Velmora — Royal Capital, Throne Hall
The grand Throne Hall of Velmora stood in its full glory — pillars carved from obsidian stone, high arches lined with golden vines, and a giant red-and-gold banner bearing the royal crest of House Zadberg fluttered gently in the breeze coming through the high stained-glass windows.
At the far end, standing tall beside his gleaming obsidian throne was King Adam Zadberg, the SS-ranked monarch of Velmora — a towering man over 7 feet, with broad shoulders, intense brown eyes, and a voice that carried power even in silence.
Before him stood the five most powerful figures after the crown — the dukes and duchesses of Velmora, each representing a major region of the kingdom.
Duke Liam Rutherford of the North — a weathered, sharp-eyed man in his late 50s, clad in a wolf-fur cloak, his region known for its harsh winters and strong ice-element mages.
Duke Elric Vane of the East — slender, silver-haired, with the elegance of a noble and the mind of a strategist.
Duke Barion Kastel of the West — muscular and loud, he was a former general, known more for brute force than diplomacy.
Duchess Helena Ravion of the Central Region — graceful yet cold, wearing a violet gown laced with magical runes, she controlled the heart of the kingdom, including the powerful Cube Academy.
Duchess Seraphine Delrose of the South — a smiling woman with sun-kissed skin and a dangerous intellect, her lands were the trade backbone of Velmora.
King Adam raised his hand slightly, and instantly, the murmurs in the hall died out.
"In three days," he began, his voice deep and commanding, "the Peasant Awakening Ceremony shall take place across the kingdom. This year, the talent detection rate among commoners has increased, and the royal magic division suspects a surge of awakened abilities, especially in elemental branches."
His gaze locked onto Duke Liam.
"Liam. The North must be prepared. As you know, my son Clinton Zadberg and daughter Elina will be traveling to Quad Academy, which lies within your region. Clinton has awakened the pure ice element, something we haven't seen in generations. Elina holds a water affinity. I expect you to provide the utmost security and ensure that the academy provides them with the best instructors."
Duke Liam bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I shall treat them as if they were my own blood. The Northern legions will be deployed along the borders, and the academy staff will be informed of their arrival. The 'ice heir' will be well guarded."
The King nodded with a satisfied grunt, then turned to Duchess Helena Ravion of the Central Region.
"Helena. My eldest son, Christopher, will join Cube Academy in your domain. Despite having awakened Absorber and Fire talents, his potential must still be honed. See to it that he receives the guidance he needs. The Absorber ability is too rare to leave to chance."
Helena smiled slightly, her eyes unreadable. "Of course, Your Majesty. The central magic guild has already prepared a personalized curriculum for Prince Christopher. His rise will bring prestige to Cube Academy — and to the capital itself."
King Adam paused, then scanned the room once more.
"I summoned you all today not just for your regions, but to remind you: the age of war and magic is returning. Monsters stir in the shadows, and rumors of 'Soulbeet Herbs' and other ancient catalysts spreading among peasants must be taken seriously. If commoners begin to awaken en masse, the balance between nobles and the lower classes will tip."
He sat down slowly on his throne, his armored fingers tapping the lionhead carvings.
"Control the growth. Guide it. And above all... watch carefully. Bloodlines are not the only thing that determine greatness anymore."
The nobles bowed as one, their expressions serious.
Back in the Village — Aric's POV
After the drowning incident and the surprise attack from that cursed horned wolf, I lay on the rough grass near the pond, completely drained. My clothes were still damp, and my body ached, but I could breathe again. I rested for a few minutes while Sarah sat beside me, staring quietly at the sky. She hadn't said much since pulling me out of the pond. Her expression was unreadable, like she was thinking hard about something.
I sat up slowly, feeling the weight of everything hit me again. My clothes clung uncomfortably to my skin, but I pushed the discomfort aside.
"Open system," I muttered in my mind.
The now-familiar blue screen appeared in front of me.
> [New Skill Unlocked]
Agility Boost (Temporary)
Effect: Increases Agility by +10 for 10 minutes
Price: 30 U Tokens
Not bad, I thought. But not urgent either. I wasn't planning on running marathons or dodging arrows... yet.
I checked my balance — 35 U Tokens. I scrolled back through the older skills I hadn't bought yet. Then I saw it.
> [Skill Available]
Physical Boost (Temporary)
Effect: +10 to Strength stat for 10 minutes
Price: 25 U Tokens
Without hesitation, I tapped Buy. The screen blinked once.
> [Skill Acquired: Physical Boost]
A small grin crept onto my face. It wasn't much, but it was something. Something that could make a difference next time I'm in danger.
Because deep down, I knew — danger wasn't far. And I needed to be ready.
As I pondered my next move, I glanced down and saw Sarah, fast asleep with her head on my shoulder.
I remembered clicking 'yes' to make her my slave, but the effectiveness was only at 10%. A kiss might increase my control over her, making it easier to keep secrets and issue commands.
After my encounters with Darcy and catching a glimpse of my aunt, my preferences had definitely shifted towards milfs, and Sarah, though cute, didn't ignite the same fire within me.
I gently lifted her head and placed it on my lap, leaning down to press a soft, light kiss to her lips.
It was a chaste kiss, barely a touch, but it held a world of meaning. Sarah had kissed me before, and that attempt had a 50% chance of success. This time, with her already under my influence, I was sure it would work.
Almost instantly, a blue screen materialized before me, displaying the notification:
"Slave will kiss... effectiveness reached 60% target Sarah [will obey basic tasks and may require negotiations for higher tasks. Tasks like killing may be rejected].
" A small smile played on my lips as I read the update. Having her at 60% effectiveness was a significant improvement, and I knew it would make controlling her much easier.
Another notification popped up, this one a reward: "Reward for kiss: 40U TOKENS." I mentally noted the tokens, knowing they would come in handy later.
Sarah stirred slightly but didn't wake up.
We sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, her head resting on my lap, her breathing slow and even.
I took the time to appreciate the shift in my desires, realizing that my encounters with older, more experienced women had truly changed my preferences.
The thought made me smile, and I knew that from now on, milfs would be my weakness.
I gently stroked Sarah's hair, my mind already racing with the possibilities of my newfound control. With her at 60% effectiveness, I could issue basic commands and expect atleast little obedience.