Chapter 35: Imperial Notice
Next day
Leo slowly opened his eyes, feeling groggy and heavy. Stretching his arms wide, he turned to his side—Lily was gone.
"…A thirsty demon," he muttered, staring blankly at the ceiling.
"She sucked me dry."
Never in his life had he thought a woman would act like that her first time. If not for his higher stats, he would've been the one to pass out. There had been no pain for her—whatever he did to her, or she did to him, all had turned into pleasure. They went at it for nearly four to five hours straight before Lily finally collapsed on top of him.
He glanced down at his bare torso. Faint marks and love bites trailed across his skin, a few even reaching up his neck. He shivered.
"More like she wanted to eat me for real," he muttered, recalling her glowing, lust-filled eyes that refused to fade throughout the whole night.
"Well, it's not like I didn't enjoy it," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Never knew it could feel that amazing."
After washing up, Leo headed out for breakfast. The faint aroma of cooked grains and herbs filled the air. In the dining area, Sera was busy packing supplies into crates.
"Good morning, Miss Sera," he greeted politely.
She turned to him with a pleasant smile.
"Good afternoon, Leo. Looks like you rested well," she said, her tone teasing as a mischievous giggle escaped her lips.
Having noticed Lily's strange cheerfulness earlier, and now seeing Leo, she didn't need to ask what had happened.
Leo coughed lightly, fumbling for words before swiftly taking a seat to eat, his cheeks slightly flushed.
From today onward, he resolved to grow as strong as possible before James's test.
---
Days passed quickly. Leo leveled up steadily, hunting across low-rank fields. It was easy to gather experience and beast cores for Lily's wolf and Shyra. After selling the mana crystals and occasional beast carcasses, his savings reached fifty-five silvers. With that, he bought a pair of twin daggers—thirty silvers, peak green quality—each capable of delivering paralysis poison strong enough to immobilize 1-star beasts and slow 2-stars.
Currently, Lily had just crossed into Peak 1-Star, while Shyra was nearing her breakthrough to 2-Star. As for Leo himself, he'd reached Intermediate 2-Star.
If anyone knew that his personal rank was higher than his beasts', they'd lock him up for research.
---
In a crowded tavern
"Hey, did you hear the Imperial notice?" A rugged man with sharp eyes leaned toward the one beside him.
"About the academy selection?" the lean man replied, sipping his ale.
"Tsk, not that. I mean the process itself." The rugged man lowered his voice. "They're changing it completely. Something about discovering new talents."
The man sitting across from them—Bale—suddenly slammed his mug on the table.
"I knew it!" he shouted, his slurred voice cutting through the chatter.
Nearby patrons glanced over but quickly returned to their drinks as Bale continued, waving his mug.
"There had to be other talents in this world! How come only Beast Masters are born, huh? I've seen people use magic even without beasts. I'm sure I've got a hidden talent too. Heh, once I awaken it, I'll be a noble! Hahaha!"
The others sighed. Bale's drunken prophecies were nothing new. Some of them had come true, though most were obvious if one paid attention.
Still, the news stirred excitement. For centuries, Beast Masters had ruled, and the thought of new kinds of talents appearing had everyone buzzing.
Word spread that the Empire had invented a device capable of peering into one's soul—revealing their innate talent's name and basic nature. The Emperor himself had ordered its mass production, to be sent across the entire Empire. Those who showed promise would be invited into academies to train under masters.
---
Leo made his way toward what used to be the restaurant. Now, the once-lively place was barren, with stacked crates and dust-covered counters. James was still searching for a new location. In this overcrowded city, finding an affordable building was close to impossible.
Heading straight for the basement, Leo arrived to find Lily and James locked in combat.
Wind blades slashed through the air as Lily moved in bursts of speed—her body light, steps sharp, her wolf's ability clearly infused into her movements. But James stood his ground like a wall, his bear-like frame absorbing every hit. With years of battle experience, he eventually overpowered her.
"Lily," he said sternly, brushing off the dust on his arm, "your speed and control are impressive—but your strikes lack power. You can't deal enough damage to the treants."
Lily's expression fell. "So… I won't be going?" she asked quietly.
James smirked. "You can—but remember, your job is only to distract them. No engaging in a full fight."
"Okay!" she said, nodding vigorously, determination returning to her eyes.
James turned toward Leo, his expression unreadable.
"I don't even need to test you," he said after a pause. "I can feel it. You're already nearing my strength." His eyes narrowed. "What the hell have you been doing these past days?"
Leo scratched the back of his neck, smiling wryly. "Hard work?" he said innocently.
Lily turned her head away with a pout. "Hmph!"
Looks like she's still angry… Leo sighed inwardly. After that night, he'd barely spent any time with her—coming home late, claiming exhaustion, and falling asleep immediately.
What should I do…?
"Alright!" James clapped his hands, snapping Leo from his thoughts. "Tomorrow, we head out. Rest well tonight."
He turned to leave, but Leo spoke up. "Will those people also come to assist?"
James paused and nodded solemnly. "Yes. They've received the same mission. We need to stay cautious tomorrow." His eyes softened slightly as he looked at Lily. "Especially you—you're still not strong enough."
They had their dinner, and after few words for tommorow, departed to their respective rooms.
Leo once again tried to sleep off but was caught by Lily.
...Fuck
Today, Leo was not having a easy night.