I first looked at my system:
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[Territory System]
Point: 2250
Rank: E-
Fortress: [Territory 200 Meters] [3000 Points to upgrade]
Technology: [Advanced]
Robots: [10]
Ability: [Sword Light, Ten Steps, Lord Territory]
Technology Upgrade: [2500 Points]
Robot: [Cost 700 Advance Robot] [Cost 2500 Points]
Ability Lottery:
Scrap Ticket 0
Bronze Ticket 0
Silver Ticket 0
Golden Ticket 2
Diamond Ticket 0
Ruby Ticket 0
Legendary Ticket 0
Mystical Ticket 0
System Shop: Supplies, Equipment, Foods
[Cost Upgrade 1000]
[Storage Space Unlimited]
{700 Billion liters of Water, 3 Million worth of Meat, Medicine, Armory, Tents, Lights, Etc...}
---
Noticing I already had two Golden Tickets, I decided to use them immediately.
[Ability Lottery...]
[Moonlight Sword Technique, Lightning Speed]
My eyes lit up in excitement. Moonlight Sword Technique! In my past life, I remembered how useful this technique was—especially when paired with Sword Light.
The Moonlight Sword Technique had a total of nine forms, but at my current rank, I could only access up to the fourth. Still, it was more than enough for now. I needed to increase my Rank to unlock the higher stages.
Lightning Speed was also an excellent pull—an enhanced version of the silver-tier speed enhancement. Just testing it out, I threw a quick punch. The wind screamed past my fist—it was three times faster than before. I nodded in satisfaction.
While I was still mulling things over, thinking whether to invite Trish to join us next—since she was the most mysterious one in their group—I felt something suddenly wrap tightly around my waist.
Startled, I looked down.
"Noel?" I blinked, surprised to see her clinging to me, her small arms wrapped tightly around my body, her expression on the verge of tears.
I was stunned and a bit flustered, but I reached out to gently caress her hair. "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice as calm and soothing as possible.
She looked up at me with trembling lips and misty eyes, pouting as she demanded an answer. "Who were those girls you let stay here?"
Her grip tightened around my waist, enough to sting a little. Though she was still only F+ Rank, it seemed even that was strong enough to hurt.
Before I could respond, she continued, her voice soft and filled with trembling sorrow—like a kitten abandoned by its mother.
"B-Brother… Will you marry one of them? T-Then… you'll abandon me?"
Eh? I blinked again, stunned. My heart softened at her expression.
I sighed helplessly and pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry," I whispered, "they'll just be helping us in the future. But you… you'll always be my favorite."
Her tense little body relaxed immediately, her grip loosening. She sighed in relief, content with the answer.
As I held her, I began to explain who the women were—Maria, Lorraine, Aria, Jasmine, Samminah, and Trish Rhian. I told her what I knew about them—their names, their appearances, and how they would support us.
"You can have them help around the place—cooking, doing laundry, preparing baths… even helping take care of you and Maria," I added softly. "Just be respectful to Maria. Treat her like you would treat me, okay?"
She nodded solemnly. I knew Noel had been lonely for a long time—especially during times when I was gone. It wasn't easy for her.
Finally comforted, she snuggled up closer and fell asleep peacefully in my arms.
---
The Next Morning…
Noel woke up late, blinking at the light already pouring into the room. I was gone, but I'd left a note for her.
Stretching and yawning, she went to the window and peered outside.
There, she saw Lorraine, Aria, Jasmine, Samminah, and Rhian in the backyard, working together and doing laundry. She blinked in surprise.
Curious and now wide awake, she headed downstairs, wondering if she should join them.
She hesitated in the doorway for a moment, watching as Samminah reached out to grab a shirt from the basket. Suddenly, the shirt fluttered in the breeze and flew from her hands.
"Huh?" Samminah muttered, stunned.
She reached for it again, only for it to flutter farther out of reach.
Noel couldn't help it. She giggled sheepishly, trying to hide her laughter as Samminah looked around suspiciously.
---
Meanwhile...
Maria, Trish, and I were walking along the edge of the forest I had already cleared. There were no more zombies here—at least for now—but another horde would eventually make its way through.
I turned to the two women walking beside me. "Today, try to kill at least a hundred each," I said.
Their eyes widened in shock. Maria looked ready, but Trish, who hadn't awakened her powers yet, glared at me in disbelief. Still, she didn't speak back.
I sighed.
Without a word, I flicked her forehead, transferring a portion of my unused enhancements to her. They didn't stack for me anymore, so I might as well give them away.
Trish flinched—then gasped as her vision suddenly sharpened and her body felt lighter, stronger. Four times stronger, at least.
She blinked, stunned, and tested it by punching a nearby tree. It shook under the impact, and she barely felt any recoil or pain.
A quiet voice escaped her lips. "...Thanks."
I didn't reply. She'd be a valuable ally once she awakened fully.
As for Maria, I transferred a silver-level ability to her—one that enhanced bone strength and physical durability.
She tensed, gasping as the power surged through her limbs. Her fist glowed faintly, and she punched a tree out of instinct. It cracked and splintered, breaking apart entirely.
She stared at her hand in disbelief. Normally, using her strength like that would have sent pain shooting up her arm—but this time, there was none.
I smiled gently at her. "Consider it a reward. If you become stronger, I'll give you even more."
She looked at me, a mixture of emotions in her eyes. Confusion. Curiosity. A trace of gratitude.
She rubbed her temple and sighed. "Sure..."
She didn't know why, but something about me unsettled her. I was generous. Too generous. If I wanted her body, I could have taken it by now. But instead…
She glanced up.
My eyes didn't carry lust or greed—only purpose. Determination.
And that was even more confusing.