Outside the Restaurant
Kain leaned casually against the hood of his car, humming a soft tune, hands in his pockets.
The city's evening hum mingled with distant laughter and the faint scent of street food.
His phone buzzed briefly on the hood, but he ignored it.
No need to rush perfection.
Then came the first voice.
Ruby.
Scarlet dress catching the streetlights, slit daring, neckline elegant.
Her curls bounced as she spun, eyes sparkling.
"Well? Do I make you choke on your drink yet?" she teased.
Kain's crimson gaze swept her up and down, slow, appreciative.
"You look breathtaking," he said, voice soft.
Ruby's smile deepened.
"Thank you," she murmured, confident and radiant.
Next, Lyla, emerald green silk hugging her form, heels clicking like a metronome of elegance.
She approached with the poise of someone who owned every step.
"Cut the compliments, Kain. Tell me I'm the most stunning tonight," she challenged, playful.
He stepped forward, planting a tender kiss on her neck.
"Only you could ever be that," he murmured.
Lyla hooked her arm around his, satisfied.
"Good… for now," she replied, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Beatrix followed, black gown trimmed with silver, shoulders bare, each step measured, commanding.
"How does it look?" she asked softly, voice careful.
Kain's gaze ran over her, steady, admiring.
"Perfect. Every line suits you," he replied.
Her lips curved, a smirk both proud and quiet.
"I see," she whispered.
Then Darcy, wearing a minimalist navy dress, was elegant in simplicity.
Eyes sharp, expression calm.
"Saving the best for last, am I?" she asked, playful yet understated.
"You win for style and timing," Kain said.
Darcy's lips twitched into a small smile.
"Always the strategist," she replied, voice warm.
The sound of delicate heels announced Alyssa, draped in white silk that glimmered softly under the streetlights.
"D-Do I look okay?" she asked, fingers brushing her clutch nervously.
"You look radiant. Every bit like moonlight," Kain said, brushing a kiss to her cheek, making her blush deepen.
Yani followed, violet lace hugging her petite frame, quiet confidence in every step.
"I tried something… new," she admitted, shy but proud.
"You look wonderful," Kain said, smiling warmly.
She leaned forward, pressing a small, grateful hug, planting kisses along his neck.
Hazel stepped out in earthy tones, elegance, understated yet unforgettable.
"I hope I'm not overlooked," she said softly.
"Never," Kain replied, gentle, sincere.
Her cheeks warmed as he held her gaze.
Holly appeared next, with pink frills and energy in motion.
"Do I look… lively enough?" she asked, twirling once.
"Like spring itself," Kain said lightly, smiling.
She beamed, cheeks flushed, proud of his words.
Nina wore a dark wine gown, effortless and smooth, followed.
"Made it just in time," she said, voice a quiet challenge.
"You did," Kain said, taking her hand for a fleeting, tender kiss.
Aqua's turn.
Ice-blue silk, shimmering, regal.
Calm presence, yet a soft peck to Kain's lips before joining the group.
Then Lupa, silver-gray dress, wild hair untamed but elegant, foxlike grin on her lips.
"You'd better not ignore me," she teased.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Kain said calmly, matching her playful smirk.
Finally, Iris, lavender gown flowing, cheeks pink, red mask concealing her identity from prying eyes.
"I-I hope I'm not late," she said, catching her breath.
"You're right on time," Kain said, opening the door for her.
Her smile was shy, genuine.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Kain stepped back slightly, watching his women, all of them.
Tonight was about them.
He opened the restaurant door.
"Ladies, shall we?" he said, voice calm, playful, protective.
And just like that, the city lights seemed to pale in comparison.
Inside the Restaurant
The moment they stepped inside, the girls' chatter bubbled over the warm hum of the restaurant.
Soft lights glinted off polished wood and glass, but even the chandeliers couldn't compete with the presence of Kain and his entourage.
The hostess guided them to a long table by the window, the city lights stretching beyond.
Kain gestured for each girl, one by one, to take a seat, offering small bows, playful winks, and gentle touches on their hands.
Ruby flopped into her chair, adjusting her scarlet gown with a sly grin.
"I swear, every dinner with you feels like a secret mission," she said.
"Mission accomplished, then," Kain replied smoothly, voice low and teasing.
Lyla crossed her legs elegantly, the emerald fabric catching the chandelier's glow.
"And what's today's mission, exactly?" she asked, a smirk teasing her lips.
"To enjoy ourselves, of course," he said.
Voice like velvet over steel.
Beatrix sat with her shoulders squared, letting out a soft laugh.
"You make enjoying ourselves sound… strategic"
Darcy rolled her eyes lightly, smirking.
"Somehow, he makes even a casual dinner feel like a battlefield," she murmured, her fingers tracing the edge of her glass.
Alyssa twirled her clutch, glancing at Kain.
"But that's what makes it exciting, not knowing what he'll do next and still feeling… cared for"
"Exactly," Yani said, doodling absentmindedly in her sketchbook.
"And falling for him every single time"
Hazel held her wine glass, lips twitching in amusement.
"Such an odd human… but we adore him anyway"
Holly spun slightly in her pastel pink frills, hands clasped behind her back.
"You all sound like you're rehearsing a love story."
"You are, in a way," Kain said, leaning back.
His gaze flicked over each of them, attentive and calm, a quiet authority that still let the chaos of twelve personalities swirl freely around him.
Nina sipped her water, eyes twinkling.
"Not that anyone could resist him, but he makes it impossible to act normal"
Aqua tilted her head serenely, laying a hand briefly over Kain's.
"It's not impossible. He just… demands attention without trying"
Lupa leaned back in her chair, a playful smirk tugging her lips.
"Not that it's a bad thing…"
Even Iris, composed in her lavender gown and red mask, allowed herself a small, quiet smile from the far end of the table, eyes flickering with warmth.
Kain hummed softly under his breath, letting the gentle chaos envelop him.
Calm, unbothered, yet acutely aware of every pulse, every flicker of admiration directed at him.
Ruby nudged him with her elbow, teasing.
"Don't just hum. Admire me properly, or the mission fails"
"Mission secured," he replied, brushing a strand of her hair back, "Your entrance alone should be enough to topple half the city lights"
Lyla leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, eyes gleaming.
"And what about me? Am I supposed to feel… adequately appreciated?"
Kain's lips curved in that signature lazy smirk.
"You're the wildfire, Lyla. Impossible to ignore and impossible to underestimate"
Beatrix's faint smirk met his eyes.
"And me?"
"You, Beatrix, are calm in the storm… but deadly, every bit as dangerous as anyone who underestimates you thinks they are," he said smoothly.
Darcy's dark eyes flicked up from her plate, corners of her lips twitching.
"You make it too easy to like you"
"And yet you still try to resist," Kain said softly, brushing a light kiss along her knuckles.
Alyssa's blush deepened as he leaned slightly closer.
"You… you always know what to say," she whispered.
The group dissolved into laughter and teasing, the air charged with playful intimacy.
Even small gestures, holding hands, brushing hair, a quick peck on a cheek, felt like a subtle dance of devotion and attention.
Then Kain finally remembered the buzzing notification in his pocket, the one he'd been ignoring.
He pulled out his phone.
S-Rank Student Kain:
Two unapproved civilians entered an A-Rank rift. Immediate assistance requested.
A photo was attached.
Sure enough, two familiar figures, stepping boldly into danger.
Elara and Elena.
Kain's lips curved into a small, amused smile.
"Ah… so the Angels decided to do something… remarkably foolish," he murmured.
Ruby noticed the shift first, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Everything alright?"
"Just a little work that found me while I'm here with you," Kain said casually, tossing the phone onto the table.
His calm tone and the smallest flicker of amusement did not escape the girls.
Lyla leaned back in her chair, a knowing glint in her eyes.
"That sounds… exactly like you, Kain"
He allowed a small chuckle to escape, eyes scanning the group.
"Don't worry. This work… It's barely even work. Just some misguided souls thinking they can reach me"
The girls exchanged subtle, understanding smiles.
They didn't need details; they trusted him completely, and loved him all the more for his calm mastery.
Wine glasses were raised, laughter shared, and conversation flowed seamlessly back into their safe bubble.
Plates of food arrived, steaming and fragrant, but no dish could compete with the warmth radiating at the table.
Kain hummed again softly, leaning back.
He could feel every glance, every smile, every flicker of admiration, and he cherished it quietly, fully, in his own unbothered, perfect way.
Kain's Room | Later That Night
The girls were sprawled across his bed, giggling and murmuring in their sleep, some curled up in each other's arms, others half-draped over pillows like living silk.
Kain crouched briefly beside them, brushing a stray lock of hair from Ruby's face.
Quick pecks, careful touches, small points, but enough to remind them who they belonged to
[System Notification]
[Elara Angel | Affection: 10% | Loyalty: 10% | Lust: 15%]
[Emotion: Fear]
[Thought: "Someone… Save us!"]
[Elena Angel | Affection: 20% | Loyalty: 10% | Lust: 5%]
[Emotion: Fear]
[Thought: "Brother… help us?"]
"So… they've decided to play hero without their little champion," he murmured.
"How predictable," he put on his boots as he closed his door behind him.
He stepped lightly through the quiet halls, the soft click of his boots echoing like a heartbeat.
He reached for his phone, checking the Rift coordinates again.
The system flickered in his vision.
[System Notification]
[Quest: Angel's Descent | Objective: Corrupt the mother and sister of the fallen hero]
Elara and Elena were in over their heads, wandering an A-Rank Rift they didn't understand.
"Well… time to teach them the meaning of humility," he murmured.
Zone Outside the Rift
He jogged lightly toward the glowing shimmer of the Rift.
Magic crackled faintly, warning anyone nearby that this wasn't a playground.
He didn't rush; his calm confidence radiated with each step.
From the edge of the Rift, he could see them, two familiar figures struggling, fear etched into their every movement.
At first, he allowed himself a brief chuckle.
They thought it was Aiden coming to save them.
How… adorably mistaken.
He leapt into the Rift, entering the distorted dimension where reality warped around them.
The air was heavy, the sky blood-red, the ground uneven and jagged.
He sprinted through the chaotic landscape, dodging jagged magical debris and illusory spikes, every step deliberate.
Ahead, Elara and Elena were cornered, terror painted across their faces as a hulking, malformed monster swung toward them.
Elara screamed.
"Aiden!"
Elena shrieked.
"NOOO!"
Kain's lips curved into a slow smile.
"How… sad," he murmured, pushing past jagged stones and twisted shadows.
With a fluid, almost lazy motion, he reached them.
The monster charged.
One red-tinged punch later, it collapsed into a smoldering heap of debris.
Not a scratch on him.
"Phew… made it in time"
Its corpse hadn't even finished dissolving when he flicked his wrist, dusting his knuckles as if he had just swatted a fly.
The girls were still frozen in place, breathing hard, their eyes wide and trembling.
"...Son?"
Elara whispered hopefully, her voice quivering.
Kain cocked an eyebrow, his tone dry.
"Do I look like that useless brat to you?"
Their hope was shattered instantly.
Elena clutched her staff tighter, muttering, "W-what are you doing here?!"
Before he could answer, the sound of the Rift behind him sealed shut with a loud Zip!
Kain froze mid-step.
He slowly turned his head.
The Rift entrance was gone.
Completely.
A silence settled.
"..."
Kain pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Oh, fantastic. Exactly what I needed tonight. Babysitting duty!"
Elara blinked rapidly, her fear momentarily replaced with confusion.
"W-wait, you're stuck in here too?"
"Brilliant deduction," Kain deadpanned.
"Give the old woman a medal"
Elena huffed, cheeks red with embarrassment, and slight anger to defend her mother.
"We didn't ask you to follow us!"
Kain shot her a flat look.
"Yes, because charging into an A-Rank Rift without authorization was such a wonderful idea. Really. Flawless strategy!"
"Bravo! What was so important that you decided to be so stupid?"
He gave a slow clap, every slap of his palms echoing mockingly in the warped air.
Elara bit her lip, but this time she stood her ground.
"We came here… to clear Aiden's name"
Kain's brow arched.
"Oh? Do enlighten me"
Elena's fists trembled as she blurted out, "Because of those stupid rumors, everyone thinks my little brother's a coward"
"That he hides behind other people, that he can't protect anyone! We were going to prove them wrong"
"And I…"
Elara's voice cracked, but her eyes burned with motherly fire.
"I couldn't sit by while people spat on my son's name"
"If fighting through this Rift is what it takes to remind the world of his worth, then so be it"
Kain stared at them for a long moment, then burst out laughing.
It wasn't kind laughter.
It was sharp, ringing, and cruel.
"You… seriously thought throwing yourselves into an A-Rank Rift would 'fix' his reputation?"
He shook his head, still chuckling.
"Unbelievable. The blind devotion. The delusion. I almost want to applaud"
Elena's face reddened with fury.
"You don't understand—!"
"No, I do," Kain cut in smoothly, eyes glinting.
"Better than you realize"
His smile curved into something both charming and dangerous.
"And you're about to learn just how misplaced that loyalty of yours really is"
Elena lifted her staff as she raised a protective arm to shield her mother.
"What are you thinking?"
Kain let out a sigh of annoyance.
"That I should probably clear this rift and leave you two to fend for yourselves"
Elena's grip on her staff tightened, her knuckles white.
"You wouldn't dare"
Kain tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Oh, wouldn't I? You think I want to spend the rest of my night babysitting two liabilities?"
He gestured vaguely at the warped horizon, where shadowy shapes twisted and prowled.
"This place eats A-Rank students for breakfast. And you two? You're barely appetizers"
Elara stepped forward, her maternal instinct outweighing her fear.
"If you're so strong, then help us. Please"
He blinked at her.
"You just watched me turn your little nightmare into ash with a single punch. And your first thought is… Yes, let's recruit him"
He let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head.
"Unbelievable. You really are Aiden's mother"
Elena bristled, snapping back.
"Stop mocking her!"
Kain's eyes flicked to her, cool and unbothered.
"Relax, princess. If I wanted to hurt you, you'd already be a smear on the ground"
He stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough to make both women tense.
"No, I'm not here for you. Not really. But since fate decided to lock us in together…"
His lips curved into a wolfish grin.
"I suppose I'll play along. For now…"
The ground trembled, the jagged terrain groaning as more Rift-spawn stirred in the distance.
Red light flared in the sky like an open wound.
Kain cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders.
"Lucky for you, clearing Rifts is my cash cow"
Elara's eyes lit up in cautious hope.
"You'll… help us?"
"'Help' is a strong word," Kain muttered, stretching his hands lazily.
"Let's just say—I'm not in the mood to watch you two get shredded while I'm stuck here. Bad for morale, you know?"
Elena shot him a glare.
"Could you, for once, stop acting like such a—"
A monstrous screech split the air, cutting her off.
Dozens of Rift-spawn began pouring out of the fractured horizon, their grotesque forms glowing faintly in the blood-red light.
His eyes lit up with sadistic joy.
"Oh, perfect timing"
He rolled his wrist, his tone dripping with mockery.
[System Equipment]
SSS-Rank Eclipse Gauntlets
SSS-Rank Blood Demon Cape
SSS-Rank Chest Plate Heart of the Abyss
[Now Equipping]
"Phew… It's been a while since I cleared a Rift… this is gonna be fun"
[System Notification]
[Elara Angel | Affection: 25% | Loyalty: 25% | Lust: 40%]
[Emotion: Confusion]
[Thought: "What is he planning?"]
[Elena Angel | Affection: 35% | Loyalty: 35% | Lust: 65%]
[Emotion: Weirdly Turned on]
[Thought: "He's so weird and foolish… it's kinda hot"]
He blinked, then slowly turned his head to Elena.
"…huh?"
Her face was set in defiance, but her tiny fidget, the quick bite of her lip, betrayed her.
Kain froze.
'Wait. Wait, wait, wait… she knows I screwed over Aiden. She knows I stole three of his girls right out from under him. I'm basically the villain in her family drama. And yet—'
He squinted, watching her shift her weight, heat rising to her cheeks.
'BRO. BRO. Why does she look like she's into this? I haven't even done the cool spinny move yet'
The System chimed in like a smug gossip.
[Elena Angel | Affection: 35% | Loyalty: 35% | Lust: 65%]
[Emotion: Conflicted]
[Thought: "He's reckless… arrogant… cruel… and yet… I can't look away."]
He rubbed his temple, deadpan.
"…you've gotta be kidding me"
He tilted his head, a cautious smile forming.
"Careful, princess. Bite that lip too hard and you'll give me the wrong idea. Oh wait—too late…"
Elena's face flushed crimson.
"I-I wasn't—!"
"Uh-huh," Kain drawled, smug as hell.
Meanwhile, Elara's attention was more focused on the Rift-spawns coming at them.
"Child! The Rift-spawn! Focus!"
Kain barely glanced over his shoulder at the incoming horde.
His expression stayed flat, bored even.
"…yeah, yeah. I see 'em. Big scary demons, rawr rawr, spooky claws. Relax, I could flick those things to death"
Elara's jaw dropped.
"Flick—?! They'll rip us apart if you don't—"
Kain cut her off, still looking at Elena like she was a math problem that made no sense.
"…nah, hold up. I'm still stuck on this. You're telling me you know who I am, what I've done… and you're actually blushing?"
He squinted at her like she'd just confessed to liking soggy bread.
"Girl. Are you broken?"
Elena bristled, her fists clenching at her sides.
Her staff is now long forgotten.
"I am not broken!"
Kain arched a brow, still utterly unimpressed.
"Could've fooled me. You're acting like I just saved a puppy from a well instead of, y'know, wrecking Aiden's life"
The Rift-spawn shrieked louder, shadows closing in.
One of them leapt straight at Kain's back, only for him to casually flick his finger behind him.
CRACK!
The monster folded in on itself like paper, vanishing in a spray of ash.
Elara flinched, covering her mouth.
"…by the Goddess…"
Kain didn't even blink.
His gaze stayed locked on Elena, his expression a perfect mix of smug and baffled.
"See, that's what I don't get. You know all that, and here you are, going redder than a tomato every time I look at you"
Elena stammered, her voice cracking.
"T-that's not—! You're twisting—!"
Another Rift-spawn dove at him.
Without looking, Kain lazily waved his hand.
A ripple of invisible force crushed it mid-air with a sickening pop.
He leaned closer to Elena, squinting like she was a riddle written by a drunk scribe.
"…nah, I'm serious. Are you like… into villains or something? Is that your thing?"
Her lips parted, but nothing came out, just a strangled sound caught between denial and something far more dangerous.
Elara finally snapped, shouting at both of them.
"FOCUS, CHILDREN! THEY'RE STILL COMING!"
Kain sighed like she was nagging about chores.
He flicked his wrist again.
BOOM!
The entire next wave of Rift-spawn disintegrated in one deafening shockwave.
Dust and blood smeared the stones.
Kain didn't even glance back.
He just tilted his head at Elena, tone maddeningly casual.
"…so? You gonna explain why you're blushing at the guy who basically speedran being Aiden's worst nightmare, or do I gotta keep guessing?"
[Elena Angel | Affection: 50% | Loyalty: 50% | Lust: 85%]
[Emotion: Conflicted | Horny]
[Thought: "Ahhh~~"]
She rubbed her legs together.
Her eyes legit looked like Lupa's crazy expression of love.
'I see… she is one of those chicks'
He licked his lips.
'Hah… Another stupid cliche, eh?'
A couple of minutes later…
Kain had his hands in his pockets as if they weren't walking through the literal Rift, shadow-fire crackling at their heels.
The pathway stretched like broken glass, the Rift-spawn shrieking from every jagged edge.
"Stay close," Elara warned, voice taut.
"We need to be careful!"
Kain didn't even slow his lazy stride.
"Auntie… you saw what I can do and you're still worried?"
She blinked at his comment.
"A-auntie?"
Another Rift-spawn lurched at him from the side.
He didn't so much as turn his head, just jerked his shoulder like he was brushing off lint.
CRUNCH!
The creature atomized into mist.
Elara gasped. Elena, meanwhile, clutched her chest like she'd just witnessed the second coming of her bad-boy dreams.
Kain caught her looking out of the corner of his eye.
"Is this what you like?"
Elena flinched.
"W-what?!"
He leaned closer, his voice dropping low, wicked.
"Small movement that captures every part of my body?"
Her face went nuclear.
"I—You—That's—!!"
Another Rift-spawn clawed up from the abyss in front of them.
Kain didn't even break eye contact with her.
He snapped his fingers.
BOOM!
The monster exploded in a spray of fire and bone fragments, painting the road red.
Elara nearly stumbled back.
"Child, focus! The Rift is—"
"Relax," Kain said, still having his attention on Elena, his tone all mocking drawl.
"I've got two hands free. Plenty left to deal with this place… and your little crush problem"
Elena squeaked, visibly trembling.
The Rift pulsed, shadows roaring.
Waves of monsters poured from the jagged walls.
Kain sighed like he was bored with swatting mosquitoes.
He spread his arms out wide, almost inviting them.
"Alright, come on then. Who wants to die first?"
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
Three Rift-spawns were reduced to mush in less than a heartbeat, invisible force snapping them apart.
He slid a glance at Elena again, lips curving into that shit-eating grin.
"You're looking at me like I'm dessert"
[Elena Angel | Affection: 75% | Loyalty: 70% | Lust: 85%]
[Emotion: Horny]
[Thought: "Mnhhh~~"]
He blinked.
Sure, he expected this somewhat, but the speed at which she was falling in love was quick.
He looked over at the Auntie to make sure she wasn't as bat shit insane.
[Elara Angel | Affection: 75% | Loyalty: 75% | Lust: 90%]
[Emotion: Horny | Confused]
[Thought: "T-this is the first time a young man disrespected me so openly…"]
He blinked.
Rubbed his eyes.
And checked again.
[Elara Angel | Affection: 80% | Loyalty: 80% | Lust: 90%]
[Emotion: Horny]
[Thought: "He's been staring at me for a while. Could it be?"]
He sighed.
How is it that a soy boy like Aiden can be so stupid when it comes to love and shit.
But has two family members who can't seem to choose between hating him and wanting to pounce on him.
He shook his head as he signaled for them to keep walking.
Elara walked stiff as a rod, staff gripped in her knuckles like she was forcing herself to stay sane.
Elena, meanwhile, practically melted every time Kain so much as exhaled.
Kain?
Hands still in his pockets.
Whistling.
Like this was a scenic stroll through a summer garden.
Another Rift-spawn lunged out of the abyss, teeth gnashing, claws out, only for Kain to blink at it.
Literally blink.
SPLAT!
The creature detonated into chunks like a rotten tomato under a hammer.
Elena let out a shaky gasp, biting her lip.
Elara flinched, her staff twitching upward, then freezing when she realized he hadn't even raised a hand.
"Sigh… boring"
Elara snapped at him, her voice cracking.
"Child, do you not understand where we are?! A single misstep—!"
Kain tilted his head at her.
"Auntie, if I wanted a lecture, I'd be at the academy right now," he dragged his gaze deliberately up and down her figure.
"Hmm… except teachers don't usually look that good"
Elara choked on air.
Her ears went pink.
Elena practically squealed like he'd just recited the Goddess's holy scripture.
Another wave of Rift-spawn surged forward, shrieking like a choir of the damned.
Kain sighed, rolled his shoulders, and spoke like he was scolding puppies.
"Stay. Down."
BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!
They imploded mid-charge, the pathway littered with black gore and ash.
Elara's breath hitched.
Elena's knees bent in.
Kain glanced lazily between them, lips twitching.
"You two are way too obvious, you know that?"
Elena turned scarlet.
Elara bristled.
"I—I have no idea what you mean, you insolent brat!"
He leaned close to Elara, voice smooth, predatory.
"You're staring at me like you want me to shut you up"
Her eyes widened.
Her chest heaved.
Elena actually covered her mouth to muffle a scream.
Kain's system flared in his sight.
[Elena Angel | Affection: 85% | Loyalty: 75% | Lust: 95%]
[Emotion: Ferally Horny]
[Thought: "He's so mean—he's perfect~~"]
[Elara Angel | Affection: 85% | Loyalty: 80% | Lust: 95%]
[Emotion: Conflicted Horny]
[Thought: "H-he dares… oh Goddess, he dares…"]
Kain rubbed his temples.
"…unbelievable"
He exhaled a laugh, shaking his head.
"It's like you two share one brain cell. And it's apparently just screaming, breed me!"
Elara almost dropped her staff.
Elena nearly fainted.
"…Guess I'm the problem again, huh?"