it was...


    And Pyris? He wouldn''t see iting. None of them would.

 Chapter 303 Harbingers Of Death, Aurelias...

    In front of the dark throne, the two figures knelt in absolute stillness, their forms shrouded in an unsettling elegance.


    The first figure, d in shadowy armor that seemed to drink in the faint light of the chamber, carried an ominous, curved scythe that rested lightly against their back. A crimson hood concealed their face, leaving only a sense of unyielding purpose radiating from them.


    The faint flutter of a tattered, blood-red cloak was the only motion, whispering ominously as if alive with its own will. Even in submission, they held an aura of silent menace, a storm waiting to break.


    Beside them knelt the second figure, her dark wings folded neatly behind her, their sheer expanse nearly brushing the edges of the chamber. Her armor was intricate, every curve and te more like a masterpiece of art than battle gear. A ck hood obscured her face, but stray strands of long, silver hair fell loosely across her shoulders.


    She exuded an aura that was less about intimidation and more about unwavering control¡ªa stillness that made her seem untouchable, like the eye of a hurricane.


    Both figures were motionless, their heads bowed in reverence. Yet even in their submission, their presence was suffocating¡ªheavy with power, purpose, and the unspoken promise of destruction.


    The throne itself loomed over them, its upant hidden by shadow, save for the faint screen of energy hovering before it, disying the image of Alera.


    Whatevermand had been given, it was clear: they weren''t just servants¡ªthey were weapons.


    The silence stretched until the voice from the throne, cold andmanding, cut through the air, shattering the stillness like ss.


    The figure on the throne leaned forward, their form barely discernible in the oppressive shadows. The energy screen flickered, briefly illuminating their presence. Their voice, cold and absolute, resonated through the chamber,manding the very air around them.


    "It is time," the figure intoned, their toneced with an edge of finality. "You will descend."


    The two kneeling figures remained motionless, but the air around them seemed to shift, charged with purpose.


    "You will meet the Death Immortal," the figure continued, their words sharp and deliberate, cutting through the silence. "They will guide you to the path to the mortal realm. There, you are to retrieve my Champion. No mistakes, no dys."


    The first figure, gripping the base of their scythe, finally raised their head slightly, the gleam of the crimson hood catching the faint light. Their silence spoke volumes¡ªunyielding obedience and readiness.


    The second figure, wings still folded but trembling faintly as though responding to the sheer weight of themand, tilted her head just enough to show acknowledgment.


    "Go," the figure on the thronemanded. "The Champion is the key. Bring them back, or let your existence mean nothing."


    The words echoed like a death knell, and the chamber was plunged back into silence as the two figures rose in unison, their movements fluid and precise, as if rehearsed for millennia. Without a word, they turned and vanished into the shadows, their departure as haunting as their presence.


    The throne room fell silent once more, save for the faint hum of the energy screen, its disy of Alera flickering as if in anticipation of what was toe.


    The Death Realm was silent, heavy, and endless. At the center of it all loomed the Death Immortal''s mountain, a jagged spire wrapped in swirling shadows that whispered secrets only the dead could understand.


    ____


    Inside the mountain, the air felt alive with pressure, like the world itself was holding its breath. On her throne of dark obsidian, the Death Immortal sat, her form an ever-shifting silhouette.


    Suddenly, shadows erupted at the entrance of the throne room, spilling forward like living things. Two shadowy figures rushed in, their movements swift, almost desperate, as they knelt before her.


    "The Death Path has been activated," one of them reported, their voice a low hum that resonated through the room.


    The Death Immortal''s figure flickered, shifting in and out of form, as though the news itself had shaken her. She nodded slowly, her presence seeming to weigh heavier with each passing moment. The Death Path¡ªa link forged between her Death Realm  in the Immortal Realms and the Death Deity''s¡ªwas no trivial matter.


    Its activation meant one thing: the Harbingers were on their way.


    A few years, they had said. To mortals, that might sound like forever, but to beings of their magnitude, it was barely a blink. Just enough time to prepare.


    Raising one hand, the Death Immortal conjured a swirling screen of light and shadow. The image on it flickered into view: avish room bathed in faint light, where Alera slept, her now white hair spilling across the bed like a soft cascade.


    Around her, other women rested, their presence irrelevant to the Death Immortal.


    Her gaze, however, froze when itnded on one of them. A young woman with sharp features and an unmistakable aura, even in sleep. Her ck hair seemed to swallow the faint light in the room, but it wasn''t her beauty that caught the Death Immortal''s attention. No, it was her eyes¡ªor rather, the power behind one of her eyes.


    "Eye of Death," the Death Immortal whispered, her voice barely audible, yet heavy with realization.


    That eye... It was unique, terrifyingly so. A force capable of bending death itself. She knew it''s worth. Whoever this Aurelia was, she wasn''t just powerful Obsidian in making¡ªshe was a rarity in a way that made even the Death Immortal pause.


    Her decision was instant.


    After securing the Death Deity''s champion, there would be no hesitation. She would im Aurelia for herself. The Eye of Death wasn''t something to leave untouched.


    What would she do if she discovered there was another being with that same Eye? Pyris hadn''t just granted his sister her greatest desire¡ªhe''d taken it back, stronger and deadlier than ever. So powerful, in fact, that he dared not use it unless absolutely necessary¡ªnot even when he stood face-to-face with Darkness Infernum.


    Even then, Pyris refused to unleash it! Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@


    _____


    Her flickering form steadied, resolve solidifying around her like an iron wall. The shadows in the room seemed to thicken, responding to her newfound purpose.


    "Prepare the descent," she ordered, her voice sharp and unwavering. "And when the harbingers arrive... we will not just deliver to the Death Deity. We will take what should be rightfully ours too."


    The figures bowed lower, their shadows melting into the floor before vanishingpletely.


    The Death Immortal sat back, her gaze still fixed on the screen as it dissolved into mist. Time was short, but she was ready.

 Chapter 305 Id Rather Fight A Beats Pack

    The kiss was everything. A release, a storm, a deration. Pyris''s hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her flush against him, while his other hand cradled her jaw, tilting her head just right. Suzie responded with just as much fervor, her fingers tangling in his hair, her body pressing into his as if she needed to be closer¡ªalways closer.


    The tension exploded into something raw and consuming. Pyris''s smirk vanished as he deepened the kiss, his movements more urgent, more demanding. Suzie melted into him, giving as much as she took, her mind spinning as his scent and presence overwhelmed her senses.


    Pyris''s hand slipped lower, tracing the curve of her hip as his lips moved to her jaw, her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Suzie gasped, tilting her head back, exposing more of her skin to him. Her voice broke on his name, and the sound sent a shiver of satisfaction through him.


    "Tell me to stop," he murmured against her throat, his breath hot, his lips grazing the sensitive skin just below her ear. But his tone made it clear he wasn''t nning to.


    Her nails dug into his shoulders, her body arching into his as she whispered, "Don''t you dare."


    The words ignited him further. Pyris''s hands tightened around her, and he imed her lips again, the kiss hotter, rougher this time, like a dam had broken and there was no turning back. The room itself seemed to hum with the energy between them.


    Just as Suzie''s legs weakened, Pyris lifted her effortlessly onto the desk, stepping between her knees. Their movements were frantic yet precise, driven by a shared urgency that neither could deny. The sharp edge of reason disappeared, reced by need, raw and unfiltered.


    Then, a sound. Distant at first¡ªa soft creak, the barely audible twist of a door handle. But neither of them heard it, lost as they were in their world of fire and intensity¡ªat least Suzie didn''t.


    Pyris''s hands slid up Suzie''s thighs, and she pulled him closer, her lips brushing against his as if to speak but deciding instead to let the kiss do all the talking.


    Her legs wrapped around him, locking them in ce. The tension between them built like a storm about to break. Mira in the shadow couldn''t keep her yes away...


    But then, it happened.


    The door swung open, slow but deliberate, and a figure stepped inside.


    Suzie''s eyes fluttered open, her hands still clutching Pyris, and her gaze shifted over his shoulder. Her breath hitched¡ªsharp and sudden. Pyris, stopped, his head turning just slightly to nce over his shoulder.


    And then Suzie''s world came crashing down.


    There was no gasp, no shout¡ªonly silence, heavier than any words could have been.


    Pyris straightened, his hands still resting on Suzie''s thighs, though the heat in his gaze dimmed, reced by something else. Suzie froze, her cheeks ming, her lips swollen from their kiss, and her heart thundered in her chest as the figure at the door stood motionless.


    No words were spoken. None were needed. The tension in the room transformed into something colder, sharper, yet no less consuming.


    Then, with a single step back, the figure turned and left, the door shutting with a soft but final click.


    Pyris stared at the closed door for a moment, his mind racing, the adrenaline still coursing through his veinsplications. He hatedplications. Suzie didn''t dare speak, her hands falling limply to her sides, her gaze darting between Pyris and the door.


    The silence was deafening.


    Pyris exhaled, running a hand through his dark, slightly messy hair. His voice came out low and edged with something that sounded like resignation. "Well, that''s... gonna be troublesome to calm."


    Suzie didn''t answer him. She couldn''t. Her heart was still racing, her lips tingling from the kiss they''d just shared, and her mind spiraling with everything that had just gone down.


    Lizzie had caught them!


    Suzie swallowed hard, her stomach twisting itself into a knot. This wasn''t just any workce drama¡ªthis was Lizzie. Her best friend. The person who had been by her side through everything since their academy days.


    And now? She''d ruined it.


    The air in the room felt stifling, the silence heavier than it had any right to be. Suzie''s thoughts raced, memories of the past shing through her mind like a slideshow she couldn''t stop.


    Theirte-night study sessions,ughing at dumb joked. The way they''d screamed and hugged each other when they both got selected to work at Obsidian Tech¡ªnot just any job, but jobs working directly under thepany''s mysterious, infuriatingly good-looking CEO, Pyris Obsidian himself.


    It had felt like a dreame true. Two girls from nowherending a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, working their way up in one of the biggestpanies in the world.


    Suzie could still remember how Lizzie''s face had lit up that day. They''d gone out that night, celebrating with cheap champagne they couldn''t afford and dancing until their feet hurt.


    They were supposed to have each other''s backs, always.


    But now?


    Now Lizzie knew. She''d walked in on them¡ªher boss and her best friend¡ªand Suzie could still see the shock and betrayal in her eyes.


    Her stomach churned. How could she not have told Lizzie about the rtionship? How had she let it get this far withouting clean?


    Suzie shifted ufortably, the silence between her and Pyris growing louder by the second.


    He noticed, of course he did. Pyris wasn''t stupid. He knew exactly how close Suzie and Lizzie were, knew how much this moment would change things between them.


    And worse? Suzie knew Lizzie had a thing for her. It was unspoken, but it had been there for a while. Pyris didn''t know since Lizzie was good at masking her rtionships and feeling from work. Although Suzie didn''t share this same feeling as she was into men unlike Lizzie, she still cared about her friend.


    And now, things were about to get even messier.


    He sighed, breaking the silence. "Look," he started, his voice softer now, more serious. "I''ll handle this, okay?"


    Suzie blinked, looking up at him. "No, I should¡ª"@@novelbin@@


    "Stop." Pyris cut her off, shaking his head. "I mean it. Let me take care of it."


    She wanted to argue, but the weight of it all made her hesitate. How could she even begin to fix this? How could she exin something that she barely even understood herself?


    Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    She felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her close. Pyris was warm, steady in a way that made her feel like everything would be okay¡ªeven when she knew it wouldn''t be.


    But still, deep down, she couldn''t shake the guilt. Lizzie had been crushing on her for years, and now she''d just¡­ crushed her.


    Pyris sighed again, his chin resting lightly on her head. "Honestly," he muttered, half to himself, "I''d rather fight a pack of raging beasts than deal with... whatever this is."


    Suzie couldn''t help the smallugh that slipped out, even though she immediately regretted it. Nothing about this was funny.


    "You''re not helping," she muttered, her voice muffled against his chest.


    He smirked, his voice tinged with dry humor. "Hey, I''m just saying. I''d take ws and fangs over rtionship drama any day of the week."


    But then his tone shifted, growing softer, more serious. "Listen," he said, pulling back just enough to look her in the eyes. "We will take care of this... Together. Alright?"


    She nodded, even though her stomach was still in knots. Pyris made it sound so simple, so easy, but she knew better.


    Pyris kissed her forehead gently before stepping back, his expression unreadable. "I''ll talk to her," he said again. "Trust me."


    And just like that, he was gone, leaving Suzie standing there alone with her guilt and a sinking feeling in her chest.


    Because no matter what Pyris said, no matter what he did¡ªsome things, once broken, couldn''t be easily fixed.

 Chapter 306 Something In Space

    The morning sun was bright, its rays streaming through the ss walls of the towering office building. Outside, the air was crisp, and the streets bustled with life as cars honked and people hurried along the sidewalks.


    Anastasia stepped out of the sleek ck car first, her hand firmly holding Elsa''s. The young moon elf''s silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, her delicate features glowing with innocence and curiosity. She was, dressed in a simple white dress with tinyvender embroidery at the hem.


    Anastasia, tall and poised, wore a tailored navy-blue zer paired with a cream blouse and matching trousers. Her deep auburn hair was swept into a neat bun, and she exuded an air of calm authority as she guided Elsa toward the entrance.


    As the automatic doors slid open, a cheerful voice greeted them.


    Lizzie stood at the entrance, her bright smile lighting up her face. She was a petite woman in her early twenties, with auburn hair tied in a ponytail and warm hazel eyes. Dressed in a beige cardigan and a modest pencil skirt, Lizzie looked every bit the weing and hot secretary.


    "Ms. Anastasia, it''s been a while," Lizzie said, stepping forward and shaking her hand warmly. Her eyes shifted to Elsa, softening instantly. "And look who finally decided to visit us?" she teased.


    "You know Elsa?" Anastasia asked, a flicker of confusion crossing her face as she nced at the small elf beside her.


    Lizzie smirked, crossing her arms yfully. "I met her before you did, Ms. Anastasia. Of course, I know the genius little elf!"


    Elsa blinked, herrge silver eyes wide with a mix of shyness and curiosity. After a hesitant moment, she gave a small, polite bow. "It''s nice to meet you again," she said softly.


    Lizzie crouched down to Elsa''s level, her smile warm. "Well, aren''t you just the sweetest thing? It''s wonderful to have you here again, Elsa." Straightening up, she gestured toward the building''s entrance. "Come on in, both of you. I''ve been told to escort you."


    "Pyris and his unnecessary gestures," Anastasia muttered, shaking her head.


    "Actually," Lizzie corrected, a slight edge in her tone that Anastasia caught but didn''tment on, "it was Ms. Esmeralda. The boss is really... like really busy right now."


    ____


    The lobby opened up before them, a spacious area with high ceilings and a sleek modern design. Polished floors reflected the soft, golden sunlight streaming through the massive windows. Employees moved efficiently through the space, offering bows as they passed.


    "This ce never loses its grandeur," Anastasia murmured, nodding in acknowledgment to the employees as they passed.


    Lizzie walked ahead, her voice light as she chatted. "We''ve prepared everything as you requested. The boss will be waiting for you in the office."


    "Thank you, Lizzie," Anastasia replied, her lips curling into a rare smile.


    Elsa clung to Anastasia''s side, her gaze darting around the lobby in awe. The shiny surfaces, the hum of quiet activity¡ªit all seemed to hold her attention.


    When they reached the elevator, Lizzie opened the door and gestured for them to enter. "Here we are."


    They stepped inside, and the elevator slid upward with a soft hum. A pleasant chime signaled their arrival, and as the doors opened, Pyris was already waiting outside.


    Elsa was the first to react. With a delighted squeal, she rushed into his open arms, her giggles filling the hallway as Pyris swung her up and ced teasing kisses on her cheeks.


    "Big brother!" sheughed, her small arms wrapping around his neck.


    The sound of her giggles echoed as they walked down the hallway toward Pyris''s office.


    Esmeralda''s door opened as they passed, and the elegant vampire stepped out with a weing smile. "Anastasia," she greeted warmly.


    The two exchanged pleasantries, their familiarity evident. They''d known each other for years, even before Esmeralda had joined Obsidian Tech¡ªthanks to Emberly.


    Elsa greeted Esmeralda as well, her cheeks puffing up when the vampire reached down to pinch them gently.


    "That''s for big brother only," Elsa huffed, her voice adorably serious.


    The three womenughed, and Pyris couldn''t help but smirk as he watched the scene. Once Esmeralda led Anastasia and Elsa into the office, Pyris caught Lizzie''s gaze.


    "Let''s talk," he said simply.@@novelbin@@


    Lizzie bowed slightly in acknowledgment before following him toward the rooftop.


    In the shadows, Mira watched silently, letting out a soft sigh. Pyris had been right¡ªthis kind of thing was infinitely harder than facing an army of gods even for her.


    She herself was already struggling with her feelings, burying them as deep as possible. The idea of more drama piling onto the situation felt like walking willingly into chaos.


    And yet, she couldn''t deny the small sense of amusement she felt watching her Young Lord handle rtionships with the same helplessness she was trying to avoid herself.


    The rooftop stretched out in clean, modern lines, the polished ck tiles catching the morning light.


    Reinforced ss panels surrounded the edges, gleaming faintly with a faint magical shimmer. The sky above was soft and pale, the kind of blue that felt fresh and new, while below, the city unfurled like a mape to life. Streets curved and crisscrossed, tiny cars crawling along them, and the glint of water from the river reflected the sun like liquid silver.


    It was beautiful in a quiet, unassuming way¡ªvast and endless, but not overwhelming.


    Readtest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Lizzie''s heels clicked softly against the tiles as she stepped onto the rooftop, her movements easy and confident. Pyris followed behind her, hands shoved into his pockets, his face calm but distant. Neither of them seemed the least bit fazed by the dizzying height.


    This was just another ce to stand for people like them¡ªmagic made the impossible feel ordinary.


    The wind swirled around them, brisk and a little biting, tugging lightly at Lizzie''s hair and Pyris''s coat. They didn''t speak at first, walking in sync toward the very edge where the city seemed to drop off into infinity.


    Lizzie leaned casually against the protective barrier, arms folded over her chest, while Pyris stood just to her left, his gaze fixed on the horizon.


    For a while, the only sound was the low hum of the city below and the steady rhythm of the wind. Then, Lizzie broke the silence, her tone light but pointed. "So, what''s on your mind?"


    Pyris nced at her, his sharp eyes catching the glint of the rising sun. "You already know what."


    Lizzie smirked but didn''t reply immediately, letting the weight of his words settle in the crisp morning air.


    A faint distortion rippled through the air behind them¡ªa quiet hum of power that neither could ignore.


    Someone had arrived.

 Chapter 307 Craft Exchange

    In her words, Pyris found out that Lizzie wasn''t as he had initially expected. Although she was surprised and a little disappointed to discover his rtionship with Suzie, there was nothing deeper than that.


    She admitted that her feelings for Suzie had always been a pipe dream.


    Suzie wasn''t into women, and Lizzie had always respected that. She had also known for some time that Suzie harbored feelings for Pyris, but she had never imagined their rtionship had progressed to this point.


    What stung the most, she exined, was that Suzie hadn''t shared any of it with her.


    As close as they were, Lizzie had hoped for openness between them, but she also understood theplex dynamics of the situation. Suzie had known about Lizzie''s feelings, and Pyris being their boss added anotheryer ofplication.


    Pyris stood silently, listening as she poured it all out. Though Lizzie''s tone was calm and understanding, there was a faint undertone of hurt she couldn''t entirely hide.


    When she finished, Pyris didn''t speak right away. Instead, he opened his arms and gave her a small, reassuring smile. Lizzie hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, her tears slipping free as she shyly epted the hug.


    "That''s apensation, I think," Pyris joked lightly, his tone warm.


    Lizzie let out a weakugh, her head still pressed against his chest.


    Before she could respond, the air behind them rippled violently. A quiet hum of power swept across the rooftop, sharp and impossible to ignore.


    "You shameless boy¡­" a voice cut through the moment,ced with irritation and authority.


    The air behind them rippled violently, cutting her words short. A quiet hum of power swept through the rooftop like a pulse, impossible to ignore.


    Both of them froze, and before either could react, the space behind them tore open with a sound like shattering ss. A pair of short legs stepped through the rift first, followed by a small figure.


    It was a woman¡ªshort, petite, and radiating an aura of authority thatpletely outweighed her size. Her youthful body and face seemed no older than fifteen, yet her sharp gaze carried the experience of someone far older.


    Her expression was anything but friendly.


    "Here I thought you''d be waiting here to wee me," the woman said, her voiceced with irritation. "And instead, I find you hugging a woman. Do you have no respect for your teacher?"


    Before Pyris could respond, a steel de erupted from the tiles beneath him, aiming straight for his chest.


    Space mana crackled around his feet, and he vanished just before the sword could impale him. Reappearing at the far edge of the rooftop, Pyris gently ced Lizzie down, his expression unreadable.


    "Stay here," he said, his tone firm.


    Lizzie barely nodded before he was gone again, reappearing directly in front of the woman.


    "Teacher," Pyris began, but she didn''t give him the chance to speak. Weapons¡ªdes, maces, hammers, spears¡ªmanifested around her, circling her form like a deadly halo.


    "You don''t get to talk your way out of this, boy," she snapped, her tone sharp as steel. "Let''s see if that mouth and lust of yours are as sharp as your forging skills."


    "Very well teacher, I will go easy on you. No magic but purely craft!" Pyris clenched his fists, summoning his own weapons in response. des forged from pure mana shimmered into existence around him, their edges gleaming with the intricate patterns of his craft.


    "Brave, I like that boy!" The rooftop became a battleground of artistry and mastery as the two forgers shed.


    Her weapons moved with precision, cutting through the air like they were alive, forcing Pyris to dodge and block with every ounce of skill he had. She didn''t fight like someone wielding tools¡ªher weapons felt like extensions of her will, each strike carrying the weight of decades of mastery.


    Pyris countered as best he could, his own craft creations meeting hers in a violent symphony of sparks and shing steel. A mace shattered a hammer in midair. A de curved dangerously close to his neck before he parried it with a glowing spear.


    But she wasn''t just testing him¡ªshe was pushing him to do his worse, perhaps best...


    He shifted his strategy, summoning weapons with designs far more intricate than before¡ªdesced with glowing runes, shields that absorbed the force of her attacks and redirected them. His newfound forging skills began to shine through, allowing him to hold his ground.


    Before he could fight in a craft exchange with her but now it was different with the Eternal Forge! For a moment, Pyris thought he might actually have the upper hand.


    But then, her eyes narrowed, and the air around them darkened.


    "Not bad," she said, her voice low and almost approving. "But you''re still not good enough. Hundred years away!"


    With a flick of her wrist, the weapons surrounding him twisted and shifted, forming a cage that locked him in ce.


    The prison of des shimmered with a deadly energy, every edge humming with restrained power. Pyris gritted his teeth, his golden eyes scanning for an opening, but the weapons moved in perfect harmony, leaving no room for escape.


    The woman crossed her arms, tilting her head as she looked at him. "You''ve improved. I''ll give you that. But you still have a long way to go, boy."


    Pyris let out a slow breath, his mind racing as he calcted his next move. He wasn''t out of tricks yet.


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    The air between then crackled with raw energy as their weapons shimmered into existence ferociously.


    The rooftop itself seemed to tremble under the weight of their sh, the skies above shifting and twisting unnaturally. Clouds coiled into spiraling patterns, and lightning arced like living creatures, drawn to the power surging between the twobatants.


    Pyris''s golden eyes narrowed as his teacher made a move. She didn''t just summon her weapons¡ªthey erupted from the space around her like a storm given form. des and hammers spun in a deadly orbit, glowing with runes that seemed to hum with her intent.


    Without hesitation, she closed the distance in a blur, faster than Pyris could track.


    A massive gauntlet materialized on her hand mid-charge, its jagged edges sparking with violent energy. Pyris barely had time to react before she swung it with impossible force.@@novelbin@@


    The impact hit him square in the chest, and the world tilted as he was sent flying across the rooftop. He skidded to a halt at the very edge, his boots grinding against the tiles. Below him, the city stretched endlessly, its distant lights flickering like stars.....Just a single step back and he will go down falling from such an impossible height.


    "Sloppy," she taunted, her voice sharp as she materialized another weapon¡ªa colossal greatsword. With a flick of her wrist, she hurled it at him like a spear.


    Pyris dodged at thest second with his body twisting in midair. The de plunged into the tiles, sending shockwaves that cracked the rooftop beneath them. Using the momentum, Pyrisnded on the t side of the sword.


    "Not bad," he muttered, skidding down the de''s surface like a board. As he reached the hilt, heunched himself toward her, delivering a sharp kick aimed at her chin.


    But she was faster.


    Before his strike couldnd, she shifted, her body dissolving into a blur of motion. Pyris''s kick hit nothing but air. She reappeared behind him, another weapon¡ªa war hammer glowing with molten energy¡ªalready swinging toward him.


    Pyris twisted, summoning a shield to block the blow. The hammer connected, and the force of the impact cracked his shield and drove him backward, his feet skidding across the rooftop.


    "Too slow, boy," she said, her tone dripping with mockery.


    Pyris growled, summoning a spearced with intricate runes. He charged, the spear glowing brighter as he poured energy into it. Their weapons shed in a brilliant explosion of sparks and light, the force of it sending tremors through the rooftop and cracking the ss barriers around them.


    The sky above them cracked as well, thunder roaring like a living beast. Bolts of lightning rained down, drawn to the raw power of their fight.


    "Is that all you''ve got?" she said, sidestepping his next attack with ease. Her footwork was effortless, like she wasn''t just dodging but dancing.


    Pyris gritted his teeth, switching tactics. He summoned a wave of smaller weapons,unching them toward her in rapid session. des, axes, and maces hurtled through the air, their runes zing with destructive intent their sharp sings echoing in the rooftop audibly so.

 Chapter 308 Forge With Cosmos

    She smirked, her hands moving in a blur as she caught one of his swords mid-flight. In an instant, she spun it back toward him, her movements fluid and precise. Pyris deflected the de with a hastily conjured shield, but the force drove him back again.


    Before he could recover, she was on him, her speed almost imperceptible. A smaller de appeared in her hand, and she shed it toward his side. Pyris barely dodged, the edge grazing his armor and sending sparks flying.


    "You''re holding back," she said, her voice low but cutting. "You think you''re ready to forge with the me? Prove it."


    Pyris responded by summoning a massive scythe, its de curved like the crescent moon. He swung it with all his strength, the weapon slicing through the air with a deafening hum.


    She didn''t flinch. Her own weapon¡ªa staff forged from obsidian and crackling with purple energy¡ªmaterialized in her hand. She parried his scythe with a single, fluid motion, the impact of their weapons splitting the air with a thunderous crack.


    The force of it sent both of them sliding backward, the tiles beneath their feet shattering from the strain.


    But she wasn''t done. With a flick of her wrist, the shattered pieces of the rooftop rose into the air, forming a makeshift weapon in her hands¡ªa jagged spear of broken tiles and raw energy.


    She hurled it at him with incredible speed, and Pyris barely had time to deflect it. The improvised weapon exploded on impact, sending shards flying in every direction.


    Before he could recover, her gauntlet reappeared, mming into his chest once more. Pyris flew back again, his body smashing into one of the ss panels at the edge of the rooftop.


    He coughed, struggling to his feet. His golden eyes burned with determination as he summoned another weapon¡ªa pair of twin des glowing with new runes, the product of his recently acquired knowledge.


    "Not bad, teacher," he said, his voice steady despite the blood on his lip. "But I''m just getting started."


    The rooftop trembled under the weight of their sh, cracks webbing across its surface as the skies above churned like an angry sea. With every move, the air around them roared, charged with energy so potent it distorted the very fabric of space.


    Pyris''s breathing was steady but strained as he stood facing his teacher. Around them, weapons appeared as if summoned from nothingness¡ªdes, hammers, maces, and spears forming not from raw energy but from something far deeper. These weren''t ordinary conjured weapons. These were forged realities, pulled from their understanding of the craft itself.


    With their sufficient forging skills and technique, conjuring weapons was as natural as breathing. These weren''t simple energy constructs¡ªno, these were real weapons, brought into existence through their profound understanding and mastery of forging. Each de, hammer, and spear was forged from the very essence of their craft, imbued with their intent and the raw principles of creation itself.


    This level of mastery was only achievable by those who had ascended to the realm of immortal-level forging, or those who wielded a godly rank technique. Pyris now stood among them, his newly acquired knowledge flowing through him like a raging current.


    For the first time, he felt truly connected to the essence of forging¡ªnot just as a craft, but as a fundamental truth of existence. The weapons he conjured weren''t just tools¡ªthey were extensions of his will, manifestations of his newfound understanding. It was as if the very cosmos responded to hismand, bending to his will with each weapon he forged.


    And she wasn''t holding back.


    Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    The skies cracked like ss with each swing of her gauntlet, the massive weapon seemingly alive with her will. Pyris barely managed to duck as it smashed into the tiles, sending shards flying like shrapnel.


    She didn''t pause. Another weapon appeared in her free hand¡ªa jagged, double-edged axe etched with golden runes that shimmered like fire. She hurled it at him with terrifying precision. Pyris spun out of the way, the axe slicing through the air and embedding itself into the rooftop behind him.


    The impact shattered the rooftop, chunks of stone rising into the air from the sheer force. Pyris used the momentum, conjuring twin des mid-spin and shing toward her with lethal intent.


    His teacher smirked, summoning a circr shield that appeared in an instant, blocking his strike with a deafening ng. The force of the blow sent a ripple through the rooftop, cracking it further.


    "You''ve learned a few tricks," she said, her voice sharp, but there was an edge of curiosity now.


    Pyris didn''t reply. Instead, he conjured a halberd, its shaft glowing faintly with a dark blue aura, and swung it with all his might. The weapon roared as it tore through the air, and this time, she was forced to step back, the edge grazing her gauntlet and sending sparks flying.


    Her expression shifted slightly, the first hint of genuine surprise flickering in her eyes. Even without magic, Pyris was able to do that?


    Pyris pressed the advantage, hurling the halberd forward before summoning a chain with barbed ends. The chain coiled around her shield, yanking it free, and Pyris lunged, mming his shoulder into her with enough force to send her sliding backward.


    "Impressive," she muttered, her voice almost too quiet to hear.


    But then her expression hardened.


    With a single motion, she mmed her foot into the ground, and the shattered tiles around her responded, rising into the air and forming jagged forged spears. Sheunched them at Pyris in a deadly barrage.


    Pyris moved, his new technique flowing through him like second nature. A shimmering dome of translucent energy formed around him, deflecting the first wave of spears, but his teacher was relentless. She appeared in front of him mid-attack, her gauntlet glowing with a blinding light, and drove her fist into his stomach.


    The impact was catastrophic. Pyris wasunched backward, smashing into the reinforced ss barrier at the rooftop''s edge. The barrier shattered, shards slicing through the air like deadly rain.


    He coughed, blood spattering onto the tiles as he struggled to stand. His teacher didn''t give him time to recover. She appeared above him, wielding a massive hammer wreathed in crimson mes.


    Pyris rolled to the side just as the hammer came crashing down, splitting the rooftop in two and sending chunks of stone plummeting into the city below. The shockwave rippled outward, shaking nearby buildings as the air filled with the sound of crumbling debris.


    "Keep up, boy!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.


    Pyris''s golden eyes burned with defiance. He gritted his teeth and summoned a spear, its tip glowing with an intricate weave of runes. He hurled it with all his strength, the weapon tearing through the air like a meteor.


    She dodged, but not entirely¡ªthe spear grazed her shoulder, slicing through her armor and drawing blood. Her eyes widened, not in pain but in recognition.


    "You''ve changed," she said, her tone quieter now. There was no mockery, only intrigue.


    Pyris didn''t let her distraction slow him down. He conjured another weapon¡ªa massive ive with serrated edges¡ªand charged. Their weapons collided again and again, the force of their strikes sending shockwaves through the air.


    The rooftop was a battlefield of chaos, weapons appearing and vanishing in a constant storm of steel and power. The skies above cracked with lightning, the ground beneath them groaned with each collision, and the air itself felt heavy with the weight of their sh.


    But Pyris was faltering. Just relying on Eternal Forge with magic whatsoever, was taking on him.@@novelbin@@


    His teacher was faster, her movements sharper and more precise. She pushed him relentlessly, her blows growing heavier and her attacks more creative. She used the terrain against him, driving him to the edge of the shattered rooftop again and again.


    At one point, she materialized a greatsword beneath his feet, forcing him to leap back. He barelynded a kick to her chin, skidding on the de''s t side before summoning a shield to block her follow-up strike.


    But her counter was immediate. She mmed a glowing staff into the ground, and chains erupted from the broken tiles, wrapping around Pyris and holding him in ce.


    "You''ve improved," she said, stepping closer as a new weapon¡ªa spear tipped with glowing obsidian¡ªappeared in her hand. "But you still don''t understand what it means to truly forge with the cosmos."


    Pyris struggled, his mind racing as the chains tightened around him. He wasn''t done yet. Not by a long shot. But as the fight dragged on, it became clear¡ªthis wasn''t just a test. It was hell.

 Chapter 309 Vampire Envoys

    Pyris steadied himself, summoning another weapon to continue, but before he could move, his teacher raised her hand, palm outward¡ªa simple gesture, yet absolute in its authority.


    "Enough," she said, her voice calm but still carrying that sharp edge of superiority.


    A small, satisfied smile tugged at her lips. "You''ve already shown me what I wanted to see... though I must admit, wiping the floor with you was more fun than I expected."


    Pyris exhaled through his nose, a low growl escaping him¡ªnot from anger, but from the undeniable sting of truth behind her words. He had lost. As much as he''d improved, as much as his new forging knowledge surged within him, he wasn''t there yet.


    Not even close. He couldn''t stand against his teacher using only his forging skills.


    Not yet.


    And that wasn''t even her full strength. If she''d tapped into her raw power¡ªher energy¡ªhe would''ve been overwhelmedpletely.


    "You''ve improved, though," she added, her voice softer as she stepped closer. "Far beyond what I taught you. Is this¡­ the legacy you mentioned?"


    Pyris nodded, rxing his stance. "Yeah¡­ It''s been a lot to take in."


    His teacher sat down cross-legged on the cracked tiles, the earlier storm of battle fading into something more peaceful. Pyris followed suit, lowering himself beside her, the tension bleeding out of his body as the adrenaline wore off.


    "How''ve you been, teacher?" he asked, his voice losing its edge, filled instead with genuine concern. The way you''d ask someone who meant more than just a mentor.


    Her gaze softened, a rare warmth recing her usual teasing sharpness. "Still worried about me, huh? I see you haven''t changed. I thought you''d be furious. Maybe even wouldn''t want to look at me after you cried when I left you behind all those years ago."


    From the far end of the rooftop, Lizzie had finally approached, arms crossed, lips quirking into a smirk as she watched. "Wait¡ªyou cried?" she snickered.


    Pyris shot her a half-hearted re before sighing, his attention returning to his teacher. "I was just a kid¡­ I didn''t understand why someone who meant so much to me suddenly left. You were with me every day for years¡ªteaching me, taking care of me. Of course I didn''t think about your responsibilities and your side. What kid would? I was selfish¡­ emotional."


    She nodded quietly, as if hearing his words was something she''d needed for a long time. Then, with a small tut, she exhaled.


    "I didn''t leave because of duties, Pyris," she said softly, looking him in the eye. "You were bing too dependent on me¡­ even after I''d taught you so much. You weren''t growing. I had to give you space¡ªand look at you now. You''ve proven me right."


    Her hands, small and delicate, cupped his face gently. "You''ve made me proud."


    Pyris blinked, struggling for words. This warmth, this closeness¡ªit wasn''t something he expected even after so long.


    "That''s¡­" He trailed off, unsure how to respond.


    Her smile faltered just slightly, and she dropped her hands, staring past him for a moment. "And¡­ I was bing attached too. Maybe too much. That scared me."


    Pyris''s brows furrowed. "Scared you how?"


    Without warning, her fist collided with his stomach, hard enough to send him skidding several feet across the broken rooftop tiles.


    "Don''t get too curious about a woman''s feelings, brat," she said, her face back to its usual calm mask, though Pyris swore he caught the tiniest motherly blush in her cheeks.


    Lizzie covered her mouth, clearly trying not tough.


    The teacher turned, giving Lizzie a polite nod before vanishing toward the rooftop exit.


    Pyris groaned, dusting himself off as he staggered to his feet. The entire rooftop was in shambles¡ªshattered tiles, broken edges, scorch marks. He rubbed his temples. Great. Another mess.


    Exhaling slowly, he extended his hand. Earth mana pulsed beneath his feet, earthen-golden mana sparking to life as the ground shifted.


    The broken tiles realigned themselves with a deep grinding sound, cracks mending, stone smoothing out until the entire rooftop looked as if the battle had never happened.


    The helipad shimmered back into perfect condition just in time.


    A pulse in the air drew Pyris''s attention upward.


    A sleek, ck helicopter descended silently, the des barely making a sound as it hovered into ce.


    The helicopter touched down with a whisper, its des slowing until only the steady pulse of mana thrummed in the air. The doors slid open in perfect silence, and two figures stepped out¡ªone man, one woman. Their ck suits were crisp, immacte, tailored with a level of precision that spoke of wealth and authority, yet the subtle arcane stitching along the cuffs hinted they were far more than couriers.


    They moved in sync, fluid and controlled, until their eyes met Pyris.


    A flicker¡ªbrief but noticeable¡ªpassed between them. Expectation, perhaps. Yet now, seeing him up close, Pyris was¡­ more. Taller than they imagined, his posture calm butmanding, golden eyes steady and sharp enough to unsettle.


    Both figures bowed, their forms bending with practiced grace, not just as a sign of respect¡ªbut acknowledgment.


    "Young Lord Pyris," the man spoke, his voice smooth, measured. "We bring you the Blood Essence Stones on behalf of Lord Drac, as per the terms of your arrangement."


    The woman stepped forward, presenting the four steel cases with both hands. The containers were wless¡ªcold, matte ck with no visible locks or seams, yet faint etchings ran along their surface, sigils woven into the metal itself.@@novelbin@@


    Old magic. The kind meant to hold power, not just secure it.


    Pyris extended his hands. The cases settled into his grip without resistance, yet the weight was¡­ nothing. Even Elsa could have lifted them with ease. The materials, the enchantments¡ªthey were mastercrafted. Designed to suppress the unbearable force locked inside.


    No words. No unnecessary theatrics. Pyris, with a thought, the cases vanished into his inventory. Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    The woman''s brow twitched, subtle but there. She scanned the air around him, expecting the flicker of a runic circle, the pulse of the spatial artifact.


    Nothing.


    No artifact?


    "Lord Drac," the woman finally spoke, voice smooth as polished ss, "expects a confirmation of delivery immediately after the game''sunch."


    Pyris held her gaze, unwavering. "Tell my uncle he will have no reason for concern. The results will speak for themselves."


    The man bowed low, formal yet efficient. Without another word, he turned and began heading back toward the helicopter.


    The woman lingered.


    Her gaze drifted¡ªnot to Pyris but toward the far side of the rooftop, where the ss corridors stretched toward Esmeralda''s office. Her attention lingered just long enough for Pyris to catch it.


    Curiosity.


    But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. She dipped her head, more restrained this time, and followed herpanion without another word.


    The helicopter lifted, the mana thrusters humming back to life, and in moments, it was just sky again.


    Pyris remained still, eyes fixed on the horizon. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest easing.


    "Time to face it now," he muttered under his breath.


    Behind him, Lizzie finally broke the silence. "I don''t know whether that was impressive¡­ or ufortable."


    Pyris turned, lips curling in a half-smirk. "Why not both?"


    And together, they made their way back inside.

 Chapter 310 Another Chain

    Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    The elevator ride was silent, but Pyris''s mind buzzed with thoughts. Drac''s messengers had left withoutplications¡ªa rare oue when dealing with a figure so obsessed with leaving his mark on every shadow he touched. For once, the encounter had felt... effortless. Too effortless.


    He narrowed his eyes as the elevator gave a soft chime and the doors slid open with a whisper, revealing the polished hallway ahead.


    Lizzie followed closely behind, her expression calm, almost bored.


    The office was alive with controlled small but weed chaos, buzzing with movement.  Crowded, yes, but not ufortably so¡ªevery face was focused, every motion deliberate.


    Mira emerged soundlessly from Pyris''s shadow, her ethereal form weaving together like smoke pulled from the void. She didn''t speak¡ªthere was no need. Orders were issued in silent gestures, and Esmeralda took charge without question. The logistics were hers now.


    Pyris had no reason to linger here until theunch, when the final core integration would require his presence.


    His teacher wasn''t here either, most likely in the Forge right now.


    The Forge.


    It wasn''t a ce just anyone could enter, not even Esmeralda. Only the Obsidians were permitted beyond its doors, yet his teacher had long since been an exception. She went where she pleased.


    Pyris gave his orders, offered a brief nod, and then disappeared with the young moon elf, Elsa, trailing beside him.


    ****


    In The Forge


    The heart of the Forge was not merely a room. It was a sanctum where reality bent to the will of creation.


    The chamber sprawled vast and cavernous, the walls crafted from a blend of midnight obsidian and ancient enchanted steel,yered with veins of luminescent crystal that pulsed in steady rhythm¡ªlike the heartbeat of a living machine. Magic didn''t simply linger here; it coiled and hummed, saturating the air, drawn into the hovering crucibles and metallic conduits woven overhead.


    tforms of hovering ck stone shifted seamlessly with Pyris''s steps, reacting to his presence, while massive forge pirs¡ªsculpted like coiling dragons¡ªexhaled bursts of silver me, their tongues licking along the edges of the central workstation.


    Suspended above it all, a ring of runic symbols spun in slow orbit, casting soft violet light that danced along the surfaces below.


    And yet, despite all this power, the forge was quiet. Not silent¡ªjust... expectant.


    There, on a leather couch tucked into a far corner, his teacher slept, a single hand resting near a half-finished de she had clearly been working on years ago before she had left him. Her breathing was calm, steady.


    Elsa tugged at his sleeve, eyes wide as they took in the room''s wonder.


    "Big brother... who''s that little sister over there?" Elsa whispered, pointing towards the sleeping woman with an impish grin.


    Pyris stifled augh, shaking his head. His teacher was far from little.


    "That''s my teacher, Elsa," he corrected gently.


    Elsa blinked, genuinely surprised. "Your teacher? But she''s so young..."


    As if on cue, his teacher stirred, her eyes snapping open. Sharp. Calcting. She sat up, stretching with a frown as she caught the end of Elsa''sment.


    "Boy, enough chatter," she said briskly, voice carrying an edge of authority. "Let''s get to work."


    Pyris nodded, suppressing his amusement at her attempt to actpletely unbothered.


    "Alright," he replied, voice steady. But this was no ordinary task.


    It was time to make a deal.


    Pyris crossed the chamber toward his teacher, his expression turning serious.


    "I have something to share with you, like I told you, the legacy," he began, speaking not as a student but as an equal. "The Eternal Forge knowledge¡ªits techniques. I''m willing to give you ess to them."


    Her eyes narrowed, intrigue sparking behind the guarded mask she wore. "Exin."


    Rather than words, he showed her.


    He reached forward, fingers pressing gently to her forehead. A pulse of power surged between them¡ªan exchange not of mere information but ancient truths. mes. Metal. Godly no, beyond godly craft secrets intertwined with creation itself.


    She shuddered, drawing a sharp breath as the knowledge took root, and then sat back, closing her eyes as she began to meditate, absorbing everything.


    While she processed the transfer, Pyris focused on his next task.


    From the system inventory, he summoned the blood essence stone boxes, their obsidian casings etched with scarlet runes. Each stone within pulsed with a faint crimson glow, fragments of pure power extracted from fallen vampires. Blood Truths¡ªcore of a vampire''s Blood Truth, left behind only after their true death.


    As he opened the first box, the forge reacted.


    A pulse of raw, ancient energy swept through the chamber, rippling along the enchanted conduits and making the floating tforms tremble. mes red higher, momentarily shifting from silver to a deep, blood-red hue. The air thickened with an almost oppressive aura¡ªdeep blood magic, primal and ancient.


    Elsa took a step back, instinctively pressing closer to Pyris, but he raised a hand to calm her.


    She was safe.


    And then¡ª


    [Ding! Blood Essence Stones detected!


    Mission: Create a Blood Item.


    Reward: Blood Truth!]


    Pyris inhaled sharply... Another Blood Truth.


    It hadn''t been long since the system had first offered him this same reward. And yet here it was again. Another chance. But why? A being was said to only ever possess one Blood Truth in a lifetime. Yet, he was being offered them back-to-back.@@novelbin@@


    ''What''s the intention behind this... and why me?''


    Shaking off the intrusive thoughts, Pyris refocused. Now wasn''t the time for doubts.


    The forge called, and his teacher was awakening.


    It was time to create.


    The forge quieted, its living pulse steadying as Pyris moved with practiced ease, his hands fluid, confident¡ªjust as his teacher had taught him.


    He worked without needing to think, each movement guided by deeply ingrained memory. The hovering silver mes dimmed as he adjusted the temperature through a subtle weave of magic, a small gesture of his hand causing runes etched along the forge''s frame to shift, reacting to his will.


    The enchanted conduits pulsed in time with his breathing, syncing perfectly with his presence.


    The boy was seamless.


    ****


    Guys I am sorry I made some mistakes in updating the chapters. I am trying to fix everything right now.

 Chapter 311 Legendary Cuck Legacy

    Sorry for the repeated words, the premium rules rules for updating the mistakes in misarranged chapters are strict.


    _____


    He worked without needing to think, each movement guided by deeply ingrained memory. The hovering silver mes dimmed as he adjusted the temperature through a subtle weave of magic, a small gesture of his hand causing runes etched along the forge''s frame to shift, reacting to his will.


    The enchanted conduits pulsed in time with his breathing, syncing perfectly with his presence.


    The boy was seamless.


    His teacher watched silently, arms crossed, yet her mind raced as she observed. Pyris was still young, yet hemanded this space as though it bent around him, as though the forge itself acknowledged his mastery.


    She had taught him these techniques¡ªbut he had long since surpassed her expectations in execution.


    After stabilizing the energy flows, Pyris turned and approached a reinforced section of the forge wall. A vault. There were two in the chamber¡ªboth bearing ancient markings¡ªbut today, he opened only one.


    The protective seals unraveled at his touch,yers of spells peeling back like silk, revealing the vault''s contents. Inside, perfectly arranged, were tools¡ªmastercrafted hammers, chisels, delicate spell-needles, and forging instruments of both ancient and modern design.


    Everything they would need. No weapons. Not just mere artifacts. Just tools.


    Yet even these tools radiated power.


    Pyris retrieved them carefully, setting each in its designated ce as his teacher continued to watch, still silent. She could feel it. The weight of something far older than steel.


    She said nothing, though her sharp eyes lingered on the scarlet-glowing fragments nearby. Pyris hadn''t offered an exnation¡ªand he didn''t need to. She already understood.


    She remembered the first time Pyris hade to her for advice help concerning Drac''s request.


    Emberly had refused Drac back then.


    And yet... here they were.


    The choice had been made. Pyris had taken the deal after all.


    So... they will forge him his armor.


    There was no hesitation in her heart, no reservations clouding her judgment. If anything, she was thrilled.


    Blood Weapons? Blood Items?


    Artifacts crafted not from metal alone, but from the crystallized truths of life and death¡ªthings far older than most realms could even remember. Once, only gods and immortals had possessed the ability to create such things, forging them from the blood truths of the fallen. And yet, those same deities had long since decided to stop.


    The Blood Weapons had been purged. Erased from existence. Not even fragments had survived the purge. The craft itself was forbidden, the secrets lost to time and fear.


    But today...


    Today, she was about to witness the creation of one.


    No¡ªshe was about to make one.


    Alongside her student.


    And the "rude" young elf.


    Her fingers curled tighter against her arm, her pulse quickening with realization. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Obsidians are truly the undoing of gods."


    Yes, the Blood Weapons were meant to be beyond mortal reach¡ªcrafted only by immortal and divine hands. But the Obsidians had long since shattered that restriction. The Cosmic Cursed Family. That was why they were feared. That title alone would send a chill down a god''s spine.


    They didn''t break divinew. They outgrew it.


    With all that ability and knowledge to achieve what only immortals and gods were once capable of, the Obsidians stood as a paradox¡ªfeared yet misunderstood, powerful yet cursed.


    Their legacy of transcending divine limits. Yet, despite their mastery over forbidden crafts, the cost lingered. Each generation bore both greatness and tragedy, as though the heavens themselves conspired to keep their bloodline from reaching its full, terrifying potential as generations went on.


    But Emberly? Emberly had taken it a step further.


    She had infused technology into the ancient arts.


    Ancient craft techniques, magic, technology¡ªthree forcesbined into something entirely new.


    She wasn''t skilled in forging, not like Pyris, which was exactly why she had made sure he mastered the craft from childhood. She had pushed him, made sure he could carry on what their ancestors had once wielded.


    No Obsidian in this generation could forge like Pyris. And Emberly had ensured his path was clear¡ªdesigning tools, enchantments, and amplifiers to aid him so he could focus purely on creation.


    It had paid off.


    The proof was everywhere, from the enchanted devices Pyris designed for Obsidian Tech, the artifact-level smartphones, the spatial storage rings constructs.


    And now, as she watched him prepare the forge, selecting tools with a calm, silent precision, his teacher couldn''t help but wonder¡ª


    Who was more dangerous?


    The boy who seemed to have no limits...


    Or the mother who knew no bounds in how far she would go to make sure he stayed limitless?


    She couldn''t decide.


    Complications with the Obsidians ran deeper than anyone could truly understand. No mortal. No immortal. Not even gods fullyprehended what they were.


    Perhaps the ancient gods had once known.


    But they were quiet, not willing to share anything rted to this family.


    And all that remained...


    Was a rise of family who birthed God-yers that no god could stop from happening.


    Every generation.


    The Cosmic Cursed Family.


    The Obsidians.


    The Obsidians¡ªwere not simply a family¡ªthey were a legacy of dragons, a bloodline infused with the very power to y gods. This truth was undeniable across every generation.


    It wasn''t sheer power or technique that had allowed Lucy Obsidian''s army to nearly erase the Heavenly Host from existence. No, it was something far more primal¡ªan ancient forceced into their blood.


    To gods, they weren''t warriors. They were cmities.


    The Heavenly Army had once seemed unstoppable, divine, infinite. Until they met the Obsidians. What followed was not a battle but a ughter. The Obsidians had crushed them so thoroughly that the Elemental Deity himself, an ancient god, had to intervene personally to erase the Obsidian Dragons from existence.


    Yet the bloodline endured.


    In this generation, Pyris wasn''t alone in carrying that legacy. His sister, Anastasia, was living proof of it¡ªher life energy so intense that even Phantoms, beings capable of extinguishing gods, felt ufortable in her presence. Only Mira and Song, could tolerate her life aura.


    Then there was Aurelia¡ªthe Death Dragon¡ªhis other sister. Like Anastasia, she hadn''t yet touched the true depths of her power. None of them had. Just like the generations after Lucy Obsidian, they had either died before awakening their full potential or vanished under mysterious circumstances.


    Their grandparents. His grandfather had died right after cucking a certain god and then the leader of the Immortal Realms. He had cucked them both at once before dying together with his grandmother and the twodies he had stolen from those beings had faced even a worse fate!


    Anyway...


    Even Pyris himself knew the pattern of how Obsidian die in mysterious ways. They all did.


    And as for his mother? Pyris was certain she wasn''t just Rank 19. No¡ªthere was more to her than even he could understand.@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 312 Holder Of The Lust Legacies

    Their grandparents. His grandfather had died right after cucking a certain god and then the leader of the Immortal Realms. He had cucked them both at once before dying together with his grandmother and the twodies he had stolen from those beings had faced even a worse fate!


    It seemed like Pyris was just a Champion Of Lust and Lust Dragon but also carried the legacy of his grandfather who had cucked the Immortal Realms Sovereign and then a god.


    Anyway...


    Even Pyris himself knew the pattern of how Obsidian die in mysterious ways. They all did.


    And as for his mother? Pyris was certain she wasn''t just Rank 19. No¡ªthere was more to her than even he could understand.


    _____


    The preparations wereplete. Pyris opened the vault¡ªone of two, this one reserved only for tools, not artifacts of mass destruction. From within, he drew out a weapon older than kingdoms:


    [Cursed Forge Hammer]


    Rank: Immortal


    Status: Bound to the Obsidian Bloodline


    Active skills...] The status went on but Pyris barely nced at it.


    It pulsed with restrained power, a whisper of the ancient forge techniques long thought extinct. This was no ordinary crafting tool¡ªit was a legacy of the past, one Pyris was permitted to wield. The rest? Far too dangerous. Far beyond his current level.


    He had never cared for artifacts, never hungered for divine weapons or legendary tools. Why would he?


    The Obsidian vaults were filled with them.


    Weapons so powerful they had been locked away, untouched except for the asional moment his mother felt like "ying" with the lower-ranked ones. The true weapons¡ªartifacts capable of rewriting reality of a battle¡ªremained sealed in the ancestral mansion, guarded by the Phantoms.


    This was why Pyris barely reacted when his system offered him a Godly-Rank hammer as a reward. Godly? His teacher''s hammer had no rank at all. And the other hammers slumbering in the vault? They made the system''s reward look like a child''s toy.


    As if sensing his thoughts, his teacher moved.


    She pulled out her own hammer.


    The air changed.


    The forge trembled as she lifted the massive weapon¡ªlonger than her entire body, wreathed in roaring, unstable energy. Sparks of forge intent crackled along its runes, it''s energy barely contained within. The head of the hammer burned not with heat, but with essence, as though the concept of forging itself had been condensed into a single artifact.


    Pyris blinked, staring. Then he stared at her. Small, me-haired, wielding that thing.


    She narrowed her eyes.


    "You''re thinking something rude, aren''t you, Pyris?"


    "Not at all," he said, deadpan.


    She clearly didn''t believe him.


    Ignoring her re, Pyris reached back into the vault, withdrawing a pair of Immortal-Rank Forging Gauntlets. The metal adjusted as he slipped them on, theplex enchantments flexing and reshaping to fit his hands perfectly.


    For how powerful they were, the gauntlets felt¡­ light.


    Too light.


    Power rippled subtly beneath the surface, amplifying his dexterity and magic flow in ways only a master could appreciate.@@novelbin@@


    Next, he retrieved a small ck orb from the vault.


    Turning to Elsa, he pressed it gently against her chest.


    The transformation was immediate.


    The orb pulsed once¡ªthen liquid ck metal poured from its surface. It spread like ink flowing over her skin, rippling in perfect harmony with her body. The armor wasn''t forged. It was formed.


    Obsidian-ck tes flowed over her torso, shoulders, and arms, intricate patterns emerging as the armor solidified. Void energy he had added when he touched it, pulsed faintly from the cracks, reacting to her being signature. She didn''t have magic yet.


    When the transformation ended, Elsa stood d in a sleek, seamless ck suit of armor¡ªmatte yet menacing, leaving only her eyes visible.


    The power thrummed beneath it. Adaptive. Evolving.


    It wasn''t just armor. It was a statement.


    Pyris nodded, satisfied.


    From the vault, he pulled a smaller, single-handed forging hammer, perfectly suited to Elsa''s frame, and handed it over.


    "You''re here to show me what you wanted to, Elsa." he said firmly.


    Elsa gripped the hammer, her hands trembling only slightly as she nodded. She hadn''te here to observe. She had requested this. She had asked to make a construct of her invention¡ªsomething hers. Something she hade up with when he was in thebyrinth.


    Pyris began to share just enough knowledge for her to try.


    It was time to see what she was capable of.


    His teacher raised her colossal hammer, mes dancing along its edge. Her voice echoed with the authority of countless lifetimes spent mastering the craft.


    "Let''s begin."


    ______


    The Nightshade Duke''s mansion sat like a brooding silhouette against the violet dusk, its gothic spires wing at the sky with a ir only a family with a name like Nightshade could pull off. The garden, if you could call it that, had more dead vines than living nts¡ªthough it was unclear whether that was an aesthetic choice or pure neglect.


    The iron gates creaked in a way that suggested they were either ancient or trying too hard to be dramatic, while the gargoyle statues on the balcony corners seemed less like protectors and more like they were waiting for the next fool to trip over the cobblestones.


    Inside, the air smelled faintly ofvender and old paper. The mansion wasn''t dusty¡ªno, it was kept pristine, but in a way that made the shadows feel heavier, like the furniture had stories it wasn''t sharing. Velvet drapes muffled the moonlight, and a grand clock ticked with just enough dy between beats to make you wonder if it was off or just messing with you.


    Upstairs, in a room with violet wallpaper patterned like thorny roses, Sereny sprawled on her plush, oversized bed, phone in hand, scrolling with an expression that was just short of pure delight.


    A rare smile graced her lips¡ªsoft, genuine. She had done it.


    The Flower of Darkness was to it''s expectations. The mystical bloom had begun working its magic, and her mother''s health was improving. Soon, she''d be back on her feet, perhaps even able to torment the mansion staff again with her dramatic monologues about "the fragility of life."


    But that wasn''t the only thing Seren had taken from the Abyssal Labyrinth.


    Her rank had climbed¡ªconsiderably. Not enough to make her arrogant, but enough that the powerful nobles and royalties who whispered at the edges of her senses no longer felt quite so¡­ overwhelming.


    More than that, she''d made connections¡ªfriends.


    Well, sort of friends.


    Lyra had stuck around. The two of them were close now, real friends who didn''t just share battlefield adrenaline but the quiet moments too. But the others¡ªPetne, Alera, Zara? They were mysteries. Especially Petne.


    Well, at least she knew Zara knew her mother, but Petne?


    Seren''s eyes narrowed as her thumb continued to scroll.


    She didn''t know who Petne really was. High status, clearly. Power on a level most couldn''t touch. But he''d just¡­ vanished after their encounter in the Labyrinth.


    Until now all she knew, he was a very powerful dragon with a unit Bloodline like royals and high nobles but not more than that.


    Her finger paused mid-scroll.


    A headline red across her screen:


    "Youngest CEO of Obsidian Tech¡ªPyris Obsidian Returns from Dangerous Journey Injured!"


    The article unfolded in a mess of gossip and spection. Something about injuries after a mysterious disappearance. She felt intrigued, Pyris was from the same academy as her, an enigma not just the young generation but also the older generation was curious about.


    She scrollee through all the articles, more she read, the more she was interested. Another link. She clicked. A video interview.


    Esmeralda, Vice CEO of Obsidian Tech, sat with perfect poise, answering questions with calm authority. She was talking about theunch of the game until she was asked about Pyris.


    "Mr. Obsidian ventured where few dare¡ªthe Abyssal Labyrinth¡ªto retrieve something vital for the good of the mortal realm. His efforts were extraordinary, and please expect innovations that could reshape our world."


    Seren barely noticed the praise. Her mind locked onto something else. The injuries. Thebyrinth. A humanoid dragon. Ancient bloodlines.


    She remembered now¡ªPetne in his humanoid form, fighting that monstrous guardian. How his wounds had reopened, even before Seren and Lyra had fled from the fear of Mira. But she could vividly remember most of the wounds.


    And now this¡­ Pyris Obsidian, CEO of a tech empire, recovering from a "dangerous expedition" and had the same wounds.


    Her breath caught.


    The realization hit like a hammer blow.


    Petne was Pyris Obsidian.


    Seren stared at the screen, her pulse racing.


    "How stupid can I be?" she muttered under her breath, tossing the phone aside and sinking into the bed''s pillows.


    She had found him.

 Chapter 316 Seraphina and Alexandra

    Anastasia emerged in the dimly lit hallway of the Obsidian ancestral mansion, her presence rippling through the ancient air like a drop disturbing the still surface of ake.


    The phantoms lurking within the walls stirred, their shadowy forms recoiling, hissing softly in difort. It wasn''t hatred¡ªthey were bound here, protectors of this ce¡ªbut the overwhelming life energy radiating from her was unnatural in this domain steeped in death, void, darkness , shadows and echoes.


    Her very essence shed with the mansion void-like presence itself, yet the runes lining the walls remained calm, ancient spells humming faintly with a watchful vignce.


    Faint blue sigils pulsed, their glow weaving along the stonework, each etched mark older than all empires in Argos, crafted to guard bloodlines from forces that had long since passed into legend.


    The air was thick with magic, and every step she took felt like walking through a space half-forgotten by time. Heavy chandeliers hung high, their crystals catching the dim candlelight like fragments of starlight, while towering portraits of long-departed ancestors stared with hollow eyes from beneathyers of dust.


    The scent here was old, not unpleasant but ancient¡ªlike rain on stone that hadn''t seen the sun in centuries.


    She moved with purpose, silent but steady, until she reached a set of grand double doors engraved with even deeper runes, ones that didn''t glow but pulsed with a heartbeat she could feel against her skin.


    She pushed them open, and there, in the center of the vast bedchamber,y the two sleeping figures.


    Suspended midair, Seraphina and Alexa floated, their bodies cradled in the golden glow of pure life energy. Seraphina''s once-fiery crimson hair had dulled into a soft, silvery-white cascade, drifting weightlessly around her face as though she rested in the heart of a gentle current.


    Beside her, Alexa''s golden locks shimmered with an unnatural brilliance, her face calm, but the aura surrounding her felt¡­ different. More intense.


    Between them, Zara stood watchful, the witch''s hand extended as streams of pale green energy flowed from her palms into the golden cocoon surrounding the two. Her face was drawn, lips pressed into a thin line of concentration as she sustained the spell, life itself bending under her will.


    Though she hadn''t spoken, Anastasia could sense the strain.


    "You''ve done well, Zara," Anastasia whispered, voice softer now as she approached.


    Zara nodded without taking her eyes off the suspended forms.


    Without another word, Anastasia raised the pulsating orb she had brought, the green life energy within it radiating a gentle, warm pulse, like the heartbeat of a slumbering giant.


    Slowly, she separated it into two halves, each fragment pulsing with its own rhythm, as though responding to the presence of the two women.


    She pressed the first half to Alexa''s chest and the second to Seraphina''s, her hands lingering just long enough to ensure the energy fused with their bodies before retreating.


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    At first, there was silence. Then the change began.


    Seraphina''s body was the first to react. Her suspended form trembled as the golden cocoon around her fractured, streaks of silvery starlight bleeding through.


    The energy twisted, turning brighter, colder¡ªlike a supernova just before copse. Starry bursts rippled outward from her skin, forming constetions along her arms and neck, her breathing deepening as the essence of her star-dragon Bloodline red awake. But it wasn''t pure starlight anymore.


    Something darker swirled within the brilliant white, faint veins of pale grey coiling through the light, subtle yet undeniable.


    Alexa''s reaction was slower, but far more violent. The golden energy surrounding her didn''t just pulse¡ªit shuddered. The life energy Zara had been channeling twisted, warping as tendrils of raw, dark goldced through the cocoon.


    A deeper, heavier power began to rise, an energy so potent it felt like the very air was being squeezed, the walls of reality bending around her.


    Sparks of ckened gold crackled over her skin, and for a moment, it seemed as though the energy was about to spiral out of control¡ªuntil it suddenly copsed back into her body, drawn inward as though the power was iming her as its rightful vessel.


    The two energies met¡ªsilver starlight and corrupted gold¡ªswirling as they brushed against one another in the space between the suspended women.


    The sh should have been violent, but instead, they merged. Or rather, one force overwhelmed the other. Alexa''s golden energy rippled outward, brushing against the starry silver, and when the two touched, the golden hue darkened into something richer, heavier, while Seraphina''s pure light dimmed, streaked now with a hint of ashen grey.


    A bnce was forming, but it wasn''t a perfect one. It felt¡­ unstable. Dangerous.


    Zara took a step back, her eyes narrowing as the energies settled, but the tension lingered.


    Anastasia remained silent, watching, knowing they had just witnessed something far beyond mortalprehension. This wasn''t divine power¡ªthis was older. And it was only just beginning.


    "These... these women..." Zara''s voice broke the heavy silence, her wide eyes fixed on the swirling energy surrounding Seraphina and Alexa.


    The golden and silver auras shed, twisted, then merged in ways no ordinary magic should¡ªunstable yet breathtaking. "I didn''t know the dragon and human princesses were this unique..."


    Anastasia, standing still as a statue, arms folded as she watched the energy shift and pulse, finally spoke. Her voice was calm, yet there was a weight to it, a kind of quiet certainty. "They were. They always were. But they couldn''t awaken their full potential... not until they met my little brother."


    Seraphina''s form shimmered, her hair shifting once more, strands darkening and turning a brilliant silver, almost metallic, as if woven from threads of starlight. The glow surrounding her pulsed like a heartbeat, stronger, deeper, making the air hum with raw power. Zara stared, caught between fascination and disbelief.


    She knew Pyris¡ªhis strange, unpredictable abilities, the way he seemed to bring out strength in people that shouldn''t have been possible.@@novelbin@@


    But this... this was on another level entirely. If he had some way of unlocking bloodline potential like this, maybe... maybe she should ask him. If he could awaken them... what else could he do?


    Could he help her? Who knew¡ªmaybe she had some ancient bloodline buried deep, too.


    Lost in thought, Zara didn''t notice Anastasia''s lingering gaze as she watched Seraphina''s transformation with a different kind of intensity, like she was searching for something just beyond sight. Then, softly, she asked, "Zara... have you ever heard the legend of the Star Dragon and the Earth Dragon?"

 Chapter 317 Legends Of The Cosmic Cursed Family Grudge

    "Aralux Obsidian and Sylvoria the Star Dragon... they''re real," Anastasia said, her voice calm but carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "Back then, Aralux was born into a dragon noble family, one of the great dukes under the rule of the early Dragon Empire."


    Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if recalling fragments of a story long buried in time. "Most of the mortal empires you''re familiar with hadn''t even existed yet. The Dragon Empire was just beginning its rise, but even then, it was clear they would rule the entire realm. And do you know why they did?" Her voice dropped, holding Zara''s gaze. "Because of one house. House Obsidian. Us. We''ve shaped history from the shadows for generations. The reason the dragons conquered... and the reason they fell to just being a single empire now. All because of our interference that other races rose against dragons to form their own empires."


    Zara blinked, the pieces not fully connecting. "But... why did you call Aralux and Sylvoria your ancestors if they didn''t start your bloodline?"


    Anastasia exhaled, a small, bitter smile forming. "Because they didn''t just start it¡ªthey forged it. The bloodline was already old, but they were the ones who made House Obsidian into what we are today. The Cosmic Cursed Family. The weight we carry? It began with them."


    She folded her arms, the air growing heavier around her as she continued. "Years before the empires you know were even formed, when the Dragon Empire was nothing but a rising power, Aralux Obsidian was already a rising legend. An earth dragon whose power could shatter the half the mortal realm itself¡ªso overwhelming that entire armies copsed at the mention of his name. They called him the Dragon Deity."


    She scoffed. "He hated that title. Hated it enough to kill anyone who dared speak it. Because he despised the gods, Zara. Loathed them with every fiber of his being. Not because of what they did, but what they were. Untouchable. Unquestioned. Arrogant."


    Zara''s voice was cautious. "What happened, I mean for such a powerful entity?"


    "For so long he searched," Anastasia said simply. "He wandered the entire Mortal ne, every corner of the known¡ªand unknown¡ªworld, looking for something that could challenge him. Anything. And not even the gods dared to face him. At least... not the ones he was familiar with."


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    Her expression softened for the first time. "Until he found her. Sylvoria, the Star Dragon. She didn''t run in the presence of his powers. She didn''t bow. She fought him¡ªmatched him strike for strike, power for power. They should have destroyed each other. But... they didn''t."


    Zara raised a brow. "So... that''s how the dragon mating ritual started, isn''t it?" Zara knew the myths of the mating ritual which she had assumed their legends were just myths.


    Anastasia nodded, a trace of a smile ying on her lips. "Yeah. But don''t get it twisted¡ªthis isn''t some love story. What they had? It was dangerous. Unstable. Two dragons who were too powerful for the gods to control, bound together? They were a threat. And you know the gods... they don''t tolerate threats."


    Her voice sharpened again, shifting back to the lesson. "You''ve heard of the golden dragons, right?"


    Zara nodded. "The first dragons. The strongest. But... they went extinct a long time ago. Some say they were wiped out by something stronger. There''s a myth... about their disappearing ?"


    Anastasia''s gaze darkened. "Yeah, a myth. Or so the gods want everyone to believe. The truth is much worse. The golden dragons didn''t just disappear. They were erased. Wiped from existence itself by one being. The High Eternal Ancient Sovereign."


    Zara''s eyes widened. "One being wiped out the strongest dragons? How¡ª?"


    Anastasia cut her off. "How doesn''t matter. What matters is that the Sovereign didn''t just kill them¡ªthey erased them sopletely that not even their memory lingers in the divine realms. And the reason? It wasn''t some holy punishment or cosmic bnce. It was personal. A grudge."


    Zara whispered, "A grudge against who?"


    "You know, Zara... Golden dragons weren''t the strongest dragons out there," Anastasia said, her voice calm but with a teasing edge, watching for Zara''s reaction.


    Zara blinked, caught off guard. This wasn''t what she''d expected. A quiet chuckle slipped from Anastasia''s lips.


    She could still picture the way Pyris had smiled back then¡ªso clueless, so damn helpless. They''d lied to him. She and their mother had known the truth all along.


    At first, they''d denied knowing anything about a Lust Dragon. yed dumb. But deep down? They both knew the truth.


    When Pyris had asked, they''d exchanged that silent nce, both thinking the same thing. He couldn''t handle it. Couldn''t carry the weight of knowing what he really was. A Lust Dragon.


    Anastasia exhaled slowly, the weight of old secrets pressing down as she continued.


    "The High Eternal Ancient Sovereign... before they went on their whole massacre spree, they ordered every Eternal out of the Godly Realms. Yes Eternals exist somewhere there, an entire race of them but no longer here. Anyway... The killing started.


    "Every. Single. Golden dragon. Why? Because of a grudge. Some ancient dragon¡ªthe strongest being in the universe, mind you¡ªhad done something to piss this High Eternal off before they went into a long slumber. So when the High Eternal... they took this shot. Killed every golden dragon and even murdered that strongest one in its sleep. But..." Her gaze sharpened. "There was one golden dragon left. Or, well, what was left of it."


    Zara''s stomach twisted as she realized what Anastasia was implying. The golden dragon lineage Pyris kept? That was it what she was talking about?


    And Anastasia had justid it all out.


    "So... how does this tie into Aralux and Sylvoria? I feel like these are two different stories" Zara asked, voice tight.


    Anastasia smirked. "Damn, so impatient. Rx. I''m getting there."


    She paused, tilting her head, that smug smile lingering. "Remember what I said about the strongest existence being killed in its slumber? Well, Aralux wasn''t just some earth dragon. Not really. He was... more. There was power inside him, hidden so deep he hadn''t even awakened it all. And guess what? He was the reincarnation of that strong dragon. The one who got murked in its sleep."


    Zara''s eyes widened. "So lemme get straight, the Eternal who killed the golden dragons out of grudge and this strongest dragon was their leader?" Anastasia nodded.


    "And that Eternal? The one with the grudge? They found outter about Aralux being the Reincarnation of that dragon. That''s when everything went to hell. That was the first time the gods descended onto the mortal ne for war. And that''s how the Obsidians got cursed. My family¡ªthe Cosmic Cursed Family¡ªwas reborn and cursed in that bloodbath."


    Zara swallowed. "Wait... you''re saying your whole family bloodii was cursed by the gods or by this High Eternal?"


    Anastasia shook her head, voice dropping lower. "No. Worse. The Cosmos itself cursed us."


    The words hit hard.


    Zara stared at her like she''d just grown a second head. This was insane. Sure, she''d known there were gaps in the story Anastasia was giving her, but this? This was on a whole other level.


    Before she could even process, her gaze shifted to Seraphina, still sleeping peacefully nearby. Her mind jumped again.


    "...How deep is the star dragon connected to your family, when she wasn''t initially part of Obsidians, Anastasia?" she finally asked.


    Anastasia''s expression darkened.


    "She..." The words came slower now. "She gave birth to the first Curse born. And that Curse? She''s Lucy Obsidian''s grandmother."


    Zara''s breath caught.


    "When I say ''Curse,'' I''m talking about the first child born after the Cosmos cursed our bloodline. The one every main Obsidian now descends from."


    Zara''s mind raced, struggling to piece it all together. "Okay... but how bad is this curse? I mean, what does it actually do to you? Besides making gods hate you for having the power to undo them?"


    Anastasia hesitated. For the first time, her voice cracked just a little.


    "...The main Obsidian bloodline? We''re cursed to never give birth to boys. And if we ever do? They die. At eighteen."@@novelbin@@


    Zara felt a chill. "And... Pyris is sixteen?"


    Anastasia blinked rapidly, clearly fighting to keep herposure.


    "But... you had a grandfather, right? And a father too. I remember hearing about them."


    Anastasia let out a bitterugh. "Yeah. I did. Or... kind of. They weren''t exactly my real father or grandfather. Obsidians are mostly a matriarchal Bloodline now after the curse. The main line can''t birth males, but the lesser branches? They can. My ''grandfather'' was an Obsidian male from a lesser line who helped my grandmother with the... creation ritual. Same with my father. He helped my mother with all three of us¡ªme, Aurelia, and Pyris."


    "Creation ritual?"


    Anastasia nodded, her expression grim.


    It''s a magical process. A ritual only the most powerful bloodlines can perform. No sperm, no men involved¡ªjust pure magic and bloodline energy. That''s how some kids are born in powerful families with women who don''t wish to be one with men. And somehow, by some cruel twist of fate, Pyris... An Obsidian male.


    "And when he turns eighteen...?" Anastasia didn''t answer. She didn''t have to.


    They both knew.


    That was the same fate Sylvoria''s second son had suffered. The second cursed child. Then Lucy''s older brother. And Pyris... he didn''t have a clue.


    Cruel curse of The Cosmic Cursed Family!

 Chapter 318 Arrivals... Dracula

    At the portal station, a figure stepped out, nked by seven elven guards moving in perfect sync. Their auras surged like invisible waves, pressure rolling off them in bursts, thick enough to make the air feel heavier. The portal operator, a sleek, humanoid AI with a featureless face, gestured them forward with a polite nod.


    But unlike her guards, the woman leading them didn''t unt her power. She didn''t need to.


    The Supreme Judge.


    Her white hair, silky and flowing, framed a face as wless as sculpted marble, sharp golden eyes scanning everything with cool precision. Her beauty was impossible to ignore¡ªcurves wrapped in a crimson judge''s dress that clung just enough to make a statement. Yet, there was no aura, no flex of power. Nothing screaming danger. But that made it worse.


    Because she was dangerous.


    Her ears, long and delicate, pierced through her pale hair. The white wasn''t natural¡ªjust a personal touch, a signature look she preferred than the usual golden hair for high elves. Every corner of Argos knew her name. And today, like the others arriving for the event, she was here for one reason: the gameunch.


    The guards moved ahead, shielding her in a protective formation as they reached the entrance.


    Three figures stood there, silent. Guards, or so they seemed. No aura. No presence. Just... there.


    The Supreme Judge narrowed her golden eyes, scanning them. Strange.


    They bowed slightly, showing respect without a single wasted movement. She nodded back, and they led her towards a convoy of sleek ck cars, engines purring softly as the doors opened.


    What she didn''t know... Those three weren''t just guards. They were Phantoms. The kind of figures whispered about in myths, not reality.


    _____


    Elsewhere, in a different portal station, the Beastfolk Empress arrived.


    Ambrosia.


    She didn''t need guards swarming around her unlike the others. Just two figures walked beside her, d in ancient dark robes, faces hidden behind smooth masks, their energy locked down tight.


    But Ambrosia? She wasn''t hiding.


    Her presence poured out in steady waves¡ªlike the hum of a sleeping storm just waiting for a reason to crack the sky open. Her ceremonial robes, flowing and ancient, rippled as she stepped forward, their embroidered patterns shifting like they were alive.


    The convoy was already waiting. Same kind of ck cars, same treatment of silent Phantoms waiting to escort her. They led her to the Obsidian Hotel without a word, engines growling as they pulled away.


    _____


    "How generous of Emberly," the witch leader said with a smirk, voice smooth like she was enjoying some private joke as she watched the phantoms gesturing her towards the cars.@@novelbin@@


    They never expected Emberly herself to provide security. This was the first time although they have been here before for many meetings.


    She and the Human Emperor walked side by side, both surrounded by their entourages¡ªeasily the biggest group so far.


    The Emperor''s people were impossible to miss.


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    His first princess, the current student council president at the Academy, walked just behind him, posture perfect. On his other side, the first prince, a living powerhouse, practically radiating sunlight¡ªthe Champion of Heris, the sun god.


    And then there was Alexander, twin brother of Alexandra, stone-faced and silent, like he was watching everything but saying nothing.


    The guards trailing them? Dark and gold armor, a seamless blend of modern design and ancient craftsmanship. It didn''t just look powerful¡ªit felt like power.


    The witch leader, though, was just as intense. Three women. Three men. All walking with her in perfect sync. No wasted movements. No unnecessary words. Just presence.


    Both she and the Human Emperor were monsters in their own right¡ªtwo of the most feared figures in the Human Empire.


    Well, except for one.


    The leader of the Aether Dominion.


    He was already here. Waiting.


    _____


    The portal didn''t just open, it ripped into reality.


    A vertical gash in the fabric of space, crimson mist pouring out like blood evaporating into the air. The station''s lights dimmed¡ªno, fled¡ªas if the sheer presence stepping through was enough to snuff out their glow.


    And then, he arrived.


    Drac.


    A tall figure emerged from the swirling scarlet void, moving like a shadow sculpted into flesh. His cloak¡ªjet ck with an inner lining of deep blood-red¡ªbillowed despite the still air, rippling with an unnatural grace. Each step echoed louder than it should''ve, like the world itself was listening.


    He didn''t just arrive.


    He owned the space the second he stepped into it.


    The scent of roses and iron clung to him, sharp and overwhelming. His skin was pale, wless as porcin, offset by piercing crimson eyes that seemed to burn without mes. A smirk curled on his lips¡ªarrogant, practiced.


    No aura. No violent surge of power.


    But every being in the portal station felt it.


    The pressure.


    The air thickened, pressing into lungs, twisting stomachs. An ancient, endless weight¡ªthe presence of something so powerful it didn''t need to roar to be heard. The kind of power that didn''t beg for attention. It demanded it.


    Behind him, his entourage followed. Vrie then... Seven figures cloaked in midnight ck. No words. No sound. Their faces were obscured, their energypressed so tight it was like standing beside a void. Phantoms. Not guards¡ªexecutioners.


    The AI portal operator twitched, glitching slightly as Drac''s presence distorted the nearby energy fields. It managed to bow.


    "Wee, Lord Dracu¡ª"


    The words died.


    Drac''s gaze flicked toward it. Just once.


    The machine froze mid-motion.


    Corrupted.


    A trace of red mist curled around its core, making it glitch, tremble, and drop to its knees in silent submission.


    "Ah..." Drac finally spoke, voice deep, smooth, the kind of voice that curled into your mind and stayed there. "Do stand properly. I prefer not to break things when I''ve only just arrived."


    The AI rebooted instantly, straightening in a jerky motion.


    Drac turned his head slightly, eyes sweeping the gathered crowd, each gaze that met his either dropping instantly or locking in a paralyzing state of fear.


    "And here I was expecting... more."


    The convoy was ready. But he didn''t move toward the cars. No.


    Drac floated.


    Feet never touching the ground, his cloak sweeping behind him like a living thing, trailing tendrils of mist.


    The crowd didn''t part.


    They copsed.


    Knees buckling. Eyes averted. Choking on that invisible force pressing on their very souls.


    He could''ve hidden his strength. He just... didn''t.


    Because he was Drac. And the world needed to remember and acknowledge his presence.

 Chapter 320 Shadow. Rose

    The Eclipse Syndicate headquarters loomed like a ck scar on the horizon, its monolithic structure devouring the sunlight rather than reflecting it. The building''s surface, dark as voidstone, was so polished it mirrored the world around it in twisted reflections, as if rejecting reality itself. Power radiated from its foundation, the kind of pressure that could crush the will of weaker men, yet today, the fortress felt¡­ different.


    Tense. As though the very walls were holding their breath.


    Inside, seated on a sleek obsidian couch in a massive office of steel, ss, and shadows, a man scrolled through a glowing tablet.


    Reports shed across the screen, but his focus wasn''t on the words alone¡ªit was the implications they carried. His jaw tightened, expression shifting from disbelief to frustration the longer he read. With every swipe, his pale eyes narrowed further, the vein at his temple throbbing steadily.


    The entire Syndicate had been yed, thoroughly.


    Petne Chaos.


    The name echoed bitterly in his mind. They hadn''t just been tricked¡ªthey''d been made fools of. The Arcane Gauntlet, an artifact so rare and powerful it could shift the bnce of entire wars, had slipped right through their fingers. No, not slipped. It had been given¡ªa clever decoy, exchanged for intelligence so valuable they''d stolen it from the Arcane Brotherhood, a rival guild nearly as dangerous as themselves.


    And now? Now they were at each other throats.


    Worse, they couldn''t trace how it had happened. There were no clues, no loose ends.


    Mira had erased every footprint. Even the Cursed Warriors, their elite operatives who should have been untouchable, had gone missing without a trace. It felt like staring into a void where answers should be.


    But that wasn''t the worst part.


    The next report detailed their crumbling influence in the Sunstone Empire, once their most profitable hunting ground. The empire had always been fractured, unstable¡ªripe for control. Over the years, the Eclipse Syndicate had wormed its way deep into the nobility, manipting both trade and politics from the shadows. But now? Their entire grip had copsed.


    The figures on the tablet red back like a personal insult.


    Over seventy percent of their operatives? Gone. Not dead. Erased.


    Economic footholds? Seized.


    Guild connections? Severed.


    And behind all of it, the same name appeared, again and again.


    General Ammit.


    He exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Ammit wasn''t just a general anymore¡ªshe was the empire itself now. A conqueror in all but name. Under her iron rule, the socallnoble houses had either bent the knee or been quietly erased from existence. No drawn-out trials. No executions in the public square. Just¡­ disappearances.


    Not even the Syndicate''s Rank 18 operatives, the elite few capable of bending reality of the Sunstone itself, had returned from missions inside the empire. And it wasn''t as though they were being assassinated or outmaneuvered¡ªthere were no bodies. No traces.


    It was as if they had been devoured.


    And yet the king did nothing. No derations, no public praise. The world knew who really ruled Sunstone now.


    The man clenched his teeth, thumb flicking the screen closed with a harsh swipe. For the first time in decades, an entire region had be a Red Danger Zone¡ªoff-limits for every guild, not just theirs.


    But it was thest message shing on his screen that made his blood run colder.


    A direct order from the top. The true leader of the Eclipse Syndicate¡ªfaceless, nameless, just the voice in the void that none of them had ever dared to question.


    "Withdraw from Sunstone. Completely. Redirect all forces to the Dragon Empire. Prepare for conflict. House Obsidian has been marked. Bring chaos."


    House Obsidian.


    The man closed his eyes, forcing his breathing to steady. House Obsidian was no ordinary power. No empire built on wealth and diplomacy. They were old blood, a name whispered with caution across the mortal realm. For the Syndicate''s leader to call for their fall¡­ it wasn''t a deration of ambition.


    It was a deration of war.


    What a reckless move. Every sane power across the Argos knew how dangerous House Obsidian was¡ªhow untouchable. You didn''t "bring chaos" to their gates. You didn''t challenge them unless you had a death wish. And yet, here he was, staring at the finalized order on his screen, feeling the weight of his superior''s demands pressing into his chest.


    With a resigned sigh, he authorized themand, the message firing off to all active Syndicate members. It was done. They would move into the Dragon Empire, a decision that felt less like ambition and more like suicide. But as the message sent, a flicker of defiance lingered behind his cold expression.


    Them? They would charge into the storm.


    Him?


    He wouldn''t.


    The Eclipse Syndicate could y their games of power and conquest. His orders¡­ his true orders had nothing to do with their petty rivalries.


    Since his descent into the mortal realm, he''d pursued a far greater agenda¡ªone that demanded subtlety, patience, and now, with the world distracted by theunch of the game, a rare chance to act unnoticed. He wasn''t entirely worried about the Syndicate''s fate, but with their influence crumbling, he could feel his goals slipping further out of reach.


    But perhaps... this chaos worked in his favor.


    While everyone was busy, now was the perfect time to take the first step. No, he wouldn''t finish it tonight. But the first step was always the most crucial.


    It was time to infiltrate the academy.


    ______


    The day had dragged long, but finally, peace had settled over House Obsidian. After hours of endless preparation, training, and the stress of tomorrow''s massive event, the estate finally grew quiet as its inhabitants retreated to their rooms.


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    For once, the air felt calm¡ªthough not entirely free of mischief.


    Rose leaned against the doorframe of the dressing chamber, watching with a bemused smile as her master''s young wives practically stumbled over each other in exhaustion, their elegant outfits discarded across the room.


    Even after hours of outfit trials and fittings, they still looked stunning, yet undeniably drained.


    "These girls," Rose murmured under her breath, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips. "They''d rather be fighting in the Grove than doing something as simple as this."@@novelbin@@


    "Of course they would." The voice came from behind.

 Chapter 322 Dreamer Of Fates & Seer Of Secrets

    "Anyway," she shifted back to business, "how was thest performance in the Human Empire? I wasn''t there. Pyris wanted me resting at home, so I''m trusting you two didn''t burn the ce down?"


    "You know us, boss." Zaranrel offered a dazzling grin, straightening with his usual ir. "The crowd was wild. We delivered perfection, as always." Julienne nodded quietly.


    Emilia nodded in approval. "Good. Now, focus. Tomorrow''s gathering is more than just a performance. You two are the best in Argos. The best. You''ll have powerful eyes on you¡ªand I expect perfection. Understood?"


    Zaranrel gave a dramatic bow. "Always, mydy."


    Jasper smirked. "They won''t disappoint, yes, know them."


    "Good." Emilia''s expression shifted, more serious. "The Demon Sovereigns are already here. And it''s not just them. Even the Nepharions have arrived. Madam Zria Serenova is on the guest list as well!" Emilia knew what interested Zaranrel and what would get him engaged to prepare his best.


    Exactly as she thought, Zaranrel blinked. "You''re serious? The legendary prophetess?" Emilia nodded.


    Zaranrel visibly swallowed. "W-wow. I mean¡­ the Zria? She¡ª"


    "Stop fanboying and focus." Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    "Yes, boss."


    Emilia''s gaze then shifted,nding on Julienne with mild concern. "You''ve been quiet tonight. Everything alright?"


    Julienne offered a thin smile. "Yeah. Just need some rest."


    Emilia gestured toward the hallway. "Take the right corridor, third door. Guest rooms should be set up for you."


    Julienne nodded, quietly leaving the group.


    _____


    The hallway was bathed in soft golden light from the chandelier above, the walls a wless blend of ck marble veined with silver, exuding quiet luxury.


    Julienne''s fingers trailed the cool stone absentmindedly as she walked, her mind far from the estate. The faintest scent of night-blooming jasmine lingered in the air, but she barely noticed.


    Reaching the room, she shut the door gently behind her and copsed onto the edge of the massive bed. The silken sheets whispered beneath her touch as she curled forward, resting her head on her folded knees.


    The glow from her phone screen reflected in her downcast eyes.


    Her lock screen.


    A photo of Alexa and Pyris. The two most important people in her life. Julienne''s breath hitched, her heart twisting in ways she couldn''t quite exin.


    "Why does he make me feel this way? Why can''t I stop thinking about him... even when he''s not here?" With a sigh, she set the phone aside andid back against the pillows, letting exhaustion finally im her.


    Later that evening, the living room of the Obsidian Estate was filled with an unusual tension.


    Madeline and Arabe stared at each other from opposite ends of the room, both visibly surprised.


    "You¡­ know my student?" Arabe asked, folding her arms, her sharp gaze narrowing at the half-elf standing before her.


    Madeline, ever graceful, simply offered a knowing smile. Her hair flowed like silk over her shoulders, framing her delicate features. The half-elf librarian radiated a mysterious allure, but there was a sharpness to her eyes, like a predator masked in beauty.


    "You mean my boyfriend?" she corrected, her voice calm but unmistakably smug. "Yeah, I know him quite well."


    Arabe blinked, speechless for once. Boyfriend?


    Madeline''s smile turned teasing. "What''s more intriguing, though, is how he managed to rope you in, Professor. He must have quite the charm for the great and mysterious Arabe to be so... attached."


    Arabe shifted, frowning. She''s not wrong.


    She had spent weeks trying to understand how Pyris had flipped her so thoroughly. This wasn''t how it was supposed to go¡ªhe was supposed to be under her control. She was supposed to recruit him. Not the other way around.


    Rose, watching the exchange, pped her hands together with a grin. "Alright, let''s save the curiosity forter. Now¡ªoutfits. You two need to try them for tomorrow night."@@novelbin@@


    The women exchanged nces but didn''t argue.


    But as they followed her, she couldn''t help but notice something odd about Madeline¡ªthe half-elf had a mysterious aura around her which didn''t escape the senses of the unawakened Celestial Fox.


    Definitely more dangerous than she lets on.


    _____


    The chamber remained heavy with magic, the golden and silver energies coiled around the suspended forms of Alexa and Seraphina like living currents of raw divinity. Suddenly, the air shifted. A pulse¡ªno, a heartbeat¡ªthundered outward from Alexa''s core, a wave so powerful the very runes etched into the walls dimmed in reverence.


    The golden cocoon of energy around Alexa shattered.


    A blinding re of golden light erupted, forcing Zara to shield her eyes. Anastasia didn''t flinch, only narrowing her gaze as the transformation unfolded before her.


    There she was. No longer the girl they knew.


    Alexa hovered midair, her figure more developed, matured, yet radiant in a way that seemed beyond mortalprehension. Her hair, once a gentle golden, had deepened into a dark gold, rich and metallic, cascading down her back in waves that shimmered like molten sunlight. Her skin was wless, glowing with an inner brilliance, while her body had transformed¡ªvoluptuous, powerful, with a divine feminine allure.


    Ample curves, full breasts, wide hips, and a perfectly sculpted waist entuated her presence, but it was not just beauty. It was power made manifest.


    Her eyes...


    Once a soft golden, now burned with a richer hue¡ªmolten gold mixed with streaks of pure golden me, pulsating with every slow breath she took. As though she was gazing not at the present, but at eternity itself.


    And then, her aura.


    It didn''t simply radiate¡ªit pulsed. With every beat of her heart, waves of golden light rippled outward, pressing into the room like the pulse of a goddess. The stone itself responded, groaning under the pressure as the void shadows recoiled, unable to touch her presence without bending.


    Still suspended midair, Alexa''s gaze fell first upon Zara.


    At first, confusion¡ªher divine eyes searching, uprehending. She squinted as though trying to recognize her. Then... like a dam breaking, visions poured in.


    Zara''s entire month. Every action. Every emotion. The lonely nights of thought work, the worry for Pyris during thebyrinth adventure, the secret illusion she''d been trapped in¡ªthe false reunion with her long-departed family.


    A wless recount of every detail unfolded before Alexa''s mind, and yet it was not overwhelming. It was absolute. She simply knew.


    Her Divine Eyes had fully awakened.


    And yet... there was more.


    Her gaze shifted to Anastasia. But this time... nothing.


    No visions. No knowledge. Just a void where the past and future should have unfolded. Anastasia stared back, intrigued, but unbothered by Alexa''s confusion.


    ''Why can''t I see her past? Or her future?'' she could peek into the future for at least the next two minutes, but it depends on the power rank.

 Chapter 323 Abbadon & The Seer Of Secrets

    The eldest daughter of House Obsidian remained a mystery, a fact that gnawed at Alexa''s consciousness, though she kept her expression calm. Finally, her gaze turned to Seraphina.


    And this time¡ªthere was no knowledge.


    Only... void. But not empty.


    A gxyy within her. Endless starlight swirling in chaotic patterns, yet woven with sorrow, anger, longing¡ªand a promise. A grudge so ancient, so deep, it whispered across countless lifetimes.


    Alexa whispered, her voice echoing withyers of divine resonance. "Seraphina..."


    The name felt heavy, yet familiar. And now, she understood. The visions... they had been true. The ancient grudge was returning.


    With a slow breath, Alexa lowered herself, her feet touching the ground without a sound. The energy around her dimmed but did not fade entirely, the golden pulses continuing, slower but constant, as though reality itself acknowledged her presence.


    Anastasia, arms folded, finally spoke. "Well... you''re awake."


    Alexa''s gaze lingered on Seraphina for a heartbeat longer before turning. "She won''t be waking soon. Leave her, there''s somewhere we need to be!"


    Zara blinked, the aftershock of Alexa''s transformation still rattling her mind. "What? Leave her here? How do you¡ª" why was she feeling like she was the least experienced here?


    Alexa''s voice cut through, calm but absolute. "I know. And it''s for your own good. When she wakes, you won''t want to be here."


    Zara''s brow furrowed. "How do you know?"


    Alexa''s divine gaze sharpened, the molten gold eyes glowing faintly. "Because, Zara... I know. Unless you want me to tell you what you saw in the illusion in thebyrinth to prove myself? Your family. Your fear. That dream of a perfect ending¡ªtrapped in a lie. You''ve kept it hidden even from yourself... but I see it."


    Zara stiffened, nearly stepping back, her throat tight. "I never¡ªhow¡ª"


    "I told you. I know." A beat of silence. The weight of Alexa''s words lingered heavy between them, the energy pressing like a weight on Zara''s chest.


    Anastasia, finally smiling slightly, broke the tension. "I did say she would wake up different. You should be used to feeling small by now, Zara."


    Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    Zara red at her but said nothing, she was the most experienced and oldest here, alright? More powerful even... yet she was being made feel like she was the child not them?


    Alexa''s tone softened but retained its divine authority. "There''s something we need to finish. The three of us. Come."


    Zara hesitated, her lips parting as though to protest, but she could feel it¡ªthemand wasn''t just verbal. It was woven into Alexa''s aura now.


    "Finish what?" Anastasia asked, more curious than concerned.


    "Some pests! Nothing terrifying!" Alexa''s gaze shifted toward the corner of the room, piercing the shadows. She didn''t speak at first¡ªshe didn''t need to.


    The shadows shifted.


    And from them emerged a beautiful phantom. A tall, ethereal woman with pale violet skin, flowing silver hair, and hauntingvender eyes. She was draped in translucent fabrics that whispered against the void as she moved.


    The air distorted around her presence.


    Shez, the phantom guardian, stared in disbelief. "How did you¡ª"


    "Shez. Bring me another like you. The best." Alexa''s voice echoed with divine resonance, making the phantom bow on instinct, half in awe, half in fear.


    "You... you can see me? In the void of shadows?"


    Alexa''s golden eyes red brighter. "I see all. Now do as Imand." Shez hesitated only for a heartbeat before vanishing back into the void.


    Anastasia let out a soft, amused hum. "Impressive. Mira will be jealous. Can you now give us more information of what we''re going to do."


    Alexa, finally stepping forward, turned her back on the sleeping Seraphina, her voice lower, but no less powerful.


    "There''s an annoying fly in the dark. I''m done letting it circle us."


    The three of them¡ªAlexa, Anastasia, and Zara¡ªleft the ancestral chamber together. Outside, the shadows whispered, retreating from the radiant golden light that followed them.


    Tonight, the divine had truly awakened.


    _____


    The cold night air pressed against the grand estate¡ªthough calling it a "mansion" was a disservice. No, the ancestral home of House Obsidian loomed like a fortress of ancient stone and magic, its towering spires piercing the sky, radiating power that predated most of the modern world, shadows danced along the massive obsidian walls as though alive.


    Alexa stood at the forefront, golden energy still subtly pulsing around her, the aftershocks of her awakening lingering in the atmosphere. Anastasia and Zara nked her, the contrast between their presences sharp¡ªZara quiet, troubled, while Anastasia seemed more amused than concerned.


    The air shimmered again.


    From the void emerged Shez, her ethereal form as breathtaking as before, but she was not alone. Beside her stepped a tall,manding figure, draped inyers of ck and shadows that shifted like a living storm around him. His features were sharp, regal, with ashen skin and piercing violet eyes that seemed to reflect the endless void.


    Yet, it was not just his presence¡ªit was the sheer gravity of power he carried, restrained yet undeniable.


    Abaddon.


    The male phantom bowed deeply before Alexa and Anastasia, lowering his head with the kind of deference rarely given even among divine beings. His aura rippled, coiled, a controlled inferno of cosmic weight. Yet his eyes never left Alexa''s, analyzing, measuring.


    "A couple, huh?" Alexa''s lips curled into a soft, knowing smirk, golden eyes narrowing slightly.


    Shez smiled subtly, though the pride in her expression was unmistakable.


    "Yes, young miss," Abaddon spoke, his voice a deep, resonant echo, as thoughyered over itself from countless realities. "It is true. We are bound in both duty and soul. And like you wanted... there is none better in the void right now than I."@@novelbin@@


    He straightened slightly, eyes narrowing in restrained curiosity.


    "I ampletely loyal to the young lord."


    Anastasia''s soft, almost mocking chuckle cut through. "Don''t bother exining yourself, Abaddon. Alexa already knows."


    The male phantom blinked once¡ªjust once¡ªbut that brief flicker was enough to betray his unease.


    Indeed, Alexa did know.


    And it disturbed him.


    It wasn''t just her ability to see into the void¡ªmany divine beings had peered into the endless abyss before, touching the edges of whaty beyond creation. No, it was that Alexa had not merely observed. She had pierced through¡ªas if unraveling his very essence, identities, and oathsid bare before her divine sight.


    No god had ever done this. Not to a Phantom of his stature.


    To think gods were not powerful enough would beughable¡ªunless one truly understood what the Phantoms were. What they served.


    Shez, smiling softly, seemed less troubled. If anything, she wore a look of pride, ncing at her husband as if to say, Told you so.


    But Zara...


    She was silent.


    The exchange had shaken her more than she was willing to admit.


    She had thought she knew House Obsidian.


    She had thought Mira was just a formidable shadow¡ªan elite guardian bound to Pyris, nothing more.


    But if these were Mira''s subordinates... No. If these beings bowed so deeply to Alexa and Anastasia, she had grossly underestimated not only Mira but the entire household.


    Zara felt small. Smaller than she had ever felt.


    "Open the void portal, Abaddon," Alexamanded, her voice effortlessly divine, vibrating through the air with authority. "Let''s deal with certain pesta."


    Abaddon raised a single hand.


    The void parted.


    Not with a flourish. Not with some extravagant disy. No, the void simply obeyed.


    A perfect circr tear opened before them, absolute nothingness tinged with pale violet. The edges rippled like water. Alexa stepped forward without hesitation.


    Anastasia followed, her sharp  eyes glimmering with curiosity. Zara, swallowing her difort, clenched her fists and stepped through as well.


    As they vanished into the void, far beyond mortal sight, something ancient watched.


    She watched.


    The Eternal Void herself.


    A figure beyond shape, beyond time, observing from a realm so far removed that the concept of existence blurred into abstract thought. A voice, a whisper carried across the infinite abyss.


    "A new problem for the gods has awakened. We were not wrong."

 Chapter 327 Old Friend—Secrets Of The Night

    "He was nning to hand her over to Zorynthar as his new Champion, Astrid. If my son hadn''t been there to react swiftly, your daughter¡ªhis woman¡ªwould be nothing more than another broken puppet dancing on divine strings right now. And at least I told you so much back then to know what happened next the moment she bes a Champion!"


    Astrid''s face twisted, and the lounge trembled with a low, dangerous hum. The very air felt heavier as her aura surged, rippling with raw power. sses rattled on the shelves.


    "How dare he..." she whispered, but her voice was venomous, trembling with barely contained rage.


    Emberly leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Now now... Calm yourself. Seraphina is safe. But if she hadn''t severed her bloodline from Drakos, if she hadn''t stood her ground, she''d be lost. We cannot allow someone tied to us to be turned into a ve for the so-called divine. Not her. Not anyone."


    Astrid''s power simmered down, the glow in her eyes dimming as she took slow, measured breaths. The pain still lingered, but Emberly''s words held truth.


    They had been friends once¡ªcloser than sisters. That friendship only fractured when the empire had tried to take control of House Obsidian after Emberly''s mother died almost the same time when she married Drakos. With both of them forced into separate roles on opposite sides of power, the distance had grown.


    But here they were again, after everything.


    The silence stretched before Emberly stood, moving gracefully to Astrid''s side. Her hand rested gently on her shoulder, a rare softness in her usually guarded expression.


    "You can''t see her yet," she said gently, "Not because I don''t trust you, but because she''s somewhere safe. And that decision is Pyris''s, not mine."


    Astrid''s face twisted, but she nodded, understanding if not epting it.


    "But for now, don''t worry. She''s alive. She''s strong¡ªjust like you raised her. You''re a good mother Astrid. I am proud of you."


    Emberly''s words were meant tofort, but her own heart twisted painfully as the truth she hadn''t yet spoken lingered at the edge of her thoughts.


    She had felt it¡ªthat looming shadow, the Curse woven into her family''s bloodline. Pyris was already sixteen. A year and a half left to turn eighteen.


    Just like the Second Cursed Child. Just like Lucy''s older brother...


    How was she supposed to tell him?


    _____


    The club door whispered shut behind them, muffling the thrum of music as Emberly led the way into the cool night air. The city was alive but subdued, the streets bathed in pale light that reflected off the rain-damp pavement.


    Astrid followed, her features hidden beneath a faint shimmer of magic¡ªan illusion meant to shield her from unwanted attention.


    Emberly noticed instantly, her sharp gaze narrowing. "You don''t need that." Astrid hesitated, fingers brushing the edge of her cloak as if reluctant to drop the disguise.


    Emberly''s voice softened, but her eyes held firm. "There''s no one left watching." It wasn''t a guess. Song had returned¡ªhis work done after escorting Drac, the empire''s prying eyes of the Silent Army wouldn''t see anything he doesn''t allow them to.


    Slowly, the mour faded, revealing Astrid''s face in full under the city lights. She looked just as sharp, regal, powerful. Yet there was a tension behind her eyes, a caution she hadn''t shed.


    "It''s... strange," Astrid murmured, voice quieter now. "Trusting you after everything."


    Emberly tilted her head, lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Indeed... here you are."


    A sleek, ck car rolled up, silent as it stopped by the curb. The doors opened on their own, the interior plush and luxurious. Portals would''ve been faster¡ªcleaner¡ªbut Emberly preferred the slow burn of control. Power wasn''t just felt. It was shown. She liked enjoying the luxury she''d worked for.


    Astrid said nothing as she stepped inside. Neither did Emberly.


    The doors shut with a muted click, and the city lights blurred into streaks of color as the car slipped into the night.


    _____


    Most Phantoms working directly under Mira''s orders weren''t just soldiers¡ªthey were Pyris'' eyes and ears, watching his every step. They knew the critical moves he was making and the ones still ahead, the pieces on the board only he could see. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    One of those pieces was Sunstone Empire.


    Not just some kingdom¡ªit was a cornerstone. A project Pyris was building, and watching over it all was Ammit. His woman. His general. The one keeping it together while he finished his moves in the Dragon Empire


    The Phantoms kept tabs on everything, so it hadn''t been hard for Abbadon to figure out where they needed to go. But Alexa¡­


    She hadn''t been around for most of it. Locked in deep sleep. The kind that made time blur and reality feel like a distant echo.


    And yet¡ªshe knew. Although she hadn''t been aware of Pyris'' orders on Ammit, she knew what was going on.


    The visions hadn''t just shown her fragments. She''d seen. Every step.


    Even the danger waiting for Pyris. What Dragomir and Ss had done¡ªand what they were nning. Compared to what they''d set into motion, the pain she''d inflicted on Dragomir earlier had been mercy.


    She wouldn''t make that mistake again.


    A low hum rippled through the space and the portal bloomed open, distorting the air with a ripple of dark void....


    _____


    A sleek,boratory stretched before them¡ªgleaming white walls and floorsced with thin veins of cyan light, pulsing softly in synchronized patterns. The air smelled sterile, tinged with the faint hum of machinery.


    Lined along the far wall were rows of humanoid pods, fogged ss distorting the shapes inside. Some were empty. Others¡­ not.


    Obsidian personnel were moving about, unloading crates marked with Obsidian sigil while others secured pieces of advanced tech into reinforced containers. A few wore tactical gear, but most were in cleanb coats, too focused on their data tablets to notice the portal at first.


    All except one.


    A tall figure stood near the far end, half-shrouded in the shadows of a control station.


    Ammit.


    She didn''t move, but her head tilted slightly, her eyes narrowing just a fraction as the portal fully stabilized. A flicker of surprise. Barely there.


    Alexa was the first to step through.


    Her heels clicked against the polished floor, the blood still sttered across her coat standing out in harsh contrast to the pristine white. Behind her, Zara emerged, silent, her cloak trailing in rippling ck waves. Anastasia followed, lookingposed, though a slight tremor lingered in her hands.


    Then came Abbadon and Shez.


    Dragging the bodies in a void pocket.


    Ss. The vampire woman. Dragomir and others.


    All bloodied. Beaten. Broken. Ss'' arms dangled limp at his sides, his face so bruised he was barely recognizable. Dragomir looked worse, his shirt in tatters, crimson streaking his chest where Alexa''s des had torn through flesh.


    Theb fell into a dead silence as everyone took in the sight.


    Alexa didn''t even blink.


    "Put them in the pods," she ordered, her voice cold enough to freeze the air. She pointed toward a set of reinforced ss chambers off to the side¡ªdifferent from the standard pods. There were five of them. Sleek. Heavy and standing tall.


    "Separate these three," she continued. "Ss. The vampire. Dragomir. Put them there."


    Without a word, Abbadon moved.


    He lifted Ss like a ragdoll, pressing him into one of the ss chambers with a dull thunk. The vampire followed, then Dragomir, his unconscious body slumping against the transparent wall as the restraints activated with a mechanical hiss.


    "Ammit," Alexa greeted, voice finally softening.


    Anastasia nodded as well, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in her expression. She hadn''t met Ammit before. Not properly. But she knew who she was¡ªher brother''s woman. The one Pyris trusted to keep this ce running when he couldn''t.


    But Ammit and Alexa? They''d known each other a long time now and had once shared a foursome with Aurelia and Pyris.


    The eyes flicked between the captives, then back to Alexa.


    "...Who are they?"


    Alexa''s lips curled in something almost like a smile. "That... they''re some pests but they''ll be important. Trust me."


    Ammit didn''t press. She nodded once, sharp and efficient, and gestured for theb workers to continue.


    After a few minutes, Abbadon raised his hand again. The portal reopened¡ªdark, swirling, the pulse of power filling the sterile space.


    They were ready to return to the Dragon Empire.


    ______


    A ripple split the air above the estate grounds, a silent portal unfurling like a crack in reality itself. Alexa, Zara, and Anastasia stepped through, their heels meeting the cold stone of thepound floor with soft, deliberate clicks. The night air of the Dragon Empire brushed against their skin, cool and still, carrying the faint scent of rain yet to fall.


    Behind them, shadows rippled¡ªShez and Abbadon melting back into the void, their presence vanishing without a trace.


    The three women moved forward in unison, silent as they crossed the vast grounds. The estate was enormous, its grandeur evident not just in size but in the careful design¡ªthe precision of every stone, every sculpted arch of the pathways, the way the low lights cast a warm, golden glow that filled the absence left by the missing moon.


    Alexa slowed first.@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 328 Secrets Of The Night

    She came to a full stop, her gaze shifting, drawn to a patch of darkness along the edge of the estate where a small forest rested¡ªa haven of carefully tended trees and soft earth. But her attention wasn''t on the trees. It was beyond them. Hidden deeper.


    There.


    No words passed her lips as she stared.


    Zara and Anastasia noticed but didn''t question.


    "I''ll catch up," Alexa murmured finally, her voice soft but certain.


    She turned and moved with purpose, vanishing into the night, the shadows swallowing her whole.


    High on the third floor, a single window remained dimly lit, its curtains drawn just enough to leave a sliver of ss exposed.


    Arabe watched from behind that thin veil of silk, her sharp eyes tracing every detail below.


    She saw the portal ripple open, spilling out Alexa, Zara, and Anastasia like wraiths emerging from the void. Her gaze narrowed slightly as the phantoms¡ªShez and Abbadon¡ªfaded back into the shadows, their presence dissolving so cleanly it was almost as if they''d never been there.


    She thought she was being discreet.


    Poor thing.


    Hidden behind the ss, Arabe felt confident no one had noticed her. She stayed perfectly still, her breathing controlled, watching Alexa linger, then drift toward the forest with that unreadable expression she always wore when something was heavier on her mind.


    A flicker of satisfaction curled in Arabe''s chest. Observing was power.


    Yet if she thought, for even a moment, that those below were unaware of her gaze¡ªshe was wrong.


    _______


    Alexa walked the narrow path leading to the forest house, the soft crunch of her steps echoing louder than they should''ve. Not from the sound¡ªbut the sheer presence behind each step.


    Something had shifted inside her. Even she felt it.


    The slumber had changed her¡ªamplified her. Every movement felt heavier, charged with energy that hummed beneath her skin, making the air ripple just slightly as she passed. It wasn''t just raw power anymore. No, this was controlled and refined.


    Her body still registered at Rank 17, but thatbel feltughable now. The numbers didn''t match the reality. She was far stronger. Stronger than she had any right to be.


    And yet...


    Her sharp, glowing eyes fixed on the forest house ahead, even though she''d sensed it the moment she stepped onto the path.


    It wasn''t massive or grand. Simple, but pristine¡ªpolished stone with dark wood ents, draped in ivy that caught the pale moonlight just right. The ss windows were fogged, and yet, even from here, she felt the pulse.


    The house was... breathing, that''s how it felt.


    The closer she got, the more obvious it became¡ªgray energy, subtle but undeniable, thrumming from the structure in slow, steady waves. Not physical. It didn''t touch the grass, didn''t bend the trees. It lingered between worlds, as though refusing to fully manifest.


    Alexa''s lips curled slightly. "She''s this powerful, huh?"


    But there was no hesitation.


    She shifted her weight, pressing one foot gently against the dirt. Energy crackled beneath her heel¡ªa dark, golden burst¡ªbefore she lifted off the ground, hovering just above the earth, gliding toward the door.


    And then it hit.


    A pulse. Not of magic, but intent.


    The door burst open with a soundless wave, streaks of pale silver light shing toward her like drawn des. Alexa twisted midair, already moving before they reached her, the future ying in her mind a second ahead of reality.


    She pivoted, the first wave slicing clean past her shoulder, so sharp she could feel the air bite.


    Another.


    And another.


    The streaks of power kepting, faster, sharper¡ªthin, precise arcs that curved unpredictably, forcing her to spin higher, light on her toes as she evaded each one. For every slice she avoided, two more came in their ce.


    Her body reacted. Faster than thought. But not perfect.


    A razor-thin streak nicked her cheek, a shallow cut forming before it sealed shut just as fast.


    A second grazed her thigh through her clothes, the fabric of her dark pants hissing as it burned away in a clean line. Alexa gritted her teeth. The sheer volume of attacks was insane.


    It wasn''t just speed¡ªit was the pattern. She could see theming but was still half a breath too slow.


    "She''s testing me. Fine!"


    Alexa''s eyes narrowed, and the golden energy around her red. She wasn''t going to dodge forever.


    The forest trembled, the air splitting open with a sound too deep, too vast to be called thunder. It felt alive. The pulse rippling from the house was more than power¡ªit was a warning. A heartbeat of something vast pressing against the edges of reality.


    Alexa''s feet pressed into the dirt as the shockwave hit. The ground cracked beneath her heels, spiderweb fractures spreading out in all directions. She barely shifted, the energy rolling off her like wind against steel, yet her instincts screamed louder than ever. She knew this pressure¡ªpowerful. Old. Refined.


    But not enough.


    The strike came as a silver arc, thin as a hair but so sharp it sang. No flourish. No wasted movement. Just pure, lethal precision aimed to split her in half.


    Alexa didn''t dodge.


    Her energy surged¡ªboomed¡ªdark-golden light erupting around her arm as her aura hardened. The gauntlet formed, molten ck with streaks of searing light carving ancient runes into the ting. She caught the strike midair, her hand grinding against the de of energy.


    Sparks red, not delicate but violent, bursting out in golden res like miniature suns as the silver edge howled in protest. But before she could crush itpletely¡ªThe second.... Faster. A spear of pale light, this time from above¡ªpiercing straight for her skull.


    Her body reacted before thought. "Shift."


    The gauntlet twisted, morphing¡ªthe edges of her golden energy liquefying, unraveling into a whip. Sheshed out, the tendril spiraling around the spear''s shaft. For a heartbeat, it caught, tension locking the two forces in ce¡ª


    Until the spear detonated. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    The explosion mmed into her aura like a hammer, the force tearing through the trees behind her, shredding leaves and splitting bark with an earsplitting crack. Her golden light wavered but held, rippling as the shockwave passed.


    Alexa''s eyes narrowed.


    "Strong!" Her aura pulsed, brighter, thicker¡ªand then the other attack came. No warning. No flicker of the future this time. A thin, needle-sharpnce of silver that moved so fast the air folded in its wake.


    Alexa saw it¡ªtoote.


    She twisted, but not fast enough. The bolt pierced through her shoulder, not the flesh but her aura itself, and for the first time, she felt it¡ªburning. Like raw electricity surging through her body. Her energy cracked, rippling violently as the wound red bright.


    Pain.


    She clenched her jaw, breath catching for a heartbeat. The scent of ozone filled her lungs.


    And then¡ª


    She moved.


    The wound closed in a burst of golden fire as her aura rebounded. Faster. More aggressive. Two weapons now, not one¡ªher gauntlet splitting apart into twin, jagged sabers of pure molten energy.


    This time when the strike arrived she was already in motion.


    A flurry of shes from every angle¡ªimpossible¡ªlike a thousand des converging at once. But Alexa didn''t back down. She met them head-on, sabers shing against the silver storm in a symphony of collisions, sparks lighting the forest like wildfire. Each strike sounded like steel screaming against steel, each impact carving glowing scars into the ground.


    But she felt it.


    The weight pressing in. The pressure building. For every strike she deflected, three more came.


    The next strike wasn''t a de.


    It was a wall.


    A pulse of energy, not sharp but crushing, expanding from the house like the heartbeat of something far beyond mortal strength, Alexa didn''t brace...


    She answered.@@novelbin@@


    Her sabers merged, folding into a massive halberd of golden-ck me, the pole searing the air as it solidified in her grip. She raised it high¡ªAnd brought it down, the ground ruptured at such forces.


    The wave of power broke, golden energy splitting the pressure in half as her attack carved a molten scar across the earth. Trees bent. The sky split. A crack of raw magic that sent echoes rippling miles beyond the estate.


    But the force didn''t stop.


    Alexa felt it gathering again¡ªdenser, heavier. And this time, it wasn''t just defending.


    It was fighting back.


    The silver storm twisted¡ªshifted¡ªfrom des to chains. Hundreds. No, thousands of silver chains snaked out of nowhere, each link burning with pale gray runes, circling her like a predator closing in.


    Alexa''s breath misted in the cold air.


    "Finally," she whispered, the words a challenge more than anything else, the halberd shifted. Fragmented.


    No longer a weapon¡ª


    A crown.


    Dark-gold mes spiraled from her shoulders, arcs of power folding into her aura, not attacking but consuming¡ªdevouring the chains as they surged. For every link that wrapped around her, it melted, turned to raw energy and fed back into her body.


    The forest wasn''t just trembling now.


    It was breaking.


    Stone cracked underfoot. Trees bent low, their branches snapping as if bowing to a force far greater than nature itself. The air felt thicker, like breathing in liquid fire.


    And yet, through it all¡ª


    Alexa smiled.


    "You''re holding back," she whispered, the words sharp, cutting through the chaos as she raised her hand.


    The next pulse wasn''t just an attack...

 Chapter 329 Nysa and Alexa

    The next pulse wasn''t just an attack...It was a summons.


    A sphere of energy condensed in her palm, tiny at first¡ª


    Then it expanded. A miniature star, swirling with golden-ck me, roaring louder with every heartbeat as it grew.


    The chains? They shattered.


    The gray and silver? Burned away.


    The pulse from the house? This time, it recoiled.


    Alexa''s eyes burned bright, golden light reflected in the molten star hovering above her palm. Her voice was steady. "Now we''re even." The air cracked.


    Not just the ground¡ªthe very fabric of reality seemed to strain beneath the pressure as Alexa advanced, her steps slow, deliberate, resonant. Power bled from her core in molten waves, rippling outwards in pulses that made the air feel heavier, thicker. Her aura, once dark golden and pure, was fractured now¡ªveins of more darker energy streaking through the radiance like cracks spidering across ss.


    And yet, despite the intensity of her presence, it paled inparison to the pulse emanating from the forest house ahead.


    It was deeper. Stronger. A heartbeat not of life, but of something far more primal. Cold. Ancient. Steady. It did not merely exist¡ªit pressed against the world, bending the natural order with a quiet, absolute authority. Even Alexa''s presence felt lesser in its wake, the pulse thrumming in the air like a distant drumbeat growing closer.


    The door to the forest house did not open.


    It simply ceased to be.


    And she emerged.


    Lady Nysa.


    She did not walk. She floated. Bare feet inches above the scorched, trembling earth. The pale gray robes she wore billowed, not from wind but from the pulse of power that clung to her presence. Her silver hair drifted as though weightless, untouched by the chaos swirling around her. Yet for all her grace, it was the void around her that demanded attention¡ªan unnatural stillness, a presence so vast it seemed to strip the air of sound itself. No emotion. No hesitance. Only power.


    Her hand lifted, fingers as delicate as ss.@@novelbin@@


    No words. No warning.


    The sky split.


    A tidal wave of gray energy exploded from her fingertips, vast and endless, a force so absolute it felt less like an attack and more like amand¡ªan undeniable decree from something far beyond mortalprehension. Space twisted in its wake, colors bleeding from the world as the pulse surged forward, swallowing the very concept of light.


    Alexa moved.


    Her hands blurred, the golden mes igniting around her wrists, twin whips of radiant energy snapping into existence with a crack that seemed to pierce through the void''s silence. The golden chains red, twisting and coiling as theyshed out to meet the approaching tide¡ª


    BOOM.


    The collision was cataclysmic.


    A shockwave of raw force erupted on impact, a pulse so violent the earth itself howled. Trees snapped, uprooted by the sheer force. The ground trembled, splitting open with cracks that ran deep into the bedrock. Leaves were unmade, vanishing into nothingness as the tidal wave of gray met Alexa''s golden mes¡ª


    And devoured them.


    Not extinguished. Not resisted. The gray energy consumed her power. Erased it. As if reality itself had decided Alexa''s mes had no ce in its presence.


    Her boots skidded back against the splintered earth, teeth gritted as she willed more power into the chains, forcing them to re brighter, hotter¡ª


    But the gray tide didn''t break.


    It simply kepting.


    The chains shattered.


    Alexa twisted, breath sharp, eyes narrowing as the weapons she''d conjured were devoured like sandcastles beneath a rising tide. But she was already moving.


    Her aura red, a pulse of blinding golden light twisting into something sharper. The chains reshaped midair, splintering into thousands of fragments, each one a radiant dagger that burned with a heat so intense it warped the air around them.


    "Break."


    The storm erupted forward, a thousand des converging into a singr point, driving back against the endless gray wave. Each radiant edge struck with force enough to sunder mountains¡ª


    And yet¡ª


    The moment the des touched the gray energy domain¡ª


    They shattered.


    Not deflected.


    Not blocked.


    Unmade.


    Alexa''s breath caught for a fraction of a second, disbelief shing across her face. Then the gray energy wave changed. It fractured¡ªsplintering into countless razor-thin streaks of void energy, each as sharp as divine intent, converging from all directions like needles aimed for her heart.


    She blurred.


    A heartbeat toote.


    The first streak grazed her shoulder.


    Pain.


    Instant.


    Not the kind that seared flesh, but something deeper, like her very existence had recoiled from the touch. Her aura faltered, flickering as a second streak shed across her thigh, another along her side.


    "I can''t block it...No." She refused to be overpowered. The golden glow around her reignited, but different now. Darker. mes twisting into an inferno tinged with ck, shadows coiling along the edges of her power as she exhaled¡ª


    Twin ives formed in her grip, burning hotter than before, the heat so intense the ground beneath her feet began to melt, turning into molten rivers that hissed and steamed with every step forward.


    Her energy wings unfurled.


    Massive.


    Glowing.


    And then she charged.


    The ives merged mid-flight, twisting into a halberd of pure celestial fire, a burning spear of light aimed directly for Nysa''s heart¡ªbut Nysa did not flinch.


    Her other hand rose.


    And the world folded.


    No, not just the forest¡ªthe world. The trees, the wind, the broken earth¡ªallpressed, drawn inward as though caught in the gravitational pull of a copsing star. The debris, the very air itself, began to curve toward the singrity forming at the tip of her hand¡ª


    Not destruction.


    Erasure.


    The gray energy swallowed all.


    Alexa''s halberd struck it head-on.


    The explosion was blinding.


    A shockwave tore through the forest. The earth itself groaned beneath the force.


    The Earth split. The night sky fractured, cracks of white light forming along the heavens as if the battle threatened to tear through the fabric of reality itself. The force expanded in a perfect sphere, obliterating everything it touched¡ª


    And yet¡ª


    The house remained untouched.


    Not a scratch.


    The gray domain receded.


    Alexa knelt in the aftermath, gasping, her halberd cracked in her grip, golden energy dripping from wounds along her arms and legs like liquid starlight. Blood seeped into the scorched ground beneath her, staining the earth ck where it mixed with the remnants of her aura.


    Above her, Lady Nysa floated. Untouched. Unmarked. Her gaze a shade of green with something gray now was calm, as if she had not just unleashed a force capable of unmaking the world.


    "Do you understand now?"


    Alexa''s fingers dug into the dirt, her body trembling with the effort to stay upright.


    And yet¡ª


    Her lips curled into a slow, dangerous grin.


    "That... was kinda fun."


    The ground beneath her cracked.


    A new pulse.


    Darker this time.


    Rising...


    At higher levels of awakening, the concept of techniques and structured skills dissolved entirely. True masters didn''t rely on rigid forms or rehearsed patterns. Their will alone shaped reality¡ªdefenses manifesting with a thought, attacks materializing from sheer intent, weapons forged mid-strike without needing a physical medium. And Alexa had already touched the edges of that realm, a prodigy among mortals, butpared to the being before her¡ªNysa¡ªshe was still a child in the face of an unstoppable storm.


    Nysa, after waking into this world she didn''t know about at first, had been something far beyond the limits of mortals or even immortals. But she couldn''t use her powers right away without alerting the Divinitarchs about the trespasser she was even after she was tethered to Pyris.


    But after he slightly awakening his God-yer potential, everything had changed for Nysa too. No longer bound by the constraints of cosmicws or divine observation, her power moved freely, unshackled. The fragile bnce of the fate and destiny no longer dared impose itself on her will¡ªa God-yer tied to one of the Curses.


    Yet, with all that overwhelming force, she remained here, deep in the secluded forest house in Obsidian estate, honing herself¡ªpolishing the raw edges of her vast abilities, not out of necessity but discipline.


    It was in this istion that Alexa had arrived. The girl, gifted in ways most could neverprehend, had stepped into the heart of the storm unafraid. Nysa had wanted to test her¡ªthis strange girl who could peer into the threads of fate itself. Yet, for all her talent, foresight was limited when facing an entity like Nysa, whose very existence bent those same threads.


    Even so¡­ Alexa had done better than expected. Alexa then did something that caught even the ancient being off guard.


    She bowed. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    A graceful, respectful motion, lowering her head deeply, hands folded in front of her. No fear in her silver eyes, only a calm, deep understanding¡ªlike she truly knew what Nysa was, even more than Pyris ever could.


    "Lady Nysa," Alexa spoke, her voice clear yet soft, "I wee the Primal Being to Argos."


    For a long moment, Nysa studied her. Not with suspicion, but something¡­ deeper. Curiosity.


    Finally, Nysa gave a single nod, her glowing eyes narrowing as she gestured toward the forest house behind her.

 Chapter 330 Life Steal— Symbiotic Blood Armor

    Finally, Nysa gave a single nod, her glowing eyes narrowing as she gestured toward the forest house behind her.. "Step inside. There''s much for you to learn, child. You''ve been using fragments of what you are. If you wish to understand your true power¡ªyour connection¡ªyou will need more than fate guiding your steps."


    Alexa''s lips curled into a gentle smile. She bowed again, murmuring a quiet, "Thank you, Lady Nysa." Then, without hesitation, she followed the ancient God-yer into the house, where the air itself seemed to pulse with residual power from their sh.


    ______


    The void dome''s copse rippled across the estate like a breath being released, a subtle hum echoing as the immense energies faded. Despite the sheer intensity of the sh outside, none of it had disturbed those within the heart of the mansion. Abaddon had seen to that, his silent protection warding the main building against any trace of power.


    Inside, the atmosphere was serene yet alive with activity.


    Zara and Anastasia stood in front of a grand mirror, draped in elegant fabrics as they tried on their new outfits, the golden embroidery glinting under the enchanted lighting of the chamber. The obsidian walls reflected soft hues of violet, enhancing the shimmer of starlight designs woven into their gowns.


    Rose, the ever-meticulous overseer maid, circled them with sharp eyes, adjusting hems and fussing over every detail. Her face, calm but hyper-focused, bore the expression of someone who would ept nothing less than perfection.


    "Stand straighter, Lady Anastasia. Tilt your chin slightly. Yes, like that," she murmured, pinning a delicate sp near the corbone of Anastasia''s gown.


    Zara, meanwhile, rolled her eyes, shifting her weight with clear impatience. "We''re dressing like we''re meeting gods. It''s just a formal event, not a divine summoning."


    Rose arched a brow, not even pausing. "In this house, perfection is the standard, Lady Zara. Please be patient." Zara rolled her eyes at thement of the Fox maid.


    Anastasia smirked, ncing at her reflection. "She''s right, Zara. If we''re going to represent the Obsidians properly, we can''t just look good. We always look untouchable."


    Zara sighed, but there was no denying the results. The outfits weren''t just beautiful¡ªthey radiated power, every inch of them carefully crafted with spells woven into the very fabric.


    And deep down, she knew why.


    The world was shifting. Something¡ªeverything¡ªwas on the verge of changing¡ªZara turned slightly, tilting her head as the fabric caught the light, her dress shimmering like woven dusk. "It''s fine now, Rose. Stop fussing."


    Rose arched a brow, lips twitching. "Fine isn''t perfect."


    Anastasia grinned, smoothing the hem of her own outfit. "You''re trying to impress, aren''t you?"


    Zara rolled her eyes. "I am the impression."


    Rose sighed. "I''m just making sure you both look¡ª"


    "Like goddesses?" Anastasia finished, smirking, Rose pinched the bridge of her nose. The calm was deceptive. None of them realized just how close unimaginable power had shed outside¡ªhow fragile the peace truly was.


    ______@@novelbin@@


    The forge room was a marvel of molten heat and raw power, but it was nothingpared to what stood in its heart now. The Blood Armor rested on a mannequin, gleaming with an unearthly crimson sheen. Every inch of it radiated the eerie, pulsing energy of the Blood Chalice and the Blood Essence Stones that had been used to craft it.


    Pyris stood before it, his chest rising and falling heavily, sweat dripping down his face. His clothes clung to him, stained with soot and the remnants of energy burns from the forging process.


    Beside him, his teacher was no better¡ªher usually sharp expression softened by sheer exhaustion. Even her pristine craft attire was singed in ces, her damp hair sticking to her face. And yet, her eyes sparkled, reflecting the beauty of their creation.


    Elsa, on the other hand, stood in her armor, untouched by the grueling hours they had endured. The young elf''s silver eyes were wide with awe as she took in thepleted armor.


    The silence stretched, broken only by the faint hum of the Blood Armor as it pulsed faintly, alive with the essence of what had gone into it.


    A chime echoed in Pyris''s mind.


    [Ding! Created a Blood Item.]


    [Reward: Blood Truth!]


    Pyris suddenly staggered slightly as the streams of blood-red energy surged through his veins. It wasn''t just power¡ªit was alive, twisting and pulsing like a second heartbeat inside him. His breath hitched as his vision momentarily blurred, overtaken by the sheer force of it.


    The sensation wasn''t painful, but it was overwhelming, as though the essence of life itself was weaving into his core.


    [Acquired Blood Truth: Life Steal.


    With Life Steal Blood Truth, host siphons the life essence of their enemies if you make them bleed. The more they bleed from your attacks, the stronger you be. Regeneration is endless as long as their life flows, withering them into oblivion.]


    Pyris exhaled sharply, his golden eyes ring with crimson light as the new ability settled into him.


    His body felt invigorated, each cell teeming with the potential for destruction and renewal. His hands clenched into fists, and for a brief moment, the streams of blood power red outward, rippling across the forge room in a wave of vibrant energy.


    His teacher stepped back, sweat glistening on her brow as she studied him carefully. "Kid," she muttered, her voice trembling slightly with awe. "What in the hell have you just unlocked now you monster?"


    Pyris didn''t answer immediately but smiled, his focus turned inward as he felt the urge to test this newfound power. He could feel it¡ªlike an unending reservoir of vitality, a current waiting to be unleashed.


    His chest heaved as he smirked faintly. "Something I didn''t know I didn''t have but really needed," he finally said, his voice low but steady.


    Elsa, standing close by in her armor, stared at him with wide, curious eyes, her small hands gripping the edges of her gear. She didn''t fully understand what had just happened, but she could sense the shift.


    Even the forge itself seemed to resonate with the power surging through Pyris, the glowing runes on the walls flickering faintly.


    Then the  notification''s words pulsed in his mind, and almost immediately but Pyris still felt the rush of power flood through him. Streams of blood energy twisted within his body, burning into his veins like fire and settling into his core like a new heartbeat, he barely paid attention to the notification.


    [Ding! Created an Immortal Rank Item. Create a Godly Rank Item to finish the quest!]


    Pyris exhaled sharply, ignoring the reward notifications for now. The Goldly Rank hammer could wait. What mattered was the task at hand.


    His teacher''s voice cut through his thoughts notmenting about the power he just got. "I still can''t believe we actually made it. That armor... it''s wless. Perfect." Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Her gaze was locked on the Blood Armor. Awe bled into her tone, but Pyris noticed the slight edge of disbelief. "I can''t believe we pulled this off ourselves."


    Pyris smiled faintly, brushing back his damp hair. "I didn''t make it too perfect, though. Drac''s not going to be invincible. I can''t make that mistake."


    "Still¡­" Her voice trailed off as she studied the intricate etchings on the armor, the runes glowing faintly like they were alive.


    But Pyris wasn''t done.


    While his teacher admired the armor, he turned and walked toward another project¡ªa red, glowing orb that pulsed dangerously with power. It contained the essence of the Blood Chalice and the residual energy of the Blood Essence Stones. Unlike the Blood Armor, this was something entirely different.


    From his inventory, Pyris pulled out a small vial. Its contents swirled faintly, a deep crimson liquid that seemed almost alive. The Blood of a God.


    He held the vial for a moment, hesitating only briefly before uncorking it.


    The forge room shook as an immense pulse of power erupted from the vial, sweeping across the room like a storm. Pyris gritted his teeth, his hands trembling slightly as he tried to contain the surge.


    Behind him, his teacher reacted instantly, stepping in front of Elsa and shielding her with a barrier of shimmering energy.


    Without wasting another second, Pyris poured a quarter of the vial''s contents into the orb. The Blood of a God mixed with the vtile energies inside, and the orb''s glow intensified, bing almost blinding.


    He quickly resealed the vial and stashed it away, steadying himself as the room quieted again¡ªexcept for the orb.


    The glowing sphere throbbed violently, its essence warping and twisting as it absorbed the divine blood.


    [Ding! You have created a Godly Rank item: Symbiotic Blood Armor! Permanent Immortality and Vampire Bloodline Upgrade for the first wearer.]


    Pyris allowed himself a small smile. He had made something truly monstrous. This all he needed to create to make Drac monstrous and almost invisible... Yet it wasn''t for Drac. No, this armor had been crafted with someone else in mind.


    Another chime followed.


    [Ding! Missionpleted. You have received: Goldly Rank Forging Hammer!]


    He didn''t bother checking his inventory. Instead, he carefully stowed the Symbiotic Blood Armor away. The pulsating orb dimmed slightly as it vanished into his storage.


    His teacher was still staring, her expression unreadable as she processed what they had just created

 Chapter 331 All in One Place

    [Ding! Missionpleted. You have received: Goldly Rank Forging Hammer!] He didn''t bother checking his inventory. Instead, he carefully stowed the Symbiotic Blood Armor away. The pulsating orb dimmed slightly as it vanished into his storage.


    His teacher was still staring, her expression unreadable as she processed what they had just created. Finally, she let out a shakyugh. "You''re something else, kid. I taught you the basics, but you¡­" She shook her head. "You''ve taken forging to a whole new level."


    Pyris simply shrugged, the corner of his mouth tugging into a tired smirk. "You gave me the foundation. I just built on it."


    As she continued admiring the Blood Armor meant for Drac, Pyris was focused on something else, what had brought them here was done only Elsa''s prototype remained unfinished, needing a few more rare materials to reach its full potential.


    Pyris nced at the schematics spread out on the nearby table, and the prototype she''d created, the intricate designs showcasing the brilliance of the young elf. It was something that will change the mortal realm.


    Even among geniuses, Elsa''s talent stood out. "The kid''s a damn prodigy," Pyris muttered to himself, shaking his head in quiet admiration.


    His teacher let out a dryugh, wiping sweat from her brow. "Proves my point¡ªsurround yourself with talent, and even your craziest ideas start looking possible. Now look me admiring the work I just did with my student. Something I couldn''t ever imagine."


    Pyris didn''t respond, focused instead on storing the pieces of the Blood Armor into its reinforced carrier box. Each segment gleamed with a dark crimson sheen, radiating a faint, almost sinister energy that pulsed with quiet intensity. He worked quickly, securing the armor piece by piece, sealing the box shut with precision.


    When it was done, he turned to Elsa, who stood beside the forge, still inspecting her blueprints. The faint glow from the forge''s embers reflected off her armor, giving her an almost ethereal appearance. She didn''t even notice Pyris approaching until he scooped her up in one swift motion.


    "Hey!" she protested, squirming slightly in his arms. "I can walk, you know!"@@novelbin@@


    "Yeah, but you''ve been running around nonstop since we got here," Pyris said with a smirk. "Take it as a reward for being the smartest one in the room."


    Elsa feighed huffed but didn''t argue, her arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her toward the exit. She liked the treatment. Behind them, the forge room dimmed, its powerful hum quieting as they left.


    The weight of their work lingered in the air, but Pyris felt a strange sense of satisfaction. They weren''t done¡ªnot by a long shot¡ªbut they were closer than ever to creating something that would shake the mortal realm to its core.


    ____


    The convoy pulled up to the gates of the Obsidian estate with practiced precision. No shes of power, no dramatic disys¡ªjust the quiet efficiency of people whomanded authority without the need for showmanship. The estate gates opened smoothly, enchanted to respond to the bloodline of the Obsidians, allowing the vehicles to glide into the sprawling grounds.


    Anastasia stood waiting at the entrance, her green hair cascading down her back, her form draped in a flowing dress that was both elegant and understated. Her gaze fixed on the convoy as the doors opened and her mother, Emberly, stepped out first, followed by Astrid.


    The air seemed to shift as the three women''s gazes met. Anastasia''s expression was calm but sharp, her eyes briefly locking onto Astrid before flicking back to her mother. She wasn''t surprised that Astrid was here.


    "Mother," Anastasia greeted with a nod, her tone formal yet warm. Then her attention returned to Astrid, a flicker of understanding passing through her features. "And Lady Astrid¡­ Here for Seraphina, I presume?"


    Astrid''s posture stiffened slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line, but she gave a curt nod. "That''s right."


    Emberly chuckled, cing a hand on Astrid''s shoulder. "Anastasia, don''t make her feel so cornered. Let''s go inside."


    Zara appeared from one of the side hallways, her arms folded casually across her chest. Her deep dark eyes glinted with amusement as she took in the scene. Zara and Anastasia were dressed in new outfits, clearly the result of their earlier preparations for the uing event, and the change in their attire gave them an air of effortless poise.


    "Emberly," Zara said, inclining her head with a small smirk. "And Astrid¡­ It''s been a while."


    Astrid''s eyes narrowed slightly as her gaze fixed on Zara. "I didn''t expect to see you here, Zara."


    Zara shrugged lightly, her tone yful. "And yet, here I am. You could say this ce draws us all in."


    Emberly stepped forward with a grin, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or perhaps you''ve been drawn here by my son. Has Pyris charmed you too, Zara?"


    Zaraughed softly, shaking her head. "If he has, I''m sure you''d be the first to know. But I''ll admit, he does have a way of leaving an impression."


    The three women exchanged knowing smiles, the kind that came with mutual respect and years of shared history. Despite the teasing, there was a clear camaraderie between them.


    "Shall we?" Anastasia said, motioning toward the entrance.


    They stepped inside, the grand hall bathed in warm light from the chandeliers above. The faint hum of runic energy along the walls gave the space an otherworldly feel, a reminder of the ancient power that ran through the veins of the Obsidians. But it was mostly missed by others but Astrid ever observant saw them.


    The sound of voices drifted from further inside, and as they entered the main sitting room, they were met with the sight of several familiar faces. Alera, Aurelia, Emilia, and Julienne stood in quiet conversation, their postures straightening slightly as Emberly and Astrid entered.


    Julienne, apanied by Jasper and Zaranrel, stepped forward. The three of them bowed deeply to Emberly, their gestures filled with respect.


    "Lady Emberly," Julienne said, her voice steady and reverent. "It is an honor to finally meet you in person."


    Emberly regarded Julienne for a moment, her sharp gaze assessing but not unkind. "And you must be Julienne," she said, her tone thoughtful. "I''ve seen and heard much about you from Emilia."


    Julienne straightened, her expression calm despite the weight of Emberly''s presence. "The honor is mine."


    Jasper and Zaranrel followed suit, their bows just as deep. "Mistress of House Obsidian," Jasper said, his voice tinged with pride. "It is always a privilege to stand in your presence."


    "And Lady Emberly," Zaranrel added, bowing again. "Empress of the Dragon Empire."


    Astrid nodded in acknowledgment, her regal demeanor slipping back into ce. "Thank you," she said simply, though her gaze lingered briefly on Julienne, curiosity flickering in her eyes.


    The room was a blend of past and present, of old alliances and new faces.


    Emberly''s presence carried the weight of generations, and as she surveyed the gathering before her, there was a sense that the bnce of power in the room had subtly shifted.


    For now, they would exchange pleasantries and maintain the peace, but the undercurrent of tension and anticipation was impossible to ignore.


    The room was lively with chatter and the asional bout ofughter as everyone mingled.


    Jasper stood near the corner, holding a ss of wine and trying to keep a low profile, though that never worked when Emberly was around. Her sharp gazended on him, and a sly smile spread across her face.


    "Jasper, look at you," Emberly teased, standing up from her seat and walking over. "You''ve grown so much, but you still blush like the little boy who used to run away from tutors during lessons with my little son."


    Jasper turned a deep shade of red, scratching the back of his neck. "Lady Emberly, I was a child then¡ª"


    "You''re like family here don''t be so formal," she interrupted, yfully ruffling his hair, much to his dismay. "And you''ve done well for yourself. The academy suits you. Maybe too well, seeing how your position now rivals some nobles."


    Jasper let out a nervousugh, clearly unsure how to respond.


    Emberly nced at Zaranrel, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you, the great Zaranrel, Argos'' most adored idol. I must admit, you''re even more handsome in person."


    Zaranrel, everposed, gave a small bow. "Lady Emberly, the honor is mine. I''ve heard much about you."


    "ttery won''t get you anywhere, dear," she teased. "But it''s nice to see that your charm isn''t just an act."


    Before the banter could continue, Madeline and Arabe arrived into the room together, the half-elf stepped forward, introducing herself with a calm confidence. "Lady Emberly, I''m Madeline."


    Before she could say more, Emilia chimed in with a grin. "She''s Pyris'' woman."


    Emberly burst outughing, holding her sides. "Oh, really now? And here I thought you were his woman too, Emilia. Should I prepare a registry?"


    Emilia''s face turned red, but she tried to keep herposure. "Well, maybe I am," she replied, feigning nonchnce.


    Another voice broke through the teasing. "Arabe," said a tall, elegant woman as she stepped forward. "I''m Pyris'' teacher. I''ve been training him at the academy."


    Emberly raised a brow, her smile knowing. "Oh, a teacher, are you? And here I thought my son never needed one. I wonder what lessons you''ve been teaching him. " Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 332 Grown Minds & Women

    Arabe cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact, while the room chuckled quietly. Emberly pped her hands together. "Speaking of my son''s women, where is my favorite daughter-inw?"


    Alera crossed her arms, smirking. "ying favorites already? Should I start a list of grievances, Mother Emberly?"


    Emberly chuckled, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Now, now, I love all of you all the same. But since Alexa''s been in a deep slumber, I figured she needed a little more care."


    Alera tilted her head, feigning indignation. "Oh, really? When I came back from thebyrinth keeping Pyris alive, I didn''t get this so-called extra love."


    Emberly nodded, genuinely apologetic. "You''re right. That was my mistake, Alera. I''ll make it up to you."


    Before Alera could reply, a new voice cut through the conversation. "Someone doesn''t like being outshined, do they?"


    All heads turned to see Alexa and Nysa entering the room. Alexa looked radiant, her dark golden hair shimmering, while Nysa exuded quiet confidence.


    Alera scoffed, a yful smirk tugging at her lips. "We can see who outshines who in a battle, how about that, huh, Alexa?"


    Laughter rippled through the room, even from Nysa, whose lips curled into a faint smile. Aurelia, ever the quiet observer, watched her sisters with an amused expression.


    Alexa approached Emberly and bowed slightly. "Lady Emberly," she greeted softly.


    Emberly stood and embraced her tightly. "I''m so d you''re fine now, Alexa."


    The two women shared a moment before everyone found their seats around the long dining table. Alexa turned to Astrid, her gaze steady. "She will be fine," she assured her. Astrid''s tense shoulders rxed slightly, and she gave Alexa a grateful nod.@@novelbin@@


    The table filled with conversation as they all took their seats. Emberly upied the head of the table, the other grand chair opposite her noticeably empty. Zaranrel and Jasper took in the new faces, trying to keep up with the lively dynamics of the Obsidians.


    Rose entered the room with the first course but suddenly stopped, her expression shifting as her eyes caught something on her phone.


    "Pyris just texted," she announced. "He''s on his way."


    The room grew noticeably brighter with smiles. Emberly''s expression softened, while Alexa''s lips curled faintly.


    Emberly leaned back in her chair, her golden eyes gleaming. "Then we''ll wait. Dinner isn''t dinner without him."


    _____


    After Emberly announced they would wait for Pyris to arrive before starting dinner, the room buzzed with a mix of excitement and teasing murmurs. One by one, the group began to rise from the dining table.


    Aurelia and Alera exchanged a knowing nce, their yful smiles hinting at the unspoken anticipation they all shared. Alexa tugged at the edge of her sleeve, a faint smile on her lips as she followed the others out of the dining room.


    "Come on, let''s not just sit here," Emilia said with a grin, tugging Madeline by the arm. "Might as well make ourselvesfortable while we wait." Snacks were handed out.


    Madeline nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed as she allowed herself to be pulled along. Julienne lingered a moment longer, her gaze briefly flicking toward the empty chair at the other end of the table before quietly following the group.


    As the women headed toward the living room, their soft chatter and faintughter filled the air. They left behind Emberly, Astrid, Zara, and Nysa, who remained seated at the table, their expressions more contemtive than casual.


    Nysa leaned back in her chair, arms folded, her sharp gaze following the others as they exited. "They seem... eager."


    Emberly chuckled lightly, swirling the wine in her ss. "Of course they are. My son has a way of inspiring... enthusiasm."


    Astrid scoffed but said nothing, while Zara smirked faintly, resting her chin on her palm. "It''s not just enthusiasm," Zara remarked. "There''s something else there¡ªsomething undeniable."


    Emberly raised a brow, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Indeed. Now, let''s see how long we can enjoy this quiet before it''s all chaos again." The four women remained seated, a quiet camaraderie settling among them as they waited for what was toe.


    They sipped their wine in the dimly lit dining room, the atmosphere heavy with the scent of aged oak and subtle spices. The weight of their conversation shifted from casual pleasantries to something far more serious.


    Astrid leaned back in her chair, her eyes glinting with frustration."I at once wanted to form some solid alliances between the royal family and the Obsidians," she began, her tone sharp but tinged with disappointment. "But now? It''s all useless. Drakos has made sure of that."


    Zara nodded sympathetically, her expression calm but thoughtful. "The royal family''s moves have always been shortsighted, Astrid. It''s no fault of yours. You''ve done what you could."


    Emberly set her ss down with a soft clink, leaning forward. "And let''s be honest, Astrid. Alliances aren''t always about politics. Sometimes they''re about trust, and that''s something the Dragon royal family and even now Drakos lost a long time ago that''s why I didn''t agree. You''ve done enough. Let it go."


    Astrid sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she swirled her wine. "Perhaps you''re right," she murmured. "But it doesn''t make it any easier to watch everything fall apart."


    Across from her, Nysa remained quiet, her green shade eyes sharp and observant. She hadn''t spoken much since the younger women left the room, but her presence was palpable. For her, the dynamic between the three women was fascinating. She had grown up in a realm where family meant constant power struggles, endless battles for control, and the relentless pursuit of dominance.


    Watching these womenfort and console one another felt... warm. Foreign yes, but warm.


    Zara broke the silence again, her tone shifting to a slightly lighter subject. "During theunch tomorrow, I''m expecting some of the leaders to make moves. They won''t miss an opportunity to attach themselves to something as massive as what you Obsidians have been building."


    Emberly smirked knowingly, tilting her ss toward Zara. "Of course they will. How could they resist? Obsidians are a promising investment. No one in their right mind would ignore the chance to secure a piece of the big cake."


    Astrid let out a soft chuckle, raising her ss. "That''s a rather poetic way of saying we''re royalty are greedy."


    Emberly shrugged with an amused glint in her eyes. "I don''t me you guys. Everyone wants a piece of something great. And we, my dear friends, are undeniably great."


    The conversation shifted slightly as Astrid leaned forward, her voice dropping slightly. "Speaking of business... I''ve heard rumors that Zria Serenova has already arrived in the Dragon Empire."


    Emberly nodded, not the least bit surprised. "She has, and definitely wants an alliance too, which is surprising," she confirmed. "And if I''m not mistaken, her daughter has her eyes on my son."


    Zara and Astrid exchanged looks, rolling their eyes almost in unison. Zara scoffed yfully, setting her ss down. "You really are the best wingman, Emberly."


    Astrid smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Absolutely unmatched."


    Emberly''s smile widened, unbothered by their teasing. "I only seek the best for my son. That''s not a crime, is it?"


    Zara threw up her hands in mock defeat. "Fine, fine. You''re good at it, we admit it."


    Astrid chuckled but her expression turned serious as her gaze shifted toward Emberly. "Speaking of the young talents surrounding Pyris... Alexa. That girl is extraordinary. You can feel the raw power radiating off her. But isn''t her presence with the Obsidians going to cause trouble with you and the human empire?"


    The question hung in the air for a moment, the weight of it settling on the room. Emberly set her ss down slowly, her expression turning contemtive. "Alexa is...plicated," she said finally. "But she''s with us for a reason. Trouble or not, she''s part of this family now. I can''t wait to see what that human can do!"


    Astrid nodded, though her brows were furrowed with concern. Zara, for once, was silent, her own thoughts churning. Even Nysa tilted her head slightly, curious about the undercurrents of their discussion.


    They all understood one thing¡ªwhatever storm Alexa''s presence might bring, the Obsidians were ready to face it.


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    ______


    The living room buzzed with quietughter and the soft hum of a TV ying a popr drama series. Most of the women were seatedfortably on the plush sofas, while others stood by the walls, sipping on sses of wine or tea with snacks. The atmosphere was warm and lively, but it was impossible to ignore the subtle tension in the air¡ªthe kind that came with anticipation.


    Ever since Rose had announced Pyris was on his way, many of the women had unconsciously started paying closer attention to their appearances.


    Alera had smoothed out the creases in her elegant dress and adjusted her hair at least three times, though she tried to y it off as nonchnce. Emilia had casually reapplied a subtle gloss to her lips, iming it was just a habit. Aurelia had opted for a slightly different seating position, one that showed off the intricate details of her dress, while Alexa quietly straightened her silver hair, her movements slow and deliberate.


    Julienne, meanwhile, was the most restless of them all. She couldn''t seem to settle into one ce, fidgeting with the hem of her blouse and checking her phone every few minutes, as though Pyris might text her directly.


    The night had alot to promise.

 Chapter 333 Coming Big Gathering

    Madeline, in contrast, seemed rxed, bonding effortlessly with the other women. She leaned closer to Aurelia, whispering something that made both of themugh. Alexa caught the moment and smiled faintly, her heart lightened by the camaraderie between her sisters.


    The drama series on the TV shifted the room''s focus, though. It was Julienne''stest project, where she yed the role of a quiet, timid girl secretly in love with the male lead.


    "Wow," Alera said, crossing her arms as she smirked. "You y this part so well, Julienne. You''re practically living it." The teasing earned a round ofughter from the women, even from Anastasia, who rarely indulged in such banter.


    Julienne''s cheeks turned a soft pink, and she waved a hand dismissively. "It''s just acting. Nothing more. I am that talented"


    "Acting?" Emilia leaned forward with a yful glint in her eye. "You''re so convincing it feels like you''re pulling it straight from real life. I still remember at the scene when shooting you never made a single mistake, everything flowed naturally."


    The teasing didn''t let up. Aurelia added, "It''s like we''re watching your autobiography."


    Julienne gave an embarrassedugh, trying to hold her ground. "Stop it, you guys. It''s just a role."


    But Alexa, seated on the armrest of a couch, observed her quietly. A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her lips. If only they knew. Julienne wasn''t just a talented actress; she had poured her real emotions into this role.


    Her on-screen unspoken love mirrored her reality¡ªa life where her feelings for Pyris remained carefully locked away, too fragile to reveal.


    Across the room, Jasper and Zaranrel exchanged a nce. They both knew the truth too, but neither said anything. It wasn''t their ce to meddle, and they respected the seriousness of their friend''s feelings.


    As the scene on TV intensified, the room grew quieter, but the light teasing continued here and there.


    "You know, Jules," Alera said with a smirk, "you might want to take some inspiration from your character and be a little braver."


    Madeline chuckled. "Yeah, who knows? Maybe real life can have a happy ending too."


    Julienne gave a softugh, her cheeks still warm. She didn''t respond directly but focused on the screen, hoping the drama would distract them from prying any further.


    Alexa leaned back, her eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. Deep down, she wished for her friend''s happiness but knew that wasn''t something she could guarantee. For now, though, the lighthearted teasing seemed to bring everyone closer, and that was enough.


    Arabe was no better, though she masked it with an air of cool professionalism, pretending to analyze something on her tablet. The truth was, her thoughts were just as scattered, and her asional nces toward the door betrayed her calm demeanor.


    ______


    After stepping out of the forge room, Pyris adjusted Elsa in his arms, the young elf snuggling against him, clearly worn out from the long hours. His teacher followed behind, her pace brisk andposed, though the sheen of sweat on her forehead betrayed the effort they''d just expended.


    The hallway was quiet, save for their soft footsteps echoing against the polished floors.


    Pyris paused at Esmeralda''s office door and knocked firmly before pushing it open. Inside, the vampire Vice CEO sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of papers, her focus sharp as she went through preparations for the big day ahead. The faint scent of freshly inked documents hung in the air.


    "Evening, Esmeralda," Pyris greeted with a smile, stepping inside.


    Esmeralda looked up, her ruby-red eyes narrowing slightly as she caught a whiff of him. "You reek of the forge," she said tly, squeezing the bridge of her nose as if to ward off the offensive smell.


    Pyrisughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, that''s on me. Been busy down there. How''s everything going on your end?"


    "Final touches," she replied, gesturing to the papers in front of her. "Nothing major left, but it needs precision."


    Pyris nodded, ncing around the room. His eyes fell on a set of takeout containers stacked neatly in the corner. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Esmeralda, assign this to someone else for tonight. Come home with me instead. You deserve a proper family meal, not whatever''s in those boxes."


    Esmeralda''s sharp eyes softened slightly as she considered it. After a moment, she sighed and nodded. "Fine. But only because you''re right¡ªI do need to step away for a bit."


    "Good choice." Pyris shed a grin and stepped out, heading toward his own office.


    By the time he arrived, his teacher had already reached the elevator, descending without waiting. Pyris opened the door to his office and found Suzie and Lizzie still seated, their eyes fixed on their screens even thiste into the night. The atmosphere between them seemed rxed, a relief to Pyris after recent tensions.


    "Hey, you two," he greeted warmly.


    They looked up, surprised, then offered small smiles. Pyris continued, "You''ve been working hard all night. Wrap it up ande with me. We''re heading home."


    Lizzie exchanged surprised nces with Suzie before they both nodded.


    _____


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    Outside the towering Obsidian Tech building, two sleek cars awaited. In the first limo, Pyris''s teacher was already seated with Esmeralda inside with her. Lizzie joined them, settling into her seat with a sigh.


    Pyris carried Elsa to the second car, where Mira was already waiting. He ced the young elf gently beside him, ensuring she wasfortable, while Suzie climbed in on the opposite side. Once everyone was settled, the vehicles started their quiet journey toward the Obsidian estate.


    As the cars glided through the city streets, Pyris leaned back into his seat, letting the hum of the engine and the faint glow of passing lights lull him into a rare moment of rxation. After the intensity of the forge, the ride home felt like a much-needed reprieve.


    _____


    The soft hum of the car engines silenced as the convoy pulled up to the grand Obsidian estate. The towering gates, adorned with glowing lights, parted soundlessly, allowing the vehicles to glide into the sprawling courtyard. The mansion loomed ahead, its ancient architecture illuminated by the soft glow of magic-infusednterns, casting a warm and inviting aura over the scene.


    Inside the estate, anticipation buzzed in the air. Almost everyone was gathered in the living room, engaged in light chatter, though their focus kept drifting toward the door.


    They were waiting for him.


    As the cars came to a halt, the doors opened. Pyris stepped out first, adjusting his jacket and ncing around with a rxed smile. Elsa, snug in his arms, blinked sleepily, her small hands clutching his shirt. Infront of him, his teacher emerged gracefully, her presencemanding.


    She barely acknowledged the stares, striding straight into the mansion with an air of casual authority.


    Emberly, Astrid, and Zara exchanged knowing nces, their lips twitching into faint smiles at the sight of her. They were familiar with the enigmatic woman and her brusque ways. Emberly offered her a small wave, to which she responded with the barest nod before disappearing inside the house like she knew exactly where she needed to be.


    Esmeralda stepped out next, her crimson eyes scanning the gathered crowd. Emberly''s expression softened as she caught sight of her old friend, and the two exchanged a brief smile.


    Then Lizzie and Suzie stepped out of the car. Their wide-eyed gazes swept over the estate, their awe barely concealed. These were new faces, and the subtle curiosity among the gathered family was palpable.


    Inside the mansion, Anastasia immediately moved toward Pyris. Her sharp eyesnded on Elsa, and she reached out without hesitation, gently taking the young elf from his arms. "Come on, little one," she said softly, her tone far gentler than usual. Elsa didn''t protest, leaning into Anastasia''s arms as she was carried away.


    Pyris turned back toward the living room, but before he could even greet anyone, he was surrounded. Alera, Aurelia, Emilia, Alexa, and Madeline were there in an instant, their eyes bright with excitement and relief.


    "You''rete," Aurelia teased, folding her arms, though the smile on her face betrayed her words.


    "I was busy," Pyris replied with a chuckle, but the women barely gave him a chance to say more.


    "Busy or not, you''re ours now," Alera dered, grabbing his arm.


    "Exactly," Emilia chimed in, taking his other side.


    The womenughed, their voices ovepping as they guided him deeper into the estate. Pyris nced back over his shoulder, but it was clear he wouldn''t have the chance to greet anyone else¡ªnot yet.@@novelbin@@


    Emberly, watching from her seat with a smirk, shook her head. "Poor boy doesn''t stand a chance," she murmured, earning a chuckle from Astrid and Zara. Meanwhile, Lizzie and Suzie stood awkwardly to the side, exchanging bewildered nces at the sudden whirlwind of activity.


    As the group disappeared deeper into the house, the remaining onlookers exchanged amused smiles. It was just another typical evening in the Obsidian household.


    _____


    Hey guys, thank you for the support. Alright?

 Chapter 334 Bathroom Orgy**

    As soon they dragged him into the mansion, Pyris was surrounded. Pyris barely had a moment to catch his breath before his women dragged him to the estate. The women ushered Pyris into his bedroom with a yful energy that bordered on mischief. The moment the door closed behind them, they formed a loose circle around him, their gazes lingering.


    "You smell like sweat and fire," Alera teased, crossing her arms as her eyes scanned him. "Not very princely of you, dragon."


    "I call it the scent of hard work," Pyris replied, smirking despite himself.


    Emilia stepped closer, a devilish gleam in her eyes. "It''s not unpleasant¡­ but we can''t let you go to dinner like this, can we?" Her fingers brushed against his arm as if testing the heat of his skin.


    "I say we throw him in the shower," Aurelia suggested, leaning against the doorframe. "Or maybe we join him. You know, to make sure he doesn''t miss a spot."


    Madeline''s face flushed a deep crimson, but she didn''t object. Instead, she whispered, "He does need some help. It''s been a long day for him."


    Pyris raised his hands defensively. "Ladies, I''m perfectly capable of¡ª"


    "Oh, hush," Alexa interrupted, stepping forward. Her golden hair shimmered as she leaned in, inhaling deeply near his neck. Her voice was soft but teasing as she said, "We''re not letting you get away that easily."


    Before he could say another word, Alera grabbed his jacket and tugged it off his shoulders with surprising force. Alexa worked on the buttons of his shirt while Emilia crouched to untie his boots.


    "Are we really doing this?" Pyris asked, a mix of amusement and disbelief coloring his tone.


    "Of course," Emilia quipped, tossing his boots aside. "You work too hard. Let us take care of you for once." One by one, they peeled away his clothes, their hands lingering just a little too long, their gazes heated. When he was finally bare, the air in the room grew heavy with tension.


    Alera circled him, her golden eyes gleaming on his sculptured figure and sleeping but big cock they all knew too well for it''s dominance. "Not bad, Pyris. Not bad at all."


    "Your turn," Emilia said, locking eyes with Alexa. Without hesitation, the women began shedding their own clothes, the soft rustle of fabric filling the room.


    Pyris swallowed hard, his golden eyes flicking from one woman to the next. The sight of them, their skin glowing under the soft light, made it nearly impossible to think straight, his cock hardened at their glittering bodies in the light. Big breasts, non of them could be underestimated. Their perfect figures and butts.


    "Into the shower," Aurelia ordered, taking his hand and leading him toward the adjoining bathroom his cock giggling as he walked. Emilia grabbed a handful of his ass squeezing it.


    Therge walk-in shower was already warm, steam curling around the room like an inviting embrace. Emilia turned on the water, letting it cascade in a soothing rhythm.


    They stepped inside, the hot water pouring over their bodies. Alera pressed against his back, her hands gliding over his shoulders. "Rx," she murmured, her voice low and sultry.


    Alexa stood in front of him, her fingers trailing down his chest as the soap suds foamed under her touch. "You''re always so tense," she said, her silver eyes locking onto his. "Let us help."


    Madeline worked her way to his side, her movements tentative but deliberate. Her fingers brushed against his arm and chest, her cheeks flushed as she murmured, "You deserve this and you''re hard."


    The intimacy of their touches grew as theythered him, their hands moving with a mix of care and unmistakable intent. Emilia leaned in, her lips grazing his ear as she whispered, "You''re lucky we love you this much."


    Alera''s fingers trailed down his spine, her touch sending shivers through him despite the heat until she reached his ass. "Lucky doesn''t even begin to cover it," she teased, her voice rich with mischief.


    Pyris''s breath hitched as Alexa pressed closer, her hands slipping lower. Their proximity, their warmth, the way their bodies moved against his¡ªit was intoxicating.


    Emilia tilted his chin up, her fiery gaze locking onto his. "Tell us, Pyris," she purred, her lips dangerously close to his. "Do you still think you can handle all of us?"


    For a moment, he couldn''t answer, his throat dry despite the water cascading around them. The air crackled with unspoken desire, theirughter and teasing intertwining with the sound of the shower.


    "I can handle anything," he finally managed, his voice husky.


    "Prove it," Aurelia challenged, her lips brushing against his jaw before she pulled back with a yful smirk.


    The night was about going too far, the tension between them simmered just below the surface, each moment a test of willpower. They pushed, they teased, they lingered, drawing out every second until the lines between yful and provocative blurred into something unforgettable.


    The warm water cascaded over them, mixing with the heat in the air. Alexa leaned into him, her soft touch lingering against his chest as her dark golden eyes locked onto his. "You always act soposed, Pyris," she murmured, her voice low and tempting. "I wonder¡­ can we make you lose that calm?"


    Aleraughed softly, the sound rich and teasing. She ran her fingers along his arm, her nails barely grazing his skin. "Oh, Alexa, I think we already have."


    Pyris exhaled slowly, trying to steady himself as Aurelia wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, her wet hair brushing against his back. "You''re holding out on us," she whispered near his ear, her breath warm against his skin.


    Emilia tilted her head, water droplets sliding down her neck as she pressed her palms t against his chest. "Do you even know what you''re doing to us?" she asked, her tone half usation, half admiration.


    Pyris swallowed, his golden eyes darting between them. "I think you''re all enjoying this more than I am," he said, his voice rough but steady.


    Aureliaughed, her lips grazing his ear. "Oh, you have no idea."


    The room grew quieter, the teasing tones softening into something more intimate. Alexa''s hand moved to his jaw, tilting his face toward her. For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them, the water around them a cocoon of heat. "You''re ours, Pyris," she whispered, her voice carrying a quiet intensity.


    Alera leaned closer, her lips ghosting over his shoulder as her voice broke through the moment. "And we''re yours."


    Pyris let out a breath, his gaze sweeping over them, taking in their flushed faces and glistening skin. He felt the weight of their words, their presence, and the unspoken connection that tied them all together.


    "Let''s finish here before things get out of hand," he said finally, his voice firm butced with affection.


    Theughter that followed was light, a wee relief to the charged atmosphere. Emilia sshed water at him yfully, her fiery spirit un


    "First give us a test, we missed you Pyris..." Madeline said, he sighed and nodded.


    "Okay but it will be quick..."


    Theughter that followed was light, a wee relief to the charged atmosphere. Emilia sshed water at him yfully, her fiery spirit undiminished. Pyris chuckled, easily deflecting the yful assault.


    He knew this was just the beginning, a prelude to something far more intense.


    He moved closer to Alexa, his gaze lingering on her parted lips. He traced the curve of her jawline with his finger, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "You wanted to see me lose control," he murmured, his voice a low growl.


    Alera, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, moved closer to Emilia, their bodies pressed together, a silent promise passing between them.


    Pyris leaned in, his lips brushing against Alexa''s. He tasted her neck, his lips and tongue moving deliberately, savoring the sweetness of her skin, the faint scent of her divine-like essence under the water.


    "Mmmm~~" she whimpered, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring the warmth of her mouth.@@novelbin@@


    He pulled back, his eyes holding hers. "You like this, don''t you?" he asked, his voice husky with desire. It had been a long time since hest had it with his woman Alexa.


    Alexa nodded, her eyes dark with a passion that mirrored his own. Pyris smiled and grabbed her soft but plump ass.


    p~~


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    "aaaahh~~" He pped it lightly, and Alexa moaned into his neck, biting him.


    Fondling her ass, he lifted her up. Alexa wrapped her naked, beautiful, long legs around his waist, her hard and firm erect nipples pressing against his chest.


    He kissed her again, then moved down to her breasts, his hands still on her butt. Shifting mid-moan, her naked, hairless cavended just above the raging dragon standing firm.


    Alexa''s cave twitched in hunger and anticipation¡ªit had been so long. His dragon, too, was hungry for some wetness. They were under a running shower, yes, but the dragon''s hunger was for the divine wetness of the Seer.


    Alexa moaned, moving her body on her own. Pyris didn''t say anything; he didn''t want to today. Alexandra moved back and forth, Pyris helping her before she suspended her ass mid-air.


    With unnatural precision, the Champion of Lust guided her craving cave to the raging dragon.


    "Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh~~~~~~" Alexa gasped and moaned loudly. "It''s sooooo much bigger than before, Aralux!" Between the pleasure, the name came out on its own.

 Chapter 335 Echoes of Lust & the Seers Hunger**

    But Pyris didn''t care about the name¡ªnot when his wife was hungry. "Is it to your liking, Seer?" he asked, his hot breath in her ear. She nodded. Pyris kissed her ear, whispering hot breaths while moving up and down. Alexa held herself firm around his neck, moving on her own.


    Pyris used one hand while the other...


    He turned his eyes attention to Aurelia, his lips finding the sensitive skin of Alexa''s neck. He nipped and sucked, eliciting a low moan from her.


    His free hand found its way to sister''s breasts, moving with precision, making her moan until his fingers were deep in the cave of the Death Dragon. Aurelia didn''t stay passive either. She came even closer, pulling Emilia with her. Pyris freed his lips and sucked on Aurelia''s breasts.


    He pulled Alexa away, making her stand while her body pressed against the ss wall, her ass bent his way. Pyris pushed deeper into her again, taking her from behind.


    "Ahhhh~~ I thought you said... you said it would take little time," Alexandra moaned, but she clearly was enjoying this.


    "I know, but I also know how hungry my women are." Alexa''s back was beautiful, the water slipping onto her ass, going further and adding more wetness while washing away the color of her juices off his cock.


    Pyris''s hand was still in Aurelia while the other was free. His free hand moved to Emilia, his hands finding her breasts, gently massaging them through the water.


    The bathroom filled with the sound of their moans and gasps as he moved between them, his touch a symphony of pleasure and pain. He teased them, pushing them to the very edge, then pulling back, leaving them breathless and wanting more.


    Alexandra moaned onest time before cumming onto him. But he didn''t stop.


    "Aaahh, you''re so full of energy," Alexa moaned again. Alera, who''d been a quiet observer, made her move too. She went where Alexandra was and knelt down.


    "You..." Alexa couldn''t say more before her nipples were in the necromancer''s mouth. "Ohhhh~~ just you wait..." Alexa moaned.


    Alera smiled, her hands teasing Alexa''s breasts. The other went for Aurelia.


    "You did great, Alera," Pyris praised her. Finally, his eyes moved to Madeline, the beautiful half-elf. She walked in slowly but rhythmically, teasing his gaze. Of all his women, Emilia was the subus and the most curvaceous, but Madeline almost rivaled Emilia.


    His hands suddenly gripped Alexa''s hips as he moved faster, no longer deliberate within her. She cried out, her body arching involuntarily. He groaned onest time, and Alexa also moaned loudly as she came again while Pyris finished inside her.


    He moved to Aurelia, his movements more urgent, more demanding. She met him with an equal fervor, her nails digging into his back as she arched toward him.


    He turned to Emilia, his movements a blur of motion, a whirlwind of passion. She gasped, her head thrown back, her cries echoing through the room.@@novelbin@@


    "You see girls, I have been holding back my insatiable lust, but now..."He moved between them, a whirlwind of sensation, a symphony of pleasure and pain. Madeline came closer and then helped Alera as Pyris took Emilia and Aurelia, his lustful presence ring, filling the bathroom more than the water did.


    He was lost in the moment. When he was done with Emilia and Aurelia, he was consumed by the raw, primal lust that surged through him, listening to their soft moans, their bodies still trembling beneath him.


    He imed Madeline and Alera too, body and soul, and they had surrendered willingly, eagerly. He moved between all of them again, giving them another round. He was like a storm that wrecked their insides beforeing back again, making sure he didn''t tire them.


    Outside the bathroom, Nysa sighed. She''de to inform him about dinner but only heard their moans. She then extended her hands, elerating time in the bathroom without anyone knowing.


    Pyris didn''t know she had this power.


    ______


    After their shared moment in the bathroom, Pyris and his women stepped into bedroom, bodies still glistening with water droplets, their hair damp from the steam. The room was dimly lit, and the air was filled with the warmth of their shared intimacy. Each of the women carried an undeniable glow, as if they had uncovered something long missing.


    Madeline was the first to grab a towel, gently drying Pyris''s hair while leaning close enough for her lips to brush his ear.


    Alexa and Alera worked in tandem, running their fingers through his wet hair, teasing him with kisses on his temple and neck. Emiliaughed softly, holding out a shirt while sneaking pecks on his shoulders as Aurelia helped button it up. Their movements were unhurried, savoring every moment, sharing lingering touches and affectionate smiles.


    "You always manage to ruin us," Aurelia teased, her voice filled with warmth as she leaned against his arm. Her ck locks framed her glowing face, her lips still slightly swollen from their earlier passion.


    "You''re one to talk," Alexa quipped, yfully nudging her sister while adjusting her dress. The room filled with their lightughter as they finished drying each other off and dressing Pyris. His shirt clung perfectly to his frame, and his tailored pants added to his effortlesslymanding presence.


    He smiled softly, taking in the sight of his women teasing one another, their bonds now more apparent, theirughter genuine. They were radiant, their beauty amplified by the quiet intimacy they shared.


    Yet, amidst the contentment, Pyris couldn''t ignore the small ache in his chest. Suzie wasn''t here, her absence noticeable even in the lively atmosphere. Her situation wasplicated¡ªsomething he hated. He didn''t want to think of her as a fling, and he wasn''t about to let her remain one.


    And then there was Vrie¡­ her absence felt even heavier, her situation even more tangled. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    With a deep breath, Pyris pushed the thoughts aside for now. Tonight, there was still much to be done.


    _____


    Descending the grand staircase of the Obsidian estate, Pyris and his women moved like a celestial procession, their grace and beauty unmatched. It was as if they were falling from grace, radiant yet untouchable, amidst the eyes of everyone gathered in the living room now.


    Emberly, his mother, looked up from her seat, her piercing gaze softening slightly as she took in her son''s entrance. Beside her sat Astrid and Zara, both of whom exchanged knowing looks as if silently agreeing on some unspoken thought.


    Pyris''s teacher stood off to the side, arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning him and his women with the faintest hint of approval.


    Anastasia was seated near Nysa, the God-yer, who leaned back with an amused smirk. The sight of everyone together, their various conversations pausing to watch him, made Pyris chuckle internally.


    Rose stood with a tray of drinks, her ever-efficient demeanor faltering as her lips curled into a small smile.


    Julienne and Arabe sat together, and Pyris noticed how Julienne''s gaze lingered on him, her cheeks flushed, while Arabe seemed to avert her eyespletely, clearly still flustered.


    Then there was Elsa, perched on Julienne''sp, giggling at something the older woman whispered. Pyris raised a brow, wondering how the two had bonded so quickly, though it warmed him to see Elsa adapting to her new environment of alot of new people.


    Jasper, the president of the Obsidian Roar, stood chatting with Zaranrel, the incubus Pyris had personally recruited into Obsidian Entertainment under Emilia''s management. Lizzie and Esmeralda were in deep conversation near the far corner, but Pyris didn''t miss the way Lizzie''s gaze trailed after him with an intensity that made his blood heat.


    Suzie, standing near the window, caught his attention immediately. Her hungry gaze locked onto him, and Pyris couldn''t help but feel a surge of vigor, the unspoken tension between them igniting a fire within him.


    He made a mental noteter, she would be his.


    But for now, his focus was elsewhere. His sharp eyesnded on Alexa, Aurelia, Alera, Emilia, and Madeline on his side, their glow undeniable, satisfaction from rounds of sex each.


    And he had a n for tonight. After dinner, there was someone he intended to conquer. He smirked inwardly, knowing the night was far from over.


    As Pyris and his women entered the room, all attention fixated on them. Zara''s intense gaze was impossible to ignore. Her sharp, analytical eyes swept over the group, lingering on Pyris with a look that felt like both appraisal and fascination. Her lips pressed into a thin line, as if holding back words that demanded to be said.


    There was a flicker of something deeper in her stare¡ªcuriosity, perhaps even intrigue¡ªbut it was buried beneath her usualposed exterior.


    Julienne, on the other hand, couldn''t mask her emotions. She tried to seemposed, but her fingers twisted at the hem of her dress. Her wide eyes followed every movement of Pyris and his women, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.


    She looked as if she were trying to decipher something, to understand her own feelings as much as the dynamics unfolding before her. Her intense focus on him wasn''t just admiration¡ªit was yearning wrapped in hesitation.


    Astrid sat upright, her posture rigid but her expression softer. Her hands sped tightly on herp, betraying her nervous energy.


    She watched Pyris with a look that bordered on expectations, there was hope, too¡ªa desperate, silent plea she didn''t dare vocalize.


    He was her only link to her daughter, and the weight of that realization hung in the air between them.

 Chapter 337 Beg Me Mother*

    Zaranrel smirked, his pink eyes glittering. "Entertaining, certainly. But I''ve learned that in this house, it''s best to stay quiet unless you want to be the next target."


    Emberlyughed, her voice warm and rich. "Smart man. Though I doubt you''ll stay quiet for long. You incubi have a knack for... stirring things up."


    Next to him, Jasper shook his head with a chuckle. "He''s just pacing himself, Mrs. Obsidian. You know, Zaranrel loves making an entrance."


    The incubus grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "Well, I wouldn''t want to outshine the host. It''s Boss Pyris''s night, after all."


    Pyris rolled his eyes but didn''t respond, his focus briefly shifting to Julienne. She sat next to Madeline, who was animatedly chatting with Alera.


    Alexa noticed and nudged her yfully and whispered "You know, Julienne, you can just say what''s on your mind. No one here bites."


    Julienne flushed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was just... thinking about tomorrow''sunch."


    "Uh-huh," Alexa teased, raising a brow. "Sure, that''s it."


    Across the table, Anastasia smirked as she watched the interaction. She leaned toward Zara, her arms resting on the table. "Do you ever get the feeling that Julienne and Arabe are trying really hard to keep their cool?"


    Zara chuckled softly, sipping her wine. "I think we all see it, Anastasia. But let''s not make it harder for them. Pyris has a way of throwing people off bnce, doesn''t he?"


    "Like mother, like son," Anastasia quipped, her gaze flicking toward Emberly, who pretended not to hear, her gaze still on Astrid.


    Astrid, seated beside Emberly, couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy at the warmth and ease that filled the room. It had been so long since she''d been part of something like this¡ªa family, albeit an unconventional one.


    Emberly said, her tone teasing but gentle. "What? How about you stop admiring my son and tell me what''s going?"


    Astrid shook her head, offering a small smile. "Just... taking it all in. It''s been a while since I''ve seen anything like this."


    "Well, don''t hold back. Like I said... You''re one of us tonight, you''re wee." Emberly replied, raising her ss in a toast.


    The clinking of sses brought a temporary lull to the chatter, but it didn''tst long. Emilia leaned toward Aurelia, whispering something that made them both burst intoughter. Alera, ever curious, demanded to know the joke, leading to a yful back-and-forth that even Alexa couldn''t resist joining.


    Meanwhile, Lizzie and Esmeralda were deep in conversation, their discussion veering into business matters before Pyris interrupted. "Lizzie, Esmeralda, save the work talk for tomorrow. Tonight''s about unwinding."


    Esmeralda raised a brow, her tone light but with an edge of humor. "Says the man who dragged me out of the office. But fine, boss, I''ll y along."


    Even Suzie, who had been quiet most of the evening, seemed to rx as the atmosphere grew more vibrant. She caught Pyris''s eye and gave him a small smile, a rare softness in her expression.


    As the evening wore on, the conversations shifted seamlessly between lighthearted teasing and deeper topics. Nysa, seated near Zara, observed everything with a quiet intensity, her presence grounding yet enigmatic.


    "I must admit," Nysa finally said, her voice cutting through the noise, "this is... different from what I''m used to. But I can see why you all cherish it."


    "You''re part of it now," Zara said with a smirk. "Whether you like it or not, just like how I am teethered. Luckily Mira''s missing."


    The room erupted intoughter again, and for a moment, even the heavier topics and unspoken tensions seemed to fade away. It was a rare moment of unity, a glimpse of what they were fighting to protect.


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, Elsa still perchedfortably on hisp. He nced around the table, his golden eyes lingering on each face. This was his family¡ªwed,plicated, and utterly irreceable.


    And tonight, they were his to protect.


    As the dinner wound down, the conversations softened,ughter lingering in the air like the warmth of a fire. tes were cleared, sses refilled onest time, and the weight of the day seemed to settle over everyone, reced with aforting ease.


    Pyris leaned back in his chair, Elsa snuggled against him, her small hands clutching his shirt as her eyelids fluttered with sleep.


    Emberly, from her seat at the opposite end of the table, clinked her ss with a spoon, drawing everyone''s attention. "Well, I''d say that was a sessful gathering," she said, her tone light butced with the authority of the family matriarch. Her eyes met Pyris''s briefly, a flicker of mischief dancing in her gaze.


    "But, before we all call it a night, Pyris, I''d like a word with you in my office."


    The announcement drew subtle nces around the table, but no one questioned it. Anastasia smirked knowingly, while Alera leaned over to whisper something teasing to Aurelia, earning a softugh.


    Julienne and Arabe exchanged a curious look, but they quickly returned their focus to their sses, not daring to intrude.


    Pyris sighed inwardly but nodded, carefully shifting Elsa into Alera''s arms. "All right, Mother," he said, rising from his seat. He adjusted his shirt and offered a reassuring smile to the others. "Don''t get toofortable without me."


    As he walked toward the door, Emberly rose gracefully, her heels clicking against the polished floor. "Try not to keep them waiting too long," she said over her shoulder, a hint of teasing in her tone.


    Once they were gone, the conversation around the table picked up again, though itcked some of the earlier boisterous energy. Zara leaned back in her chair, watching the others with a contented smile, while Astrid silently observed the warmth of the gathering, her expression thoughtful.


    ______


    In Emberly''s office, the atmosphere shifted. The room was dimly lit, with a soft golden glow emanating from a singlemp on her desk. Emberly gestured for Pyris to take a seat as she poured herself a ss of wine from a decanter.


    "Drink?" she offered, holding up a second ss.


    "Sure," Pyris said, settling into the chair across from her. He epted the ss and took a sip, the rich vor grounding him. "So, what''s this about?"


    Emberly set her ss down and leaned against the edge of her desk, her arms crossed. "A little check-in, that''s all," she said, her voice calm but edged with something unreadable. "Tomorrow''s a big day, Pyris. I want to make sure you''re ready."


    "I''m always ready," he replied, meeting her gaze steadily.


    She studied him for a moment, her sharp eyes searching his face. "I know you are. But that''s not all, is it? You''ve been carrying a lottely¡ªtoo much, if you ask me."


    Pyris let out a shortugh, running a hand through his hair. "When have I ever had the luxury of taking it easy?"


    "Never," Emberly admitted, her lips curving into a faint smile. "But that doesn''t mean you have to shoulder everything alone. Remember, Pyris, this family doesn''t thrive because of one person. We''re strong because we stand together."


    He nodded, the weight of her words settling in his chest. "I know. And I''ll keep that in mind."


    Emberly''s smile softened, and for a moment, the sharp edge of her usual demeanor melted away. "Good. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we show the world exactly what it means to be an Obsidian."


    Pyris stood, finishing his drink and setting the ss on her desk. "Goodnight, Mother," he said, his voice warm.


    "Goodnight, Pyris," she replied, watching him leave, Emberly let out a long breath, her expression unreadable.


    Before Pyris could step out of the door, he paused at the entrance and half-turned back, his gaze steady. "Stop pretending," he said, his tone calm yet lustfullymanding. "Just go on with it."


    "Pyris¡­" her voice softened, almost a whisper. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air. Pyris understood, closing the door behind him, though he didn''t lock it.


    He walked back into the room and settled into the long leather couch, his posture casual yet deliberate.@@novelbin@@


    "Come here, mother," he said, his voice carrying an edge of authority. Strangely, she obeyed, stepping out from behind her desk.


    But instead of joining him on the couch, she leaned against the desk, her movements deliberate. She loosened the top buttons of her shirt, revealing a big teasing glimpse of her cleavage.


    "You''ve made me wait, young dragon¡­ Don''t make me wait anymore." Her red lips parted, glistening under the dim office light. Her voice, though soft, carried a note of desperation. "Come, son¡­ Take me this time, please. I''ve been waiting sincest disruption."


    Pyris didn''t move immediately. Instead, he leaned back into the couch, draping his arms along its top, one leg casually crossed over the other. His demeanor was rxed, yet his presence dominated the room.


    "A little more begging," he said with a faint smirk, his tone both teasing and challenging. Read chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Please¡­" she whispered, her voice trembling with unrestrained desire. Her resolve was crumbling.


    Finally, Pyris stood and closed the distance between them in a few strides.

 Chapter 339 Endless Holy Water**

    A surge of intense, almost electric tightness enveloped him, a sensation so invigorating it felt as though every nerve in his body had been ignited. It wasn''t just pleasure¡ªit was pure vitality, a rejuvenating force coursing through him like molten energy.


    Pyris felt his breath hitch, his senses sharpening as the world around him dissolved into insignificance, leaving only this singr, overwhelming connection between them.


    By the time they reached the bed, its silken sheets embraced their bare skin like a whisper of luxury. The cool fabric clung to their heated bodies, a striking contrast that sent shivers cascading down their spines. The mattress, plush yet supportive, seemed to mold to their forms, cradling their movements with an almost sentientfort.


    Each shift, each brush of skin against the smooth surface heightened the intimacy, blurring the line between indulgence and unrestrained desire.


    "Ahhh~~ So deep inside me, Pyris~~" Emberly''s breathless moan shattered the fragile silence. Her words carried an unmistakable mix of longing and satisfaction. Pyris couldn''t help but smirk, his gaze locked on the heavenly sight before him. Her pink lips trembled, her body trembling as he filled her entirely, her warmth enveloping him with a tightness that hadn''t known another man until now.


    She clung to him, her arms wrapped tightly around his back, her nails digging in as if anchoring herself to the moment. Pyris flipped her effortlessly, cing her on top of him. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her gaze burned with passion as she leaned in to kiss him. The kiss wasn''t rushed but intense¡ªa fiery exchange of hunger and need.


    Her hands roamed over his back, while his own moved to cradle her waist, his fingers grazing her skin.


    When their lips parted, Emberly gasped, her chest heaving, and Pyris took a moment to savor her fully. His lips moved from her mouth to her neck, leaving a trail of heat as he kissed down to her corbone. His hands, now bold, imed her breasts, cupping their fullness and eliciting soft moans that encouraged him further.


    "Our rtionship will change after this, mother." Pyris murmured against Emberly tried to respond, but all that escaped her lips were soft whimpers as his touch pushed her closer to the edge of control.


    "I don''t care," she whispered shakily, her thighs quivering as his hands explored her body. "Just don''t stop."


    Her entire body felt alive, every nerve alight, as Pyris''s fingers found her clit, teasing her mercilessly.


    "Ahhh~~ Pyris!" she cried, her back arching, her hips pressing instinctively against him. The slick warmth of her desire drove him further, his movements precise and relentless.


    When she couldn''t take it anymore, Emberly pushed him back, her strength surprising even him. She positioned herself on all fours, her body trembling with anticipation. "Take me from behind," she begged breathlessly, her voice husky. "Now, my baby unstoppable dragon."


    Pyris grinned, his gaze trailing over her wless form. Her hips swayed seductively as she presented herself, her words igniting something primal within him. "Still calling me baby, huh?" he teased before delivering a sharp p to her round, perfect ass.


    The sound echoed through the room, followed by Emberly''s moan of approval.


    "Y-you''re... you''re my baby Cursed Dragon," she pleaded, her voice dripping with need.


    Pyris didn''t hesitate. He guided himself into her waiting heat, the tightness drawing a guttural groan from his lips. Emberly''s head fell forward, her hair spilling over the sheets as her body arched in pleasure.


    "Ohhh~~ so deep," she moaned, her voice muffled but unrestrained. Pyris''s movements were steady at first, his hands roaming over her hips, her waist, and her back, savoring every inch of her.


    Leaning forward, he kissed the curve of her spine, his lips lingering on her skin as he drove her closer to the edge.


    The rhythm of their bodies intensified, the sound of their connection filling the room. Emberly''s moans grew louder, her hands clutching at the sheets as if trying to ground herself against the overwhelming pleasure.


    "You''re incredibly beautiful mother, I am fire just looking at this body, and you''re squeezing me so much," Pyris growled, his voice raw.


    Emberly turned her head slightly, her face flushed, her eyes zed with desire. "Don''t stop, Pyris. Harder¡­ harder¡­" she begged, her voice breaking as her body moved in sync with his.


    When she couldn''t hold back anymore, she pushed him down onto the bed, taking control.


    She straddled him, her hips moving with an urgency that left him breathless. Her breasts bounced with every movement, and Pyris''s hands reached up to hold them, his fingers kneading their softness.


    "You''re insatiable," he murmured, his voice tinged with awe.


    Emberly''s lips curved into a wicked smile. " Only you can make me like this and see this side of me... And you love it," she shot back, her pace quickening.


    Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, the heat between them building to an almost unbearable intensity. Pyris''s head fell back against the pillows, his hands gripping her waist as she rode him like a woman possessed.


    Emberly''s cries filled the air, her climax building with every second.


    "I''m close~~," she shock, her voice trembling.


    "I know," Pyris replied, his body responding to her tightening around him. "Let it go, mother, cum for me. Cum on your son''s cock~."


    Emberly''s breath hitched, her chest rising and falling in uneven waves as her body surrendered to the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. Her body and pussy felt impossibly sensitive, every touch sparking like electricity, igniting fires that burned deeper and hotter with each moment.


    Her fingers gripped the sheets, knuckles white, as tremors spread through her limbs, her muscles tightening in anticipation.


    A knot of pleasure coiled low in her belly, twisting tighter and tighter with every movement, every breathless whisper. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, drowning out all sound except the pulse of her desire. A sweet ache built in her core, radiating outward, until it was all she could feel¡ªraw, unrelenting, and irresistible.


    Her moans becau nome louder and breathier, broken by gasps as the tension reached its breaking point, teetering on the edge of release.G


    A trembling warmth built deep within Emberly, coiling tighter with every increased movement. The tension was unbearable, her breath hitching as her nails dug into Pyris''s back.


    "AHH... OOOHHHH SON~~~" When the wave finally broke, it was like a dam bursting, flooding her body with an all-epassing heat.


    Her head fell back, a cry escaping her lips¡ªraw and unrestrained¡ªas her entire body convulsed with pleasure. Her thighs tightened around him instinctively, holding him close as the sensation rippled through her in powerful, unrelenting waves. The world around her disappeared; there was only him, only this moment.


    Pyris felt the shift too, her body tightening around him like a vice, drawing him deeper into the storm of her release. The sensation was his undoing. Heat surged through him, radiating from his core as his muscles clenched involuntarily.


    His breath hitched, a deep groan escaping as the tension finally shattered.


    The tense in Emberly''s body spiraled higher with next thrust of her hips, every touch on her breasts felt like a violin string wound too tightly. Her breaths came in short, uneven gasps, mingling with the wet, rhythmic sounds of their movements. Pyris''s grip on her hips tightened but her breasts were never free, pulling her closer, and she felt every inch of his cock inside her, every pulse as it twitched, every surge of blood and cum.


    The heat pooling in her belly turned molten, spreading through her veins like liquid fire.


    "Pyris¡­ I¡ª" Her voice broke into a desperate cry as the pressure had finally shattered but tidal wave of ecstasy continued surge through her, her body convulsing as her endless climax overtook herpletely. Sharp moans grew louder from her lips, trembling and raw, as her thighs locked around him, her entire body trembling uncontrobly.


    The sensation of her tightening around him on her endless squirting, Pyris hurtling over the edge.


    His breath hitched, and a deep, guttural groan tore from his throat. The release was like a dam breaking inside him, white-hot pleasure shooting through his body in powerful waves. "Emberly¡ª" he gasped, his voice hoarse with the weight of his release.@@novelbin@@


    Their cries intertwined, echoing in the room, a symphony of raw, unfiltered passion. Pyris buried his face in the curve of her neck, his body trembling as shudders of pleasure rippled through them both. Emberly clung to him, her chest rising and falling in sync with his as the world slowly returned, leaving only the hum of shared satisfaction and the sound of their mingled breaths filling the silence.


    But neither wanted to stop moving, neither wanted to stop fucking each other. He flipped her onto the bed now under him.


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    She wanted to protest but Emberly''s body betrayed herpletely, trembling and convulsing as wave after wave of pleasure crashed through her like a relentless storm.


    Each thrust from Pyris sent another shockwave rippling through her still squirting pussy and she cried out, her voice breaking as she gasped for air. "Pyris¡­ I can''t¡­ I''m¡­" the pleasure was something else.


    Her words dissolved into incoherent moans as her holy water continued to tore through her again, unstoppable, like a broken dam flooding everything in its path.


    Pyris felt like giant dancing in the clenching of the broken dam.


    Her walls of her pussy clenched around him uncontrobly, drawing him deeper into her endless ecstasy. Pyris groaned, his head falling back as he surrendered to the overwhelming heat of her body.


    His own release never ended, raw and unrelenting, as if every nerve in his body ignited at once. This was the first time Pyris had ever came two minutes nonstop... Also the first time he had ever seen a woman squirt endlessly.

 Chapter 340 Change He Cant Control

    Her walls of her pussy clenched around him uncontrobly, drawing him deeper into her endless ecstasy. Pyris groaned, his head falling back as he surrendered to the overwhelming heat of her body. His own release never ended, raw and unrelenting, as if every nerve in his body ignited at once.


    He gritted his teeth, trying to steady himself, but her tightness and the way her pussy pulled his dick in drove him past the edge, again and again.


    "Mother¡­" he gasped, his voice thick with desire and exhaustion. His hips moved with an instinctive urgency, unable to stop even as his release surged through him repeatedly. His body trembled with every pulse, each one stronger than thest, filling him with a sensation so powerful it left him breathless.


    Together, they were caught in a loop of raw passion, their bodies refusing to let go of the moment. Emberly''s nails raked down his back as she cried out, her head thrown back, her body trembling uncontrobly beneath him. Pyris felt every of her endless climax ripple through her, gripping him tightly, and he followed her again, his release merging with hers like two rivers converging into one.


    The room was filled with their sounds¡ªher desperate moans, his guttural groans, the rhythm of their movements, and the sheer intensity of their passion.


    It was endless, all-consuming, as if time had no meaning.


    They didn''t stop. Pyris and Emberly continued, moving seamlessly from one position to another, exploring each other with unrestrained passion. Each thrust brought a new wave of sensation, their bodies perfectly attuned, their movements synchronized in a way that felt almost otherworldly.


    Emberly''s moans grew softer but no less fervent as Pyris maintained his relentless rhythm.


    She clung to him, her nails digging into his back, her breathsing in short, trembling gasps. Even her strength, honed over decades, wasn''t enough to keep up with Pyris''s unyielding stamina.


    Finally, her body gave in, trembling as she copsed into the bed her forehead pressed to his chest. "I can''t¡­ you''re¡­ unstoppable," she whispered between breaths, her voiceced with awe and exhaustion.


    Pyris smiled softly, brushing damp strands of hair from her face. "Rest, Emberly," he murmured, his tone gentle now. He lifted her carefully, shifting her to lie beside him on the bed.


    Theyy together, her head nestled against his chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her. The warmth of their shared body heat and the lingering glow of their intimacy filled the room.


    Emberly''s fingers tracedzy circles on his skin as she whispered, "I love you, son¡­ my everything. You''re everything to me and I love you more than I ever thought possible."


    He kissed her forehead tenderly, his lips lingering for a moment. "And I''ll keep giving you more. You''re everything to me too, my mother... my woman."


    Her breathing slowed, her body rxingpletely as sleep began to im her. Her final words came out in a soft murmur, barely audible. "I''m so lucky¡­ so lucky to have you. And I''m so scared of losing you."


    "I am not going anywhere," he said but she''d already fallen into slumber. Pyris held her closer, his gaze softening as he watched her drift off. The night, filled with passion and love, ended with a quiet, shared peace.


    The bond between them felt unshakable, a connection that would carry them through whatever challengesy ahead.


    As Emberly slept soundly in his arms, Pyris''s gaze drifted across the grand expanse of her bedroom. The room was an intricate blend of modern elegance and ancient opulence, reflecting Emberly''s unique personality and history.


    Smooth, polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of enchanted sconces on the walls, their golden light casting intricate shadows that danced across the space. The walls themselves were adorned with subtle carvings of ancient sigils, each one a quiet nod to the Obsidian family''s storied legacy.


    Yet, between these relics of a bygone era, sleek panels of modern technology were seamlessly integrated, hinting at the cutting-edge world they lived in.


    A massive four-poster bed dominated the center of the room, its dark wood etched with swirling patterns that seemed almost alive.


    Heavy silk drapes, embroidered with faintly glowing threads, hung from the canopy, adding an air of mystique. The sheets beneath them were luxuriously soft, their deep crimson hue contrasting sharply with the ck and gold tones of the room. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    To one side, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the sprawling Obsidian estate, the moonlight spilling through to bathe the room in a silvery glow. Opposite the windows, an ornate hearth crackled quietly with a magical me that emitted warmth without smoke, casting flickering light across a collection of priceless artifacts disyed on shelves carved into the stone.


    Despite its grandeur, the room felt intimate and deeply personal, filled with subtle touches that spoke of Emberly''s character¡ªa stack of worn books on a nightstand, a delicate vase filled with freshly cut flowers, and a single, framed photograph of her and her children on a nearby desk.


    Pyris smiled faintly, his eyes lingering on the details. The room was a perfect encapstion of who his mother was: a woman deeply tied to her ancient roots yet boldly striding into the future. It was a ce of power, beauty, and warmth¡ªa sanctuary befitting the matriarch of the Obsidian family.


    He adjusted the covers around Emberly, ensuring she wasfortable before resting his head back against the pillows.


    The weight of the night''s events settled over him, but the atmosphere of the room, much like Emberly herself, was a soothing presence that allowed him to finally close his eyes and drift into a peaceful sleep.


    Pyris leaned down, brushing a gentle kiss against Emberly''s forehead. "Good night, Mother," he whispered softly. She stirred at the warmth of his lips, hershes fluttering briefly before her arms instinctively wrapped around him.


    Her naked form clung to his, her head nestling against his chest as a contented sigh escaped her lips.


    Even in sleep, there was something tender in the way she held him, like she never wanted to let go. Pyris felt the familiar weight of her love, a love that transcended any boundary or expectation.


    For a few minutes, hey there, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Her embrace was warm and protective, a reminder of how deeply they were connected. His heart ached with unspoken emotion, but he knew he couldn''t linger.


    Gently, he peeled himself away, careful not to wake her.


    He made his way to the adjoining bathroom, the soft click of the door barely audible over the quiet hum of the magical sconces lining the walls.


    In the bathroom, the soft glow of light strips embedded in the sleek ck marble walls casting a subtle warmth. It was modern, clean, yet undeniably expensive with its understated elegance. The shower stood in the center, encased in frosted ss, its chrome fixtures gleaming under the light.@@novelbin@@


    As he nced around, his eyesnded on the counter, where neatly folded towels sat beside a row of Emberly''s personal items. But what caught his attention wasn''t the scented bottles or the delicateb. It was the small pile in the corner¡ªher lingerie.


    A deep crimsonce thong rested on top, its intricate design unmistakably seductive. Beside ity a matching bra, delicate and inviting, as though it carried her essence. The sight was enough to pull him back to moments earlier¡ªthe warmth of her pussy wall around him, her voice in his ear, the way she''d wrapped herself around him like he was her entire world.


    His throat tightened, his dragon stirring at the memory. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to look away. But the scent of her lingered faintly in the air, mingling with the steam beginning to rise as he turned on the shower.


    Stepping inside, the hot water cascaded over him, washing away the remnants of the night''s passion. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to focus on the sensation of the water against his skin, his thoughts kept drifting back to her.


    The towel hanging on the hook, the faint mark of her lipstick on the ss¡ªeverything in this space was her. It made his pulse quicken, his mind betraying him with vivid memories of her touch, her taste, her surrender.


    "Get it together," Pyris muttered under his breath, running his hands through his wet hair as he stood beneath the stream.


    He finished quickly, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his waist.


    As he stepped out, the lingering sight of her lingerie caught his eye once more, making his heart thud against his ribs. With a quiet sigh, he shook his head and turned away, knowing he needed to distance himself from the temptation.


    Pyris left the bathroom, paused at the door, his eyes involuntarily drawn back to the bed. The covers had shifted off Emberly''s body, leaving her naked form bathed in the soft glow of moonlight streaming through the window. His throat tightened, a deep gulp betraying his struggle as his gaze traced every curve¡ªher toned back, the soft swell of her hips, and the dip of her waist leading to her wless ass.


    Compelled by some unseen force, Pyris stepped closer, his breath uneven. His hand reached out, hesitating for a moment before his fingers lightly trailed along the curve of her ass and up her back.

 Chapter 341 Harem?

    His hand reached out, hesitating for a moment before his fingers lightly trailed along the curve of her ass and up her back. Her skin was warm and smooth under his touch, and he shivered at the intimate contact.


    Emberly stirred slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she shifted onto her back.


    Pyris froze. His breath caught as her body turned, revealing the full glory of her toned stomach and the generous curve of her breasts rising and falling with each peaceful breath.


    His mouth went dry, the urge to lower his lips to her skin¡ªjust one taste¡ªalmost overwhelming. His body screamed at him to indulge, to press his mouth to her soft flesh and lose himself once again.


    "No," he whispered to himself, shaking his head as if to banish the thought. Pyris quickly straightened, dragging his gaze away with great effort.


    He stepped back, hurriedly dressing in silence. Without another nce, he teleported away, leaving the tempting vision of Emberly behind as the lingering warmth of her body remained etched in his mind.


    Pyris stepped into his room and quickly threw on a in ck shirt and some joggers, ruffling his hair with his fingers to at least look semi-presentable. He sighed, ncing at his reflection in the mirror.


    "Alright, time to see what fresh chaos awaits," he muttered under his breath before making his way downstairs.


    The moment he descended into the living room, he was hit with a wave of loud music,ughter, and the faint aroma of wine. The scene before him looked like a chaotic sleepover from an alternate universe. Women everywhere. Alexa and Alera were in the middle of the room, dancing like they didn''t have a care in the world, wine sses in hand.


    Emilia and Aurelia wereughing on the couch, practically spilling their drinks, while Suzie and Julienne were trying to convince Madeline to join the impromptu dance party.


    Nysa, Zara, Astrid, and his teacher, though, were a different vibe. They were seated at the far side of the room, sipping their wine with an air of calmness, their asional chuckles showing they were enjoying the spectacle as much as the rest. Rose sat beside them, doing her best to look dignified but asionally ncing at the dancers like she wanted to join.


    "Pyris!" Alexa''s voice cut through the chaos like a beacon. She and Alera spun toward him, their faces lighting up. "Get over here!"


    Before he could process what was happening, they grabbed his arms, dragging him into the center of the room. "You''rete!" Alera pouted dramatically, shoving a ss of wine into his hand.


    "Late to what?" Pyris asked, looking around at the madness. "This looks like a very illegal sorority party."


    "It''s girls'' night, duh," Emilia chimed in, tossing her hair back with a smirk. "You just happen to be the one guy we decided to allow."@@novelbin@@


    "Lucky me," Pyris muttered, sipping his wine. He raised an eyebrow at Alexa, who was twirling like she was auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. "This normal behavior for you?"


    "Absolutely," she shot back, winking. "Now, sit down and stop being such a buzzkill."


    Astrid, sitting on the couch with Zara, lifted her ss toward Pyris. "Where''s your mother? Did she finally run out of energy to terrorize us all?"


    Pyris smirked. "She''s sleeping. Long day of plotting world domination, I guess."


    "Sounds about right," Zara replied, taking a sip of her wine.


    "Eh, who cares about her right now?" Emilia interrupted, swirling her ss. "Pyris, you''re here now, and we''ve got wine and music. That''s all that matters."


    Madeline rolled her eyes from her spot on the couch. "And by ''music,'' you mean this... whatever this is." She gestured to the speaker sting a bass-heavy remix that felt like it was shaking the entire house.


    "Don''t be such a prude, Maddie!" Julienneughed, nudging her with her elbow.


    "Yeah, Maddie," Suzie added with a yful grin. "Loosen up! Look at Alexa, she''s living her best life."


    The girls burst intoughter as Alexa attempted an overly dramatic belly dance, stumbling a little as her wine ss threatened to spill. Pyris shook his head, half-amused, half-exasperated. "You guys are insane." But he was d that they werefortable with each other, Madeline and Suzie were now feeling morefortable and at home.


    "Correction: we''re fun," Alera chimed in, dragging him closer to the center. "Now, either you join the dance floor, or you sit there and look pretty while we entertain you."


    Pyris raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I''ll just sit here and let you all embarrass yourselves." He plopped onto the couch next to Zara and Nysa, who were both watching the chaos unfold with quiet amusement.


    Zara smirked at him. "You''re handling this better than I thought. Surrounded by all this estrogen and still keeping your cool?"


    "Barely," Pyris quipped, taking another sip of his wine. "Though I can''t lie¡ªit''s a little entertaining."


    Astrid leaned back, chuckling softly. "This reminds me of when we used to have royal banquets, but way less formal and way more... insane."


    "I think it''s charming," Nysa chimed in, her calm voice contrasting with the chaos around them. "There''s something refreshing about this kind of uninhibited energy."


    Pyris nced at the dancers, now attempting some synchronized moves that were definitely not synchronized. He couldn''t help butugh. "Charming is one word for it."


    Meanwhile, Alexa and Emilia grabbed Suzie and dragged her into the mix, much to her protest. "I don''t dance!" Suzieined, though her half-smile betrayed her.


    "You do now!" Alexa dered, spinning her around.


    The room erupted intoughter again, and Pyris leaned back into the couch, shaking his head. "This is going to be a long night."


    _____


    The chaos in the room didn''t show any signs of dying down, but there was a subtle shift in the air¡ªa current of energy that Pyris couldn''t ignore. As Alexa plopped herself onto the couch beside him, a little too close for it to be casual, he caught the faintest glimmer of something mischievous in her silver eyes.


    "Pyris," she began, leaning just enough for her shoulder to brush his. "You''ve been awfully quiet. Don''t tell me we''re too much for you?" Her tone was yful, but there was a teasing edge that made him raise an eyebrow.


    "I think it''s more that I''m trying to survive this madness," Pyris replied, smirking as he swirled the wine in his ss. "But if you''re offering to rescue me, feel free."


    Alexa''s lips curled into a sly smile. "Who said anything about rescuing you? Maybe I just want to see how far you can keep that cool facade of yours."


    Across the room, Alera, who''d clearly been watching the exchange, slid over with her own ss of wine.


    She draped herself casually on the armrest beside him, her golden eyes sparkling with mirth. "Alexa, don''t hog him all to yourself," she teased, her voice low and honeyed. "You know we all missed him equally."


    Emilia, never one to be left out, sauntered over with a yful flick of her hair. "Missed him? That''s putting it lightly." She perched on the other side of the couch, her arm draping over the back, her fingers brushing against his shoulder. "We were practically counting the seconds for him to get back."


    Pyris chuckled nervously, feeling the heat rise in the room. "You all are acting like I''ve been gone for years," he quipped, trying to keep his tone light. "It''s been a couple of days."


    Madeline, lounging nearby, arched an eyebrow and joined the growing circle around him. "Hours, days, what''s the difference?" she said, her voice soft but teasing. "You know we can''t go too long without you. And for me it''s been weeks not days Mr."


    Even Julienne, who had been trying to keep a low profile, found herself inching closer, her cheeks flushed as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt. Her gaze darted between the other women and Pyris before finally settling on him.


    "They''re not wrong," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the music.


    The atmosphere grew thicker, a heady mix ofughter, teasing words, and unspoken tension. Alera leaned closer, her fingers brushing against his knee. "Come on, Pyris," she said, her tone light but her gaze intense. "Admit it. You missed us too."


    Pyris met her gaze, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Maybe a little," he said, his voice low, earning a softugh from Alexa.


    As the music continued to thrum in the background, the group''s yful banter edged closer to something more intimate. Zara and Astrid exchanged nces from their corner, Zara shaking her head with a knowing smile. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Poor Pyris," Zara murmured, lifting her ss to her lips. "He doesn''t stand a chance."


    The party had gone on for hours, but the once lively atmosphere had settled into a quiet hum of exhaustion. Most of the women, wine-zed and barely able to keep their eyes open, had sprawled across the couches or nestled into armchairs, theirughter reced by soft murmurs and asional giggles.


    Pyris looked around the room, shaking his head with a fond smile. They hadn''t even used their powers to sober up; they were all genuinely, thoroughly drunk.


    With a sigh, he started the process of getting everyone to bed. One by one, he gently scooped them up, their bodies limp with sleep or swaying with drowsy contentment as he guided them to their rooms. Alexa leaned on him heavily, mumbling something incoherent about how he always smelled so nice.


    He chuckled, tucking her into her bed before moving on to Alera, who muttered in protest about not wanting the night to end.


    But Pyris was kidding himself if he thought the night was over, not when someone was waiting.

 Chapter 343 Soft Start

    The TV flickered again, and without either of them saying anything, the cheesy anime gave way to something more... real. The screen now disyed an adult film, the kind with explicit content that was no longer censored, but just... there. The sudden shift was jarring, and Zara''s eyes widened for a moment, but Pyris didn''t seem to mind, still leaning back casually, as though it was nothing.


    Zara shifted awkwardly in her seat, not sure how to react. It felt weird. Too personal, too intense. She didn''t even know why they were watching this¡ªprobably just mindless distraction, right? But now she was hyper-aware of every inch of Pyris beside her.


    She had been trying to ignore it, but his presence was overwhelming. Every movement he made, the way his hand rested on the back of the couch so nonchntly... His energy filled the room, practically making her feel heat spread across her skin.


    Her gaze darted from the screen to his side profile, a faint tension in the air that she couldn''t shake. Pyris wasn''t even looking at her¡ªhe was staring ahead, eyes focused on the screen. But she couldn''t help it. Her eyes dropped to his lips again, the shape of them, how his jaw moved when he spoke, the way his lips parted slightly as he exhaled.


    Her heart was beating a little faster now. The space between them felt so... charged.


    Zara didn''t even realize how close her face hade to his until she felt the warmth of his skin, a breath away. Her breath hitched in her throat, and she could feel the space between them shrinking. She didn''t know if it was his scent, his presence, or just the way her body was reacting to everything happening around them, but suddenly, she couldn''t think straight.


    It wasn''t until his eyes flickered to hers that the moment snapped into ce. Pyris''s gaze was deep, intense, and Zara''s breath caught. His lips were mere inches away now, and despite the heat she felt in her chest, she didn''t pull back.


    She didn''t know why. Her face heated, her pulse quickened. She broke the spell!


    "Uh¡­ the hell?" she muttered, shifting in her seat.


    Pyris barely reacted, just leaning back like this was the most normal thing in the world. "Huh. Didn''t expect that."


    Zara side-eyed him. "Didn''t expect it? You''re not even gonna try and change the damn thing?"


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    He shrugged. "Why? You seem invested."


    She scoffed. "Invested? You''re out of your damn mind."


    But even as she said it, her eyes betrayed her. She wasn''t looking at the screen anymore¡ªno, her focus hadpletely shifted to him. The way he was just sitting there, all casual and unbothered, like the tension in the room wasn''t suddenly suffocating.


    The glow from the screen cast shadows over his face, sharpening his features, highlighting the curve of his jaw, the shape of his lips. And damn it, why was she even noticing this right now?


    Zara swallowed.


    Her heart was beating faster, her body heating up in a way she wasn''t sure had anything to do with the movie ying in front of them.


    She shifted again, but this time, her movement brought her a little closer¡ªjust a breath away from Pyris.


    She hadn''t even realized it.


    And then, he turned his head again away from the TV, he didn''t tease her this time...


    Their eyes met.


    Her breath hitched, and suddenly, she was hyper-aware of everything. The warmth of his skin. The way his lips parted slightly, like he was about to say something but never did.


    He just watched her,pletely still. Like he was waiting.


    Her breathing grew shallow.


    Her lips parted just slightly.


    And then¡ª


    "So," Pyris said suddenly, his voice low and smooth,pletely unfazed. "You really enjoy that show, huh?"


    Zara blinked.


    For a second, she just sat there, her mind short-circuiting. Then, she jerked back like she''d just been burned.


    "What? No! I¡ª" she stammered, running a hand through her hair like that would help get rid of the heat in her face. "It''s just¡ªuh¡ªbad timing. Yeah. Bad timing."


    Pyris smirked, stretching out like nothing had happened. "Uh-huh. Sure."


    Zara groaned, covering her face. "Fuck off."


    He chuckled but didn''t push it.


    But as she sat there, heart still hammering, Zara realized something.


    She had almost kissed him.


    And the worst part?


    She wasn''t even sure she regretted it.


    Zara huffed, crossing her arms. "Alright, that''s enough."


    Pyris barely looked away from the screen. "Enough of what?"


    She rolled her eyes. "Enough of this... whatever the hell this is. I swear, if I have to sit through one more overly dramatic love scene, I might actually throw up."


    Pyris smirked. "So dramatic. You could just look away, you know."


    Zara scoffed. "Or I could just take the remote and change it myself."


    Pyris leaned back, holding the remote up just out of her reach. "You could try."


    That was all the challenge she needed.


    "Oh,e on, Pyris. Just give it to me."


    Pyris smirked, stretching his arm farther away. "Not happening. I was watching that."


    Zara scoffed. "You mean you were sitting there like some emotionless statue while softcore porn yed in the background?"


    He shrugged. "And?"


    She groaned. "Alright, that''s it."


    A flicker of light danced at her fingertips as she summoned a tiny burst of magic, attempting to snatch the remote from his grasp.


    But Pyris, ever the menace, countered instantly. His own energy surged, dark tendrils wrapping around the remote, pulling it back toward him.


    Zara gasped. "Oh, so we''re doing this now?"


    He grinned. "You started it."


    She raised a brow, and without warning, a soft glow surrounded her. The remote slipped from his grasp, floating gracefully toward her hand.


    Pyris tsked, flicking his wrist. Shadows coiled around the remote, yanking it right back.


    Zara''s jaw dropped. "Did you just¡ª"@@novelbin@@


    "Yep," he said smugly.


    She narrowed her eyes, gripping the air. The remote jolted in his hand, fighting against his grip.


    Pyris yawned, actingpletely unbothered while casually holding it in ce with his own power.


    "Okay, asshole," Zara muttered under her breath. With a snap of her fingers, the lights in the room flickered wildly. The remote jerked free from his hand, darting toward her.


    Pyris smirked and raised his fingers. A sudden force knocked the remote sideways mid-air, sending it spiraling across the room.


    "Oh, you little¡ª!"


    Zara lunged after it, a blur of magic and motion. Pyris moved at the same time.


    They both reached for it.


    And then¡ª


    CRASH.


    Zara collided into Pyris with enough force to send them both toppling onto the couch.


    The remote ttered uselessly to the floor.


    Zara barely had time to register what happened before she found herself straddling him, her hands pressed against his chest, her breathing fast.

 Chapter 345 How To Trap a Witch 3**

    Reaching her thighs through her clothes, Pyris caressed her, his hands acting as yet another intoxicating effect¡ªwhich in sense they are¡ªone that made Zara spiral deeper into lust. She growled, her tongue surging into his mouth with fervent desperation.


    Pyris was battling on two fronts¡ªdominating her tongue in a relentless duel as they indulged in each other''s taste, while his other hand waged war elsewhere...


    "Ahh~~" Zara broke their ravenous kiss with a high-pitched moan. Pyris didn''t relent¡ªnot when there was a sex-starved witch in his grasp, desperate to be tamed. His hands, already exploring beneath her loose garments, ventured deeper along her inner thighs.


    "You''re so warm. How do you keep this heat burning through the night, witch~?" His craftsmanship was impable¡ªso utterly merciless that Zara could only respond with more helpless moans.


    And truly, a man could never hope for a better reply. Let alone a lustful dragon. Let alone the Champion of Lust himself. He smirked, wondering if Lilith was enjoying the fruits of his influence.


    "I bet she is."


    But this was no time for idle musings. Pyris''s other mischievous hand slithered downward.


    **aaap!**


    "So full¡­ How do you keep this big plump ass on such a petite figure?" He gave it a light squeeze, savoring how his fingers sank effortlessly into her supple flesh.


    "Ahh~ don''t tease me, Pyris~~" she whimpered, hiding her face in his neck. Embarrassment warred with the heat consuming her body, but her arousal outweighed all else. His hands showed no restraint, gripping her ass with firm possession and delving even deeper between her thighs.


    "To think... the ever-uptight, mischievous witch could be this cute..." Pyris grinned wickedly before lunging for her neck, his lips tracing a sensual path downward. He trailed kisses along her delicate skin, descending toward her chest¡ªstill shielded from his lustful gaze.


    "They must be craving a touch," he murmured.


    After a passionate sex with his mother, this time Pyris wanted something different¡ªsomething more yful. Just as every woman had a preference for size of his cock and technique, each had a distinct way of surrendering. And Zara? She was no equal-opportunity lover like Emberly¡ªno, she thrived in submission.


    With one hand free¡ªunfortunately or fortunately¡ªhe reached out and bared the upper half of her body. She hadn''t bothered with a bra.


    "So perfect¡­ They look absolutely inviting, Zara~"


    Her pale breasts stood firm, perky, with aresrger than most¡ªan enticing contrast to her hardened peaks.


    "They... They''ve been maintained with life magictely~," she admitted shyly, only to regret it instantly as she covered herself with both arms. Where was the bold and yful witch now? Before him stood a maiden¡ªcoy and vulnerable.


    "Is that so? No wonder they''re practically calling out to me~ Were you looking forward to this moment?" He wasted no time, diving into the feastid before him.


    "Haaaaahhhh~~ Pyris, haaah, gentle¡­ But it feels so good¡­"


    It took less than a second for herposure to shatter. Pyris ravished her with a hunger befitting his title, ensuring that every inch of her sensitive peaks was at his mercy. The storm of lust had begun.


    Between her legs, his fingers ventured further¡ªuntil they found it.


    "Uh-huh~¡­ Commando? Were you expecting this tonight?"


    Indeed, she had gone without undergarments. His fingers had reached the damp, sultry heat of her core¡ªa slightly hairy yet thoroughly drenched haven.


    "To think..." Before he could continue, she captured his lips in a feverish kiss, yanking his upper body closer.


    His godly physique¡ªno, even godly was an inadequate word to describe Pyris¡ªstood on full disy. Zara''s gaze lingered, her eyes drinking in his perfection before she resumed her worship, trailing kisses along his torso between breathy moans. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire@@novelbin@@


    Pyris''s fingers remained buried inside her, working her open. Not for long, though.


    "Hah," he exhaled, a deep, satisfied sound. "There she is¡­ my ravenous little witch. Yes¡­ go on."


    Through some arcane trick¡ªonly the heavens knew how¡ªZara was suddenlypletely bare. Not one to be outdone, she burned his clothes away with a flicker of magic.


    They locked eyes, as if acknowledging a draw.


    Her shifting demeanor delighted him. One moment submissive, the next a bold woman who knew exactly what she wanted. And what she wanted was¡ª


    "Fuck me. Fuck me so hard, Pyris!"


    Ah. The beauty of a MILF¡ªeverything was smooth sailing.


    But¡ª


    SLAPPPPP!


    "Here, Zara, you take orders. You don''t issue them. Understood?!"


    She nodded meekly, her fire momentarily doused.


    Satisfied, Pyris seized her and positioned her onto the couch, her legs dangling over the edge. A surprised moan slipped from her lips as he spread her open and got down on one knee.


    His mouth descended.


    "Mmmhh~ such a rich scent and taste~" Pyris grinned against her core. This witch certainly knew how to care for herself. Did she use magic on it? Whatever.


    His tongue dove in, his hands iming her breasts and ass as he devoured her without mercy.


    "Hooooohhhhh~~ Pyrisssss~"


    She instinctively bucked against him, her hands pressing against his head, urging him deeper.


    Pyris felt no difort and eagerly worked with the setting. Zara was utterly lost in pleasure, moaning as his hands explored her with surgical precision. He didn''t need supernatural abilities to know every sensitive inch of her body.


    But tonight¡­ he decided to try something new.


    For the first time, he unleashed an ability none of his other women had experienced. And Zara? She was the lucky one.


    "Fuuuckkkkkkk~~~~" Her entire body trembled. "I''m cum¡ª"


    She never finished before a torrential release of love honey flooded his mouth.


    His elongated, serpentine tongue coiled inside her, writhing like a tentacle. This¡ªthis was what had sent her over the edge instantly.


    ¡ª


    Zara nodded in approval, but uncertainty lingered in her eyes as she gazed at the monstrosity before her. Could that truly fit inside her?


    Still, the greedy witch wanted it. Needed it. Big. Thick. Hard. Veiny. Scorching. What more could she ask for?


    Pyris smirked and leaned forward.


    "Hahhh¡­ It hurts!" She cried out, wincing as she clung to him.


    Yes. Zara was a virgin.


    Who else but the Champion of Lust could im something so precious from the proud and arrogant witch?


    He leaned down, kissing her deeply as he pushed further, feeling the resistance of untouched flesh. A century-old hymen¡ªhis for the taking.


    "Haaaaaaahhhhhh~~"


    Pain and pleasure ripped through her body as she squeezed him impossibly tight, her walls gripping him like a vice as a trickle of crimson marked her surrender.


    The witch was his.


    The witch was his. From the moment she had epted a favor from the former Pyris¡ªthen found herself bound to repay it when the current Pyris came to collect¡ªher fate had been sealed. Through their perilous journey into thebyrinth, Zara had never truly stood a chance.


    Zara had been destined to fall.


    Or rather¡­ to belong to him.


    How to Trap a Witch¡ªindeed.


    _____


    There are chapters I write with the intention of continuing them in the future, and How to Trap a Witch 1 was one of them! This was the final part, bringing Zara''s journey to its destined conclusion¡ªto where I wanted her.

 Chapter 346 RUIN—The Sealed Force**

    PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH!


    "Ohhh... Yes, yes, yes... Haaaahh... That''s the spot!"


    *p.*


    "Oh yeah... p my witchy ass harder... Oh, you''re hitting the spot¡ªhaaah, hah, hah, I can''t... Oh... I''m cumming~~~"


    "Yes, cum for Daddy, let it all out..."


    Such were the sounds echoing through the living room of the dignified Dragon Empire Duchess''s estate as her son fucked a witch from behind¡ªbothpletely naked. Meanwhile, the said duchessy in her bedroom, utterly spent after the same dragon had ravaged her until exhaustion imed her.


    Pyris held Zara firmly, one hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her into each punishing thrust.


    His hips crashed against her, his cock mining whatever divine nectar was hidden deep within the milf witch''s cave. At the entrance of that same cave, his other hand yed with her clit, driving Zara wild with overstimtion.


    This was their third position of the night¡ªand definitely not thest¡ªprovided, she could take more. Still, it marked the fourth time she had climaxed while the Lust Dragon had yet to even empty his first load.


    PAH! SLAAAAPPP!


    "Cum for me~"


    "Haaaaahhhhhhh... I can''t anymore," she whimpered, her body shuddering violently before going limp as she passed out.


    Pyris sighed. Would there ever be someone who could truly quench this insatiable lust of his?


    Still, his women were not mere tools for pleasure. Since she was exhausted, he would let her rest.


    With one final thrust, he spilled his release deep inside her before pulling out. His cock glistened in the living room light, coated in the evidence of their connection. What a sight. Unfortunately, there was no one here to admire it.


    Fully naked, the epitome of lust scooped Zara into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. She would be lucky if she could move properly tomorrow... Unless¡ªoh, right. She was a witch. Hiding her soreness wouldn''t be a problem for her.


    "Still, she''s strong for being able to take so much of my full size without begging me to hold back," Pyris chuckled to himself. Though she hadn''t taken all of him, she was the first to take this much.


    "Tonight was the best since my reincarnation. I should have more nights like this!"


    After tucking Zara into bed, he wrapped himself in ayer of mana and quietly moved through the estate, checking on everyone to make sure they were sleeping well.


    Thest room he visited was Elsa''s. The sweet doll was curled up in bed, looking utterly peaceful. Pyris couldn''t help but smile. A deep, protective desire raged within him for everyone in this home, and he weed it.


    He was a family man¡ªalbeit a lustful one.


    "Really, I just had to ruin such a virtuous statement by adding lust into it..." he muttered, amused. Leaning down, he kissed Elsa''s forehead, he left Elsa''s bedroom.


    It was time for a long-overdue awakening.


    _____


    There were elements he had awakened¡ªpowers so potent he hadn''t even told his family about them. Lia had once asked if he nned to reveal them, but he had refused. Some things were better left unsaid.


    Void had been one of them. At first, he had kept it hidden, testing its depths in secret, practicing with Song before finally revealing it. But there was one element he had never spoken of, never dared to use openly.


    Ruin.


    He sat cross-legged in the center of the vast training hall, his eyes shut, his breathing deep and steady. The air around him was still, unnaturally quiet, as if the entire room was holding its breath.


    His thoughts drifted.


    Void had been a big deal when he first awakened it¡ªan element feared across realms, an ability that made even immortals and gods nervous. He had practiced it, tested its limits, and eventually revealed it to his family. But...


    Ruin.


    Just thinking about it sent a chill down his spine.


    Void was terrifying, sure. It could erase things from existence¡ªmemories, objects, even living beings. But in the end, Void was still part of the grand design. It operated under thews of reality. If someone strong enough¡ªsay, an ancient god with control over time and destiny¡ªwanted to undo what Void had erased, they could. It wouldn''t be easy, but it was possible. Fate had loopholes.


    It required a lot that they would be want to avoid it at all costs, and that depends on how used the Void.


    But Ruin? Ruin didn''t y by the rules.


    Where Void erased, Ruin unraveled.


    Where Void left nothing, Ruin left less than nothing.


    It didn''t just remove things¡ªit erased the very idea of them. If Pyris used Ruin on something, not even time itself could bring it back. No god, no immortal, no cosmic force could reverse what was fundamentally unmade unlike Void. It was destruction on a level that defied existence itself that it was believed even to be capable of undoing the Void too!


    His fingers curled slightly, and the air around him shifted. Something unseen rippled through the training hall, like a phantom tremor in reality. The walls groaned, the light overhead flickered, and the very space around him felt wrong.


    Ruin wasn''t just about breaking things. It was about corrupting them¡ªunraveling them at their core. Matter? Energy? Time? Concepts? It didn''t matter. If Void was a ck hole, consuming all in its path, then Ruin was a virus, infecting reality itself, making it self-destruct from within.


    The sheer weight of that power pressed against his skin, humming beneath his fingertips like an untamed beast waiting to be unleashed. It was unlike anything he had ever used before. Even the Void felt tame inparison.


    He exhaled slowly.@@novelbin@@


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    Ruin wasn''t an element to be wielded carelessly. This wasn''t some shybat technique or a power meant for simple destruction. This was pure entropy, an unstoppable force that didn''t just end things¡ªit erased their possibility of ever existing again.


    And for the first time in a long while¡­ Pyris wondered if even he should be using it¡ªif he could even control it!


    [Ding! Does the host wish to awaken the sealed element¡ªRuin?!]


    The system''s voice echoed in his mind, cold and absolute. Pyris exhaled slowly, his fingers flexing against his knees.


    There were two things he''d made a firm decision about a long time ago.


    One¡ªnever using his monthly opportunity to speak with the Goddess. Others would have killed for a chance like that, but Pyris had resisted. He wasn''t dumb. umting those chances meant something bigger in the long run. The temptation was always there, gnawing at the edges of his will, but he refused to give in. Maybe, just maybe, the Goddess herself was somewhere, gnashing her teeth, frustrated and uneasy about what exactly he was nning.


    The second? Ruin.


    Pyris clenched his fists.


    It was time.


    BOOOOOOOMMM!

 Chapter 347 Ruin And...

    The moment he decided not to reveal it, he had made an even bigger decision¡ªto never even think about it again. Not because he didn''t want to, but because ording to Lia and the system itself, even he couldn''t control it.


    But power had a way of demanding attention.


    The stronger he became, the harder Ruin fought against its chains. The system had been doing its best to keep it locked down, but it had reached its limit. Unless Pyris dumped most of his Lust Points into reinforcing the seal, Ruin wasn''t staying contained. That''s why Pyris didn''t even consider ever using these points no matter how much of them he got, somewhere in-between he had forgotten about using them.


    That''s why he was so relieved that he could use Eternal''s Seal without the points because he didn''t know how long it will take for him to control Ruin by himself.


    And so he had made yet another sacrifice¡ªhe had given up his own LPs just to keep Ruin caged. The irony. A man with limitless hunger, starving out his own power to keep it in check.


    But even that wasn''t enough anymore.


    That terrifying moment back in the forge room still lingered. The notification had hit him like a hammer, chilling him to the bone.


    [Ding! Ruin can''t be contained anymore!


    The LPs are not powerful enough to suppress it!]


    He had nearly stumbled when the words rang in his head. The pressure, the sheer wrongness of the force trying to break free had made his entire body tense.


    But he wasn''t weak. Not anymore.


    Maybe... just maybe... he was finally strong enough to handle it.


    _____


    His vision flickered to his remaining points.


    [LPs avable: 40...]


    The numbers were dropping¡ªfaster than ever before. Ruin wasn''t just straining against its prison anymore. It was devouring the very thing keeping it locked away.


    [...10... 5...


    The Seal is broken!]


    Pyris clenched his fists.


    It was time.


    BOOOOOOOMMM!


    The entire training hall shook as if reality itself had been sucker-punched. The air split apart with a violent crack, waves of pure destruction rippling outward in chaotic, uncontrolled bursts. A deafening hum filled Pyris'' ears¡ªlike a chorus of a thousand dying stars screaming theirst breath.


    The system''s notifications were a distant blur now, lost in the avnche of raw, unstoppable power flooding into his very being.


    This... this was Ruin.


    It wasn''t just energy. It wasn''t fire or lightning or even Void. No, this was something worse¡ªsomething that shouldn''t exist. It burned through him, unraveling the fabric of the world around him, not just within him. The very concept of stability seemed to break apart in its presence.


    BOOOOOOMMM!


    The world around him cracked.


    No, not just the training hall¡ªthe world itself. That''s how he felt...


    Pyris barely had time to scream before the agony hit. It wasn''t like fire burning his flesh. It wasn''t like ice freezing him from the inside out. It wasn''t even like the void gnawing at the edges of his existence.


    This was worse.


    Every nerve in his body ignited in white-hot torment, but the pain wasn''t just physical. It was everywhere. His mind, his soul¡ªsomething deep, fundamental inside him was being torn apart.@@novelbin@@


    This isn''t power. This isn''t an awakening.


    It was undoing.


    /


    Ruin wasn''t flooding into him¡ªit was ripping itself from him.


    Pyris copsed to his knees, nails digging into the fracturing ground, his breathing in sharp, strangled gasps. He could feel it¡ªsomething wing its way out of his very being. It wasn''t just taking his energy; it was taking pieces of him.


    Memories flickered¡ªwere they disappearing? Were they being rewritten?


    The agony was unbearable.


    ''Make it stop.'' The thought mmed into him, raw and real. His instincts¡ªhis very survival¡ªscreamed at him to end it. Now. His own hands trembled, reaching toward his throat, his chest¡ªanything to make it stop.


    No, no, no.


    This wasn''t right. This wasn''t supposed to happen. Power wasn''t supposed to feel like this. This was¡ª


    A mistake.


    Pyris had felt pain before¡ªwounds that left him breathless, burns that seared deep, even the void''s chilling touch gnawing at his soul. But this? This was on a different level.


    It started from within, as if his bones were fracturing, his veins tearing apart strand by strand. It wasn''t just pain¡ªit was something leaving him. Not siphoning energy, not consuming his essence. Tearing. Ripping away something so deeply intertwined with his being that, for a moment, he questioned if he could survive without it¡ªthen it stopped entirely!


    His breath hitched. His vision blurred.


    He felt it. Ruin wasn''t flooding into him¡ªit was pulling itself out. Like it had always been there, buried so deep within him that not even the system had been able to contain it. The LPs weren''t enough anymore; even the seals had been eaten away. The power had decided for itself. And Pyris was nothing more than a spectator in his own damn awakening.


    The agony reached its peak. Something snapped.


    The world stilled?


    Pyris copsed, gasping, his body trembling as if he''d barely survived an execution. But instead of an overwhelming surge of newfound power, instead of the intoxicating rush that came with ascending, he felt... empty. Hollow, like a vital piece of him had just been carved out.


    His breath hitched. His vision blurred. Something was wrong.


    Then, it ripped.


    A force unlike anything Pyris had ever felt tore through him¡ªnot from the outside, but from within. Like ws sinking into his very essence, hooking deep into something fundamental, something that had always been there, hidden beneath flesh, bone, and soul.


    And it was being pulled out.


    His muscles locked. His veins burned. His mind screamed as if his very existence was unraveling. He could feel it again like before¡ªa piece of himself, something ancient, something vital¡ªbeing stripped away.


    Not drained. Not consumed. Rewritten.


    The more it pulled, the more Pyris felt like he was losing something crucial¡ªthe feeling this time it was more than before. Like his body was rejecting a part of itself he never even knew existed. His vision darkened, his limbs trembled, and for a fleeting moment, he wasn''t sure if he would survive it.


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    The unbearable weight disappeared. The universe seemed to hold its breath.


    Pyris copsed forward, chest heaving, vision blurred.


    His fingers twitched against the ruined floor. His body was still there. He was still breathing. So then... why did it feel like he wasn''t whole anymore?


    A strange warmth spread across hisp.


    At first, he thought it was blood or maybe it was just residual energy, maybe thest remnants of Ruin taking shape. But when he forced his eyes open, what he saw nearly made him ck out again.


    What. The. Fuck.


    A creature sat there.


    No. Not just sat¡ªit was nestled against him, round and soft and absurdly at peace. Not a shadow of destruction. Not a wraith of annihtion. Not an embodiment of divine terror.


    Just a small, chubby thing sittingfortably on hisp.


    It made no damn sense.


    Its wings, tucked neatly against its plump body, were far toorge for something so tiny. Majestic, powerful¡­ but ridiculously out of ce. And then there were its eyes¡ªhuge, ssy, reflecting something unfathomable, something beyond time, beyond reality itself.


    Pyris blinked, too drained to even process what he was seeing.


    It made no damn sense.


    Its round body was impossibly soft, a deep ck with streaks of iridescent silver running across its fur¡ªor was it feathers? Both? Neither? Pyris'' brain refused to categorize it. It simply was.


    It blinked up at him.


    ss-like, too-big eyes stared into his. There was no malice, no recognition¡ªjust... existence.


    Pyris tried to move. His limbs felt like lead.


    The creature just wriggled into a morefortable position on hisp and let out a soft, content sigh. And then, as if nothing in the world was out of ce, the little thing yawned, stretched its stubby limbs, and promptly flopped onto its back.


    Pyris'' brainpletely shut down.


    His entire body still felt like hell, his mind barely piecing itself back together from the sheer trauma of what just happened. And yet, this thing¡ªthis absurd, winged lump of¡ª


    Just decided to exist in the middle of it all.


    It wriggled, gettingfortable. Let out a soft,zy sleepy "mleh."


    Pyris rubbed his face with both hands.


    What. The actual. Fuck.

 Chapter 348 ...The Master Of Ruin

    Still catching his breath, Pyris stared at the tiny chubby creature resting in hisp. Its round, plump body barely moved, only the slow rise and fall of its breathing proving it was alive. But what stood out the most were the wings. Small, but undeniably powerful, tucked neatly against its back.


    His heart pounded. His body was drenched in sweat, yet a shiver ran down his spine. The pain, the agonizing tearing sensation¡ªit was all gone. But along with it¡­ so was Ruin.


    The moment this thing had appeared, every ounce of Ruin''s presence in him vanished. One second, he had felt the terrifying, boundless might of it coursing through his veins, his body screaming to hold it all in. And the next?


    Nothing.


    Like it had never been there at all.


    But something remained. A link¡ªa bond¡ªa connection deeper than anything he''d ever felt before. Cosmic. Unbreakable. Pyris swallowed hard, then forced himself to ask the question, even though he already knew the answer.


    "System¡­" His voice was hoarse. "What is this creature?"


    There was a long pause. Almost like the system itself had to process what had just happened.


    Then, the familiar chime echoed in his mind.


    [Ding! Host has awakened Ruin!]


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    His breath caught.


    [Host''s power has increased from Rank 16 to Rank 17!]


    The surge of strength hit him all at once¡ªa rush of pure, overwhelming force. His body felt lighter, stronger, faster. The mana inside him burned hotter than ever, more alive, more reactive. His senses expanded, like he could feel every thread of energy in the air, the pulse of magic woven into the very fabric of reality.


    This¡­ this was Rank 17.


    The system continued.


    [Host can now swiftly use any element without needing to ''tap'' into it! Skills are no longer required¡ªyour imagination alone will dictate your power.]


    Pyris exhaled slowly.


    That was the mark of Rank 17 Awakened. At this level, abilities were no longer confined to structured techniques or predefined skills. A true Awakened of this rank and beyond wielded power as naturally as breathing.


    The only real limitation? The sheer mana consumption.


    But that wouldn''t be a problem¡ªhis own mana reserves were out of the world. But not limitless either...


    [Ding! Host can now ess the Mana Pool.]


    The system''s voice chimed again, but Pyris barely heard it. His thoughts were tangled between the power now coursing through him¡­ and the small, winged creature sitting contently on hisp.


    His fingers twitched, hesitating before reaching out. He felt¡­ responsible for it. Protective, even.


    But why?


    His chest tightened, and before he could stop himself, he asked again¡ª"System¡­ what is this thing?" The system instead of answering his questions it had just gave him a ran down of his ascension as if it was avoiding the question so he had to ask again. It was a pointless question. A stupid question. He already knew.


    He could feel it.


    But still¡­ he needed to hear it.


    Because the truth was too ridiculous to believe. But he had to ask since the system always gave more information from what his own imagination and baseless understanding could.


    [Ding! Host, you are now the master of the element¡ªRuin!] Pyris barely had time to react before the system continued.


    [Ruin has manifested into a physical entity. You are now its master.]


    His mind nked. Wait. What? So it was like this, he had been right and only needed the system''s confirmation?


    His gaze dropped to the tiny, winged creature still sitting innocently in hisp. Its round body rose and fell with slow, steady breaths,pletely oblivious to the sheer cosmic-level insanity that had just been dropped on him.


    "The fuck does that even mean?" Pyris gawked, half expecting the system to say it was joking.


    Wasn''t Ruin supposed to be an element? Something that settled in his body like the others¡ªVoid, Fire, Sand, Time? Instead, this chubby little thing had appeared, all fluffy and harmless-looking, as if it hadn''t just been born from the most terrifying power in existence. The bond. Deeper than any contract, stronger than any forced connection. This wasn''t just some summoned beast.


    This was Ruin.


    The realization¡ªconfirmation made his stomach drop.


    [Ding! Ruin is not merely an element¡ªit is an existence of its own.]


    Pyris sucked in a sharp breath. "What the actual¡ª"


    [Unlike traditional elements, Ruin possesses consciousness. It acts independently but obeys its master''s will.]


    He ran a hand down his face, exhaling slowly. "So, you''re telling me¡­ Ruin isn''t inside me¡ªit''s just sitting in myp? And I have to order it if I want to use it?"


    [Correct.]


    Pyris blinked. Then blinked again.


    Well, shit.


    That was¡­ actually kind of amazing.@@novelbin@@


    He didn''t have to deal with the insane drawbacks¡ªlike Ruin corrupting his body, risk of it overwhelming his mind or burning through his soul like a wildfire.  Instead, it was just this little thing. Obedient, waiting,pletely under his control.


    But before he could let that sink in, the system chimed again.


    [Ding! Host can utilize Ruin through directmand. However¡ª]


    Of course, there was a catch.


    [Ruin can also act on its own ord.]


    Pyris'' eye twitched. "Excuse me? You''re saying it has free will?"


    [Correct. While Ruin follows your orders, it retains independent thought. It will not act against its master but may respond instinctively to certain situations.]


    So, it was loyal, but still its own entity. That made sense¡­ in apletely bullshit, world-breaking kind of way. Pyris leaned back, staring at the creature, trying to process everything. "And what if I want to use Ruin myself? Like how I use Void?" He asked out of curiosity after thinking for some time remembering something he read from his old world fantasy novels and magas.


    The system hesitated. Then it dropped the real bombshell.


    [Host can merge with Ruin to wield its power directly.]


    His breath caught.


    [Warning! Host can only merge with Ruin after ascending to High Immortal Rank.]


    Pyris sucked in a cold breath.


    So, it wasn''t even an option right now.


    Fine. He could live with that. Honestly, he didn''t even need to think about using Ruin right now. No. He could handle everything almost by himself. But what about when stronger forces descended upon the world? Because the stronger he became, the bigger the enemies he''d have to face.


    Its early existence in his grasp was a plus¡ªa terrifying one at that. He would use this time, this era of rtive peace, to study Ruin, to grow alongside it, to understand every hidden depth of its power.


    He didn''t need to merge with it. Not now. Not anytime soon.


    But when the time came¡ªwhen the enemies finally realized what was lurking in his shadow¡ª


    They''d be toote.


    Pyris exhaled slowly, his fingers twitching slightly as he processed everything. A question lingered in his mind, heavy and persistent.


    Did the gods even know Ruin existed?


    Probably. If not all of them, then at least the old gods did. But did they know that a God-yer was in possession of it? They wouldn''t know what hit them.

 Chapter 349 Deeper Understanding

    Pyris exhaled deeply, his golden eyes dropping to the creature now nestledfortably in hisp. He reached out, tilting his head as he inspected it from different angles, curiosity burning in his gaze. The more he looked, the more he felt¡ªa connection, an undeniable bond that seemed to grow stronger with each passing second.


    It was as if his soul recognized Ruin, like it had always been there, waiting.


    He wasn''t sure if that thoughtforted him or terrified him.


    But Ruin? Ruin didn''t seem to care.


    The tiny, winged creature let out a soft, innocent squeak, rubbing its chubby face against his hand. Pyris blinked. How the fuck was this the most dangerous element in existence?


    Instead of radiating destruction, Ruin was acting like a damn house pet. It tried pping its stubby wings¡ªonly to flop over onto its side with a dramatic little noise of defeat. Pyris chuckled, lifting it back up, but the stubborn thing immediately tried again.


    p. p.


    Thud.


    "You''re really pathetic, huh?" Pyris muttered, amused.


    But the little creature was relentless. Each time it fell, it stood up again, taking more steps before stumbling. First two. Then three. Then five.


    It was adapting.


    Growing.


    And at a terrifying speed.


    Pyris'' smirk faded slightly. That was something to keep an eye on.


    _____


    Later, Pyris sat cross-legged in the middle of the ruined hall, his muscles rxing as he took a deep, controlled breath. The air around him shifted, mana swirling like an unseen storm.


    He needed to concentrate, consolidate. To refine everything he had gained.


    Ascending to Rank 17 hade purely from awakening Ruin, but that was only one source of power. His body was still brimming with hidden energy, untapped potential¡ªenergy he had gained from the women.


    Most of them had given him small boosts. Nothing major.


    But Emberly? Zara? And more than anyone else¡ªAlexa?@@novelbin@@


    They were stronger than him. Zara and Emberly had given him more but Alexa''s energy was more pontent and so refined that it felt more divine if not more after her recent awakening.


    Pyris clenched his fists, feeling the surge of raw power waiting to be cultivated, waiting to be consolidated. This wasn''t going to be a simple breakthrough. It was going to be a long night.


    Nearby, Ruin sat watching him, its tiny eyes wide with curiosity. Pyris ignored it, focusing inward.


    Then¡ªBOOM.


    Power erupted around him, shaking the ground.


    And with that, he began.


    ______


    Pyris vanished in a flicker of energy, the ruined hall dissolving around him as he reappeared deep within the vast, untamed wilderness. Towering trees stretched endlessly, their canopies blotting out most of the moonlight, leaving only slivers of silver piercing through the dense leaves. The forest house stood in the distance, but he didn''t stop there.


    He needed more space.


    Stepping past the house, Pyris ventured deeper into the wilderness, the air shifting around him as his power subtly bled into the world. The ground trembled beneath his boots. Even without doing anything yet, his sheer presence sent waves rippling through the environment.


    Then, with a slow exhale, he let go.


    BOOOOM!


    A shockwave of raw power erupted from his body, sending a violent gust of wind tearing through the trees. Leaves scattered. Branches snapped like twigs. The very air crackled with unstable energy, bending to his will.


    Pyris raised his hand, summoning the void.


    The space in front of him copsed inward, forming a dense, swirling mass of absolute nothingness. With a flick of his wrist, the sphere expanded, tendrils of the void element reaching out, devouring everything they touched¡ªtrees, rocks, even the very air.


    Pyris stood tall in the heart of the small forest, the air thick with the hum of untapped power coursing through his veins. His mind was focused, his body attuned to the elemental forces around him. He had the void locked in his control, but he knew that wasn''t all he had. There were other powers waiting to be unleashed.


    He took a deep breath, and with a single thought, the released void mana responded. A swirling orb of nothingness appeared in his palm, crackling with the potential to erase anything in its path. He didn''t hesitate.


    A flick of his wrist sent the it, expanding into the air, sucking up everything in its path. Trees splintered and disintegrated as the space itself folded inward. The roar of wind swirled in a chaotic symphony around him, the forest twisting into oblivion.


    Yet as powerful as the void was, it had limits. It erased¡ªbut it never created. It was a power of destruction, an unmaking, but it left behind an absence, a hollow void that was fundamentally unnatural. The universe hated empty spaces. That was why time and fate could sometimes undo what the Void had taken. It was the paradox of its existence¡ªit was absolute, yet reversible.


    But Pyris wasn''t satisfied with just one element. He had many more to test.


    A mere thought, and the fabric of reality itself bent to his will. He stretched his hand forward, and the air before him ripped open, forming a small tear in space. Through it, he could see a distant view of a cliffside, a parallel fragment of reality. For a moment, he felt the immense pressure of the distortion.


    Space was more than just teleportation or dimensional rifts. It was about control¡ªover distance, over movement, over the very nature of reality itself. A master of Space didn''t just teleport; they dictated the rules of movement, deciding where something could or couldn''t be.


    "Interesting¡­" he muttered. The power to manipte space, while exhrating, still felt raw. Unrefined.


    Then... Pyris gritted his teeth, trying to push the essence of Time into a defined form. He closed his eyes, feeling the pulse of time shift around him. In an instant, he twisted his will, attempting to elerate time.


    The world around him blurred for a split second before snapping back to its normal rhythm. His breath caught in his chest. Time was fickle, and his control over it felt weaker than he''d hoped.


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    Unlike Space, which bent easily under his will, Time was an unyielding river. It refused to be controlled outright¡ªit had to be coaxed, manipted in whispers, notmands. Pyris realized that true mastery of Time would require understanding how it flowed, not just forcing it to bend.


    Pyris exhaled slowly, his breath steady as the air around him pulsed with the weight of revtion. Now that he had ascended to Rank 17, everything felt different. Clearer. It wasn''t just about power¡ªit was about understanding.


    The elements he wielded had never been just raw forces to be unleashed. They had meaning. Depth. Purpose. He had barely scratched the surface before.


    Now, the truth unfolded before him like an ancient script written into the fabric of the universe itself.


    "No problem," Pyris muttered, flexing his fingers as power thrummed through his veins. "Now I can see it all. Let''s check out the others."


    It was going to be a long night really!

 Chapter 350 Deeper Elemental Understanding

    Then came Earth. He didn''t need to focus long to feel the dark golden energy surge through his veins. It pulsed, shifting with an almost organic, growing power. He had felt this ever since merging with Seraphina, but its true nature was still unclear.


    Pyris mmed his hand against the ground, and the earth responded. The soil rumbled, cracking and shifting into towering formations of rock and dust. He smiled, feeling the ground under his feet pulse with power.


    Earth wasn''t just about brute force¡ªit was about foundation, endurance, and adaptability. His golden Earth element wasn''t normal, though. It felt alive, almost like a separate entity within him. Why had it changed after sex with Seraphina? He still didn''t know, but he intended to find out.


    With another thought, the dry, golden grains of sand swirled around him, whipping through the air in a blinding storm. They cut through the trees, their fine particles swirling into formations at hismand.


    Sand was fickle¡ªfluid like water, yet sharp like des. It was neither solid nor liquid, yet it carried the strengths of both. It was adaptable, slipping through the cracks of stronger elements, filling gaps where others failed.


    Yet, it still felt wild. Sand was meant to be free-flowing, and Pyris realized he was trying to force it into structure when it wasn''t meant to be contained. He would need to adjust his approach to master it fully.


    On another element... A burst of golden light erupted from his palm, casting everything in an otherworldly glow. It felt natural, soothing even, as the light streamed from him like an endless river. He spun it around him, shaping it into shields, beams, and radiant waves of power.


    But Light wasn''t just about illumination or purity. It was relentless. It exposed, it burned, it eradicated shadows. Pyris knew now that light could be as merciless as it was warm.


    Then came Fire. mes erupted, licking at the edges of the forest. Pyris reveled in the warmth, but there was something too much about it. The fire was brilliant, unstoppable¡ªbut uncontrolled.


    Fire wasn''t just about destruction. It was passion, hunger, movement. Pyris realized he wasn''t wielding fire properly¡ªhe was trying to contain it. That was the mistake. Fire thrived on release, not restriction.


    Golden lightning followed, flickering through the air with crackling intensity. Pyris raised his hand, and lightning danced across his fingers, weaving around him like a storm of raw, chaotic power.@@novelbin@@


    Lightning was speed, precision, untamed fury. It struck with absolute certainty, faster than thought. Pyris realized he had been treating it like fire, when in truth, it was something else entirely¡ªit was inevitability.


    _____


    A surge of deep, primal energy rippled through his body. Blood was more than just fuel for his existence¡ªit was a contract. A binding force between power and life itself.


    He willed it to move, and instantly, the blood within him responded, heating up like molten gold in his veins. He could feel everything¡ªthe rush of his heart, the pulsing rhythm of his cells, the raw force of vitality surging beneath his skin. This was a new approach but he didn''t want to tap deeper into Blood, not now.


    Pyris took a breath and clicked his fingers.


    Nothing.


    And then¡ª


    BOOM.


    A dyed shockwave erupted outward, ttening trees in a perfect circle around him. The power wasn''t in the motion¡ªit was in the vibration. Sound wasn''t about volume¡ªit was about precision.


    A mere whisper could shatter bones. A simple hum could slice through steel. If he controlled the right frequency, he could make matter resonate until it crumbled into dust. He flicked his wrist, sending a subtle wave of energy through the air. It was silent. Completely undetectable. But when it hit a boulder in the distance¡ª


    CRACK. The stone fractured from the inside out.


    Pyris smirked. "Damn. This one''s got potential. Let''s see... Can I make a woman orgasm with just utilizing my sound element. Oh, there''s lightining too but I haven''t tried that one as well. Ah~ my earthly mind had been on rest. I always fantasized about this shit but now that I can do it, I hadpletely forgotten about it. Tsk, don''t do that again."


    He could imagine Emberly screaming when small bolts of lightining made her orgasm.


    "Ah~ imagine the faces of gods they will make it they realize what I am nning to do with the lost element. Okay, enough of that, it''s trying my new improvement with Superspeed. Maybe I can even beet the sh on this!"


    He shifted.


    That was the only way to describe it.


    One moment, he was standing still. The next, he was on the other side of the clearing, the world dragging behind him in a warped blur. Time hadn''t slowed down. He had simply moved faster than it could process.


    Superspeed wasn''t just about running fast. It was about momentum, inertia, and the maniption of perception. The reason everything looked like it was crawling when he moved wasn''t because time slowed down¡ªit was because he was existing in a different rhythm altogether. It felt like time and superspeed were the same. No, they definitely the same one way or another!


    And then, an idea struck him.


    "What if¡­ I didn''t just move fast?" What if he could steal speed? Take it from others? Make them move slower while he moved even faster?


    Pyris grinned. "That''s gonna be fun to test outter. But could be impossible as well, let''s keep the imagination in check!"


    The next power was one he had rarely used. He let it rise slowly, feeling its presence creep through him like a shadow.


    Death.


    It didn''t burn like fire. It didn''t surge like lightning. It was simply¡­ there. Waiting.


    A quiet inevitability.


    He stretched out his hand, and a single leaf detached from a tree, drifting down toward his palm. The moment it touched his skin¡ª


    It withered.


    The color bled from it instantly, the veins turning ck, the edges curling into nothingness. Within seconds, it had disintegrated into dust.


    Pyris watched in fascination. Death wasn''t about killing¡ªit was about ending. It was the force that decided when something had reached its time. And if he could wield it properly, then maybe, just maybe¡­ he could choose what should live and what should die with a thought?


    Maybe the Eye Of Death could do this? But Pyris was reluctant to use that power. Not today!


    Next he raised his hand, summoning water from the air. The droplets hovered, shimmering in the moonlight, shifting and swirling like a liquid dance.


    Water was¡­ limitless. It could be calm or violent. A lifegiver or a destroyer. It could adapt to any shape, take on any form.


    But Ice¡ª


    Pyris clenched his fist.


    The water instantly froze.


    Ice was the perfect stillness. Unmovable. Unbreakable maybe if perfectly perfected. If Water was adaptability, Ice was absolute control! For a long time, he had underestimated these elements, pushing them aside for the shier ones like fire, lightning, and space and didn''t even use them that much. But now, he could see the truth.


    Water wasn''t weak. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    It was free.


    Ice wasn''t stagnant.


    It was unshakable.


    And with a thought, the frozen water shattered, scattering into mist.


    Pyris exhaled, the rush of knowledge settling into him like pieces of a puzzle finally snapping into ce.


    He had been using his elements all wrong. They weren''t just weapons to be thrown around. Each of them had a deeper purpose, a hidden nature that made them so much more than just raw power.


    And now?


    Now he understood.


    A slow grin spread across his face.


    "Alright," he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Time to get serious."


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