Category: Dear, it’s time for your medicine!

Chapter 83: The Mysterious First Hero

After leaving the capital, Ekaterina suddenly wrapped her arm around Qin Chu, pulling him close.

Don’t mistake this for a romantic gesture.

But her waist, firm and toned, felt nice against his. He shamelessly placed his hand on her hip, enjoying the contact.

She shivered at his touch, her cheeks flushing, her breath quickening. Her body, hypersensitive to his presence, yearned for his affection.

Loseweisse, watching them, her gaze filled with pity for Ekaterina, felt her anger rising.

“Hero-sama, we need to pick up the pace. Hold on tight,” Ekaterina said, her voice firm.

She bent her knees slightly, Star Flame Battle Qi surging through her legs, flames engulfing her athletic form. Then, with a powerful burst of energy, she shot forward, her speed incredible, Qin Chu clutched tightly in her embrace.

The scenery blurred, trees flashing past in a dizzying rush. The air, sharp and cold, whipped at their faces, stinging their skin.

Natia, watching them disappear, was confused. Wasn’t this supposed to be a training exercise?

What was going on?

She didn’t dwell on it, her curiosity quickly fading. She raised her hands, a whirlwind of energy gathering around her, lifting her small form into the air.

She followed them, her speed slower than Ekaterina’s, but her flight smooth and effortless.

Loseweisse brought up the rear. Her magic, focused on light and mental manipulation, supplemented by a few… unusual… abilities, didn’t grant her exceptional speed. But her stamina was incredible, her regenerative abilities potent. She wouldn’t fall behind.

Ekaterina, glancing back, seeing that Natia was lagging behind, relaxed slightly. Leaning closer to Qin Chu, her voice barely audible above the wind’s roar, she spoke. “Master, I have some important information.”

“What is it?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

He opened his mouth, but the wind, sharp and cold, rushed in, almost tearing his lips apart.

Star Flame Battle Qi, its properties exceeding mere explosive force, granted its wielder incredible speed, rivaling even a meteor’s velocity.

“It’s about the Hero Squad…”

Qin Chu’s expression turned serious.

He had manipulated Ekaterina, turning her into his spy within the Hero Squad, to monitor their movements, to anticipate their actions. After all, his approach in this life differed significantly from his previous one. Their plans would have to adapt.

“Ronald, the nobleman swordsman, has located one of the First Hero’s soul fragments.”

Qin Chu’s eyes narrowed, his body tensing.

He had never met the First Hero, but he instinctively viewed him as his greatest enemy.

To resurrect him, they needed to gather his soul fragments. In his previous life, they had almost succeeded.

And if he could acquire this fragment… it would give him leverage over the Hero Squad. After all, he only had three doses of Stunning Love left…

“Where?”

“Within the Third Demon Princess’s territory. Ronald has infiltrated it and is searching for the fragment.”

“Good. You’ve done well, Ekaterina. I’ll reward you later,” he said, his voice cold, a cruel smile touching his lips.

Ekaterina’s face lit up, her smile unsettling in its intensity. She understood his meaning.

She was eager to complete this mission, to receive her… reward…

She increased her speed, her desire for his touch fueling her.

“Ekaterina, what do you know about the First Hero?” he asked, his voice casual.

“The First Hero?” She considered the question as she maintained her breakneck pace. “He was… charismatic…”

“He was popular wherever he went.”

“Women… even men… cheered for him…”

Her tone was detached, as if she were recounting a story, a tale unrelated to her own life. She had no interest in the First Hero. They had shared experiences, but to her, those memories were like a book she had read… She remembered the plot, but it lacked emotional resonance.

Women… even men…? He was universally adored?

What made him so popular? Was it his charm?

Qin Chu, remembering his own mediocre charm stat, felt a twinge of annoyance. Was the First Hero exceptionally handsome? If he was more attractive than him… well, that was unforgivable.

“But despite his popularity, he wasn’t interested in… romance… There were never any rumors about him and any women…”

“Even the Hero Squad members… they all adored him…” She paused. “Except for me.”

You felt the same way before.

He thought, but he kept his observation to himself.

He knew very little about the First Hero. The Hero Squad members had rarely mentioned him, his existence shrouded in a strange mystique.

What kind of man could inspire such unwavering devotion, such blind loyalty?

He had been dead for years, and they were still willing to kill for him?

Did he possess some kind of… mind control… Ability? Qin Chu couldn’t imagine any other explanation.

But Shaye had said that mental manipulation, though powerful, wasn’t permanent. It required constant reinforcement.

And if the caster died, the control would eventually fade.

And Loseweisse, Ekaterina… they didn’t seem to be under any kind of mental influence. Their actions were their own.

Shaye had confirmed that there were no signs of manipulation on Ekaterina.

So what was the explanation?

“He had a Super-tier Ability, right? What was it?”

Ekaterina frowned, her memories of the First Hero hazy and fragmented. “Grotesque Slayer?”

“Yes, that’s it. It allowed him to deal incredible damage to… unnatural… beings: ghosts, Demons, monsters, aberrations…”

It was a powerful Ability, especially valuable in a world plagued by Demons.

But Qin Chu was still suspicious. It wasn’t enough to explain the Hero Squad’s unwavering devotion.

He asked about the First Hero’s other Abilities, but they were all relatively minor: Fire Element Affinity, Enhanced Strength, etc.

Was he hiding something? Just like he had used Shaye’s power to mask his true abilities from Zimmerman and the other Sages, could the First Hero have possessed a similar Ability?

His curiosity intensified. Though dead, this man seemed to be his greatest enemy, besides the Void Evil God.

And his existence was… unsettling…

“Was he truly dead?” he asked, his voice cold, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes.

“I… I believe so…”

“If he’s dead, why are all of you still alive? You were fighting alongside him, weren’t you?”

Ekaterina considered his question. “It happened suddenly. We were battling the Demons, making good progress. There were casualties, of course, but we were pushing them back, eliminating them. We believed that once we defeated the Dark Witch, Shaye, and the Eternal Monarch, Nagath, victory would be ours.”

“But then… the First Hero left a letter, claiming that Shaye and Nagath were too powerful, that a final confrontation would result in too many human casualties. He decided to assassinate them himself.”

“We found the letter and rushed to stop him, but it was too late. We arrived just in time to see his body… torn to shreds by Nagath’s claws. His blood… it stained the sky.”

Wait…

A crucial detail suddenly struck him. The Hero Squad had arrived just as the First Hero had been killed!

“Didn’t you see his soul fragments? Why didn’t you collect them?”

“And why would Nagath kill him but spare you?”

…

Chapter 82: False Absolute Defense

Benson was the most honest and straightforward member of the Hero Squad.

He too wished to resurrect Jie Luo and wouldn’t refuse Loseweisse’s request, especially because he was deeply in love with her, even though he knew her heart belonged to Jie Luo.

Love was a powerful, often irrational force.

He didn’t care that their relationship would become strained after Jie Luo’s return. As long as she was happy, he was content.

For her happiness, he would endure anything. He was prepared to swallow his pride, to even befriend the Second Hero, despite his disgust, if it meant ensuring her happiness.

But how had Lomond known his route? The Demon Prince had clearly been waiting for him, his ambush carefully planned.

Was there a traitor in the capital?

Only Loseweisse knew his travel plans, but she would never betray him. He trusted her implicitly. Perhaps she had inadvertently revealed his route to someone else, and that person was the true traitor.

Damn them, using Loseweisse like this!

His anger flared. He would tell her about this, expose the traitor.

Distraction during battle was a fatal mistake.

Lomond, though not the sharpest tool in the shed, possessed exceptional combat instincts. He seized upon Benson’s momentary lapse in concentration, his massive hand shooting out, dark mist swirling around it.

“Crushing Grip!”

Benson felt a sudden weight pressing down on him, his body as if burdened by a thousand times its normal gravity. His feet sank into the ground.

He grunted, struggling to maintain his footing, but the pressure intensified, a mountain crushing him, forcing him to his knees.

His bones creaked, his joints grinding painfully.

Lomond, his crimson face contorted in a cruel grin, appeared before him, his fist, as large as Benson’s entire body, slamming into his shield.

The impact reverberated through the air, a deafening clang echoing through the mountains.

Dust billowed as Benson was thrown back, his body crashing into the mountainside, the stone cracking and splintering under the force of the blow.

The entire mountain seemed to tremble, rocks tumbling down its slopes.

Even his shield, forged from Gordel Steel, one of the strongest metals in the Heavenly Continent, couldn’t withstand the Demon Prince’s might. A network of fine cracks spread across its surface.

Lomond raised his arm, dark energy swirling around his hand, coalescing into a jagged, black spear, its form grotesque and menacing.

This was a power only a high-ranking Demon could wield, a force bordering on a Super-tier spell.

“Dark Judgment!”

He hurled the spear, its black form a blur as it tore through the air, its shriek piercing, its trajectory aimed at Benson’s heart.

The speed was incredible, the spear leaving a trail of afterimages, a black line connecting Lomond to his target.

A golden barrier, shimmering with light, suddenly enveloped Benson.

The spear slammed into the barrier.

The impact was explosive, the ground trembling, the mountain groaning in protest. Even the Demons, hundreds of meters away, were thrown off their feet, the shockwave carving a cave into the mountainside.

They scrambled to their feet, their eyes, grotesque and varied, fixed on the scene, eager to witness Benson’s demise.

But they were disappointed.

Benson was unharmed. The barrier, its golden light unwavering, had deflected the attack.

False Absolute Defense!

His Ability.

A high-ranking Ability, its power said to rival a Super-tier Ability.

While active, he was practically invulnerable, his stamina and Battle Qi rapidly regenerating. It could last for up to an hour.

But it had a weakness: he couldn’t move. Any movement would break the barrier.

Damn it!

Lomond roared, his frustration evident. He had expected his attack to obliterate Benson, but that damn Ability had thwarted him. It was cheating!

Of course, he conveniently forgot that his own tactic, a coordinated attack involving a horde of Demons, wasn’t exactly… honorable…

Benson gasped, his face pale, sweat dripping from his brow, stinging his eyes.

He had been careless, his momentary distraction almost costing him his life. Lomond’s attack had been swift, relentless. If his Ability hadn’t activated in time, he would have been pinned to the mountainside, a lifeless trophy.

Lomond, despite his reputation as a dullard, was a formidable warrior.

His Ability had saved him, but his situation remained precarious. He couldn’t rely on it indefinitely.

He could only activate it three times per day, nine times per month.

He wasn’t sure how long he could hold out. He glanced at the approaching Demons, his heart sinking. He needed Loseweisse and Ekaterina.

My dearest comrades… they must be on their way…

…

Loseweisse’s nails dug into her palms, her teeth grinding audibly. Ekaterina could even hear the sound.

Angelica’s taunts had enraged her.

But she wouldn’t lose control. Not in front of the Hero. Angelica had probably been badmouthing her, but he wouldn’t necessarily believe her. She had to maintain her image, her facade of composure.

After a few seconds, she calmed down, her anger replaced by a bright, cheerful smile. “Oh my, Lady Natia, you have feelings for the Hero? I’m sure many young noblemen will be heartbroken…”

“The Hero and the Sage… what a perfect match…”

“But it seems Lady Natia’s… desires… are unrequited.” She glanced at Angelica, deliberately fanning the flames.

The Hero’s… popularity… was annoying, but Angelica’s insolence was infuriating. She had to deal with her first. If Angelica objected… how dare a mere maid interfere in her master’s romantic affairs? Her actions would surely lower her standing in Qin Chu’s eyes. And if she agreed, it would dilute Angelica’s importance, her special position by his side.

“I’m just a maid. My master’s decisions are his own. It has nothing to do with me,” Angelica said cheerfully. “But if you must know… I wouldn’t object.”

Natia tilted her head, confusion clouding her blue eyes. “Wouldn’t you be… upset? Or… angry?”

“Well, I might be a little jealous, but if it’s Lady Natia… I wouldn’t mind,” Angelica said, her smile unwavering.

Natia frowned. “But don’t you… love… him?”

“Of course I do!”

She didn’t understand. Louisa had said that love was possessive, that one wouldn’t want anyone else near their beloved.

“Because I love him, I welcome Lady Natia.” She clasped her hands behind her back, her gaze, though directed at Natia, filled with adoration for Qin Chu. “Lady Natia is strong, far stronger than I am. She can do things I can’t. She can protect him in ways I can’t.”

“He’s… special… Many want him dead. I believe Lady Natia, by his side, can keep him safe.”

“I don’t like the idea of him having… other women… but his safety is my priority.”

This was Angelica. She might seem naive, but she was smarter than she appeared. Her seemingly impulsive actions, her words, had been carefully calculated. She had marked her territory, declaring her claim on him.

But his safety, his well-being, would always be her primary concern. Nothing could change that.

Even Ekaterina nodded in approval.

Loseweisse, who had intended to sow discord, to undermine Angelica’s position, was frustrated. That little bitch had somehow managed to gain even more favor with Qin Chu. How cunning!

As silence descended upon them once more, Qin Chu, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation, glanced at Loseweisse. Holy Maiden, had you forgotten something?

Benson was running out of time!

Even if she didn’t care about his fate, he did. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. He patted Angelica’s head affectionately, then turned to Natia, his voice polite. “Lady Natia, I’m… honored… by your proposal…”

“But as you can see, I already have someone… special… in my life…”

“So, I must… decline… your offer.”

Natia nodded, accepting his rejection. This was her first… proposal… and it had been rejected. It was… strange…

But she wasn’t heartbroken. This puzzled her.

Qin Chu, having dealt with Natia, turned to Loseweisse and Ekaterina. “Are you two here for breakfast? Or is there something else?”

Loseweisse gasped.

Angelica’s antics had distracted her, her true purpose momentarily forgotten.

She had no time to waste.

She took a deep breath, composing herself. “Ekaterina and I have been discussing your progress, Hero-sama. We believe it’s time for you to experience… actual combat… against the Demons.”

“Of course, we’ll be with you. Your safety is our priority.”

Finally, they were getting to the point. Qin Chu smiled, his eagerness evident. “Of course, I’d love to.”

“I’m going too!” Angelica declared.

Even though he had instructed her to stay behind, she had to maintain her facade, to avoid suspicion. In the end, he overruled her, his tone firm, his decision final.

His immediate agreement surprised Loseweisse, but considering Benson’s situation, she didn’t dwell on it. She and Ekaterina, with Qin Chu in tow, quickly left the bakery.

Natia, her thoughts unreadable, followed them.

Loseweisse, though annoyed by her presence, couldn’t exactly force her to leave.

Nikles, his face pale, hurried towards the Imperial Palace. He couldn’t prevent them from taking the Hero on a “training exercise,” but he had to inform Wadsworth immediately.

Candice, observing them from a distance, smiled. She had relayed the information to Lomond, as instructed.

Her smile was cruel, her excitement growing. This was the Hero, the man who stood as Horus’s equal. He might be considered weak, newly arrived in this world, but she, having witnessed his power, knowing of his battles against the entities within the Void, understood his true strength.

She couldn’t wait to see… the bloodshed…

…

Chapter 81: Four Boats at Once

Natia was a bit clueless, a consequence of her upbringing.

She was a commoner, her exceptional talent discovered by Zimmerman, who had purchased her freedom and brought her to Sage Mountain, raising her as his student.

Her life had changed drastically.

Her days were spent surrounded by the twelve Sages, her time devoted to meditation and magical studies. She had no friends, no peers, her only companions dusty tomes filled with arcane knowledge.

What did those old men know about love, about marriage?

She had never considered such things.

As an adult, she was allowed to leave the mountain, but the outside world, with its unfamiliar customs and chaotic energy, filled her with anxiety. Her friendship with Louisa, a boisterous noblewoman who disregarded social conventions, had gradually eased her apprehension.

But as she grew older, as Zimmerman and the other Sages aged, they realized that this isolation wasn’t sustainable. What would happen to her when they were gone? Would she remain alone on Sage Mountain? The thought troubled them.

So they began to encourage her, just as they had once pushed her to excel in her magical studies, to venture out, to attend social gatherings, to meet eligible young men from noble families. Perhaps she would find someone… suitable… someone she could marry…

That was the first time she had heard the word “marriage.”

Their constant nagging had annoyed her, then sparked a strange notion in her mind: a woman’s life wasn’t complete without marriage…

Louisa’s colorful descriptions of romantic relationships had solidified this belief.

Fall in love, get married, engage in those… activities… and her life would be fulfilled.

It was a perfect solution. Zimmerman and the others would finally stop bothering her, and she could focus on her research.

She didn’t even realize how shocking her proposal was.

Several noblewomen, their forks clattering to the floor, stared at her in disbelief.

Qin Chu, though initially reluctant, felt obligated to respond. He was a gentleman, after all.

But before he could utter a word, he felt two piercing gazes, sharp as daggers, boring into his back.

Two figures stood at the entrance: Ekaterina, clad in her crimson armor, and Loseweisse.

Ekaterina’s eyes blazed with a possessive fury, her killing intent undeniable. But it wasn’t directed at him. It was aimed at Natia.

This temptress was trying to steal her beloved! How dare she?

She had to die!

Stunning Love, its influence amplified by Qin Chu’s rejection, had twisted her emotions. Anyone who approached him, anyone who threatened her claim on him, was now a target of her wrath.

She was becoming dangerously possessive.

Loseweisse, however, frowned.

Ekaterina had been right. They hadn’t even left the capital, and already, a shameless hussy was trying to seduce the Hero.

She hadn’t considered Natia a threat. The woman seemed simple… her mind likely addled from excessive magical studies.

But she hadn’t anticipated this brazen display, a public proposal, a blatant offer of those things. This was seduction, pure and simple. If they had left him alone, this woman would have… consummated their relationship… right here, right now.

The seemingly harmless woman was the most dangerous of them all.

And Qin Chu, that bastard had claimed to love her, and yet, he was about to accept this woman’s proposal?

Men… they were all the same, except for Jie Luo.

Qin Chu, his expression a mixture of amusement and bewilderment, wasn’t afraid… but this was… awkward… Was this a love triangle?

He touched his nose, surprised that he was experiencing this… It wasn’t unpleasant.

He maintained a neutral expression, his gaze sweeping over Loseweisse and Ekaterina, lingering on the Valkyrie for a moment. She nodded imperceptibly.

His plan was unfolding. Benson, attacked by Lomond, had sent a distress signal to Loseweisse.

The three women remained silent, their thoughts churning, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills. The air crackled with tension.

Shaye, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, even dragged Anthea out to witness this rare event. Unfortunately, Anthea couldn’t comprehend the situation. She didn’t understand why these women were so hostile towards each other.

Did they all love the same man? If so, why not just marry him all of them? It didn’t make sense!

The tension reached a breaking point, the three women’s bodies buzzing with barely restrained power, their magical energies clashing. A chaotic battle seemed imminent…

And then a cheerful voice shattered the tense atmosphere.

“Master, there you are…”

It was Angelica.

She wore a pristine white maid uniform, even her stockings a matching shade of white, her appearance innocent and alluring.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining with happiness and affection. She had become his… last night…

She was a maid. She wasn’t one for public displays of affection, but today… well, she could indulge herself a little.

She beamed, throwing herself into his arms.

“Ahem, Angelica, why aren’t you resting?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

“Master…” she pouted playfully, her happiness evident.

“You were so rough last night… You even ripped my stockings…”

She stood on her tiptoes, her lips brushing against his ear, her voice a soft whisper. “But if that’s what you like, Master… Angelica will… endure…”

His body shivered at her words, her tone, the implication…

Her voice was soft, but the three women, their senses enhanced, heard every word. They felt a pang of… defeat…

The other patrons stared at them, their expressions a mixture of envy and disapproval. This guy… he was playing the field!

Four women! He had four women!

Qin Chu’s affectionate treatment of Angelica sparked envy in Natia and Ekaterina’s eyes. Loseweisse, however, frowned, her fists clenching. That little bitch… flaunting herself…

Was she showing off?

Angelica’s arrival had disrupted the tense atmosphere, transforming it into a chaotic mess. She seemed to finally notice the other women, her head peeking out from Qin Chu’s embrace, her gaze sweeping over Natia, Ekaterina, and finally settling on Loseweisse. A smug smile curved her lips.

Hah…

She stepped away from him, blushing, her tongue darting out playfully, as if embarrassed by her impulsive display of affection.

Loseweisse trembled with rage.

She was provoking her!

She wanted to scream, to lash out, to unleash her fury upon this… this… little…

Her jealousy, her anger, even overshadowed her concern for Benson.

As for Ekaterina, Benson was less important than a… cockroach…

…

On the outskirts of the Auville Empire, at the foot of Mount Cavanyas, a man, his breathing labored, stood his ground. He was stocky, his body built for strength, his grip firm on a massive shield, its surface scarred with claw marks. His other hand clutched a short-handled battle axe.

The axe’s blade, dulled from countless battles, was chipped and dented.

His golden armor, stained crimson with blood, was battered and torn. Around him lay a sea of Demon corpses, their limbs severed, their bodies mangled. Blood pooled on the ground, transforming the earth into a muddy quagmire.

Sweat, glistening on his dark skin, streamed down his face.

This was Benson, the Immovable Shield, a member of the Hero Squad.

He was their strongest defender, his vitality unmatched, his resilience legendary.

Even the Demons’ claws and fangs struggled to pierce his thick hide. He could charge into an army of tens of thousands, emerging unscathed.

But now, his face, framed by a thick beard, was creased with worry. His opponent was no ordinary Demon. It was a behemoth, a true monster.

Over fifty meters tall, its body a tapestry of muscle, its arms ending in razor-sharp claws capable of rending steel.

The gash in his armor, the deep dent in his shield… these were its handiwork.

Its curved, goat-like horns marked it as a high-ranking Demon. Its skin, a disturbing shade of crimson, resembled congealed blood. Its fangs, long and sharp, gleamed with a predatory hunger. Its eyes, large and menacing, were filled with greed and madness.

Lomond, the seventh son of the Eternal Monarch, Nagath.

He was a powerful, relentless foe. In a one-on-one battle, Benson was confident he could hold his own, perhaps even emerge victorious. But Lomond wasn’t alone…

He had brought an army of elite Demons.

The situation was dire, but he had sent a message to Loseweisse, informing her of the attack. She and Ekaterina would come.

Loseweisse was kind. She wouldn’t abandon him.

And Ekaterina, with her fiery temper and fierce loyalty, would surely rush to his aid. Together, they might even be able to defeat Lomond.

Loseweisse, Ekaterina.

My dearest comrades.

I’m waiting for you!

…

Chapter 80: Let’s Get Married

Lust’s power was semi-passive. Once activated, it remained active, its influence constant. Deactivating it returned him to normal.

He hadn’t done it intentionally. He had forgotten to turn it off after using it on Ekaterina.

After all, he already had Angelica and Ekaterina. He didn’t need a harem. Too many women would be… overwhelming…

He truly meant it.

But it was too late to deactivate it now. The Ability had already taken effect the moment he touched her.

And Natia’s reaction was… unsettling… something felt off.

She was leaning forward, her sky-blue hair cascading down her slender neck, her pink lips parted, her gaze fixed on his finger, oblivious to the curious stares of the other patrons.

What was she doing?

Her blue eyes, intense and unwavering, made his skin crawl.

“Lady Natia, what… what are you…?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“Quiet…”

Her words, muffled by his finger, were accompanied by a glare, as if reprimanding him for interrupting her… experiment.

He fell silent.

Natia, a genius in magic, was equally clueless when it came to matters of the heart.

She had no experience, no frame of reference, so she treated Louisa’s words as gospel.

Louisa had advised her to test her feelings, to confirm her love for this man.

And that’s what she was doing…

Hmm, the sensations were the same as before. Her heart rate had increased by a third, her cheeks were warm… She even pulled out a small mirror, checking her reflection while still holding his finger in her mouth. Yes, she was definitely blushing.

According to Louisa, blushing and a racing heart were signs of… attraction…

And of course, her own feelings…

Did she dislike him?

No.

Did she desire him?

Yes, a little!

She examined her heart, acknowledging her desire for more… contact…

After a few seconds, she released his finger, a sense of emptiness washing over her as soon as the contact was broken.

This wasn’t just a… fluke…

Before Qin Chu could sigh in relief, she spoke again, her voice calm, her gaze unwavering. “Can you… touch my face?”

Her request was… bizarre… but he complied, placing his hand on her soft cheek.

His touch, rough and calloused, didn’t repel her. The warmth of his palm was… comforting…

She rubbed her cheek against his hand, like a cat seeking affection, a faint smile curving her lips.

It was the first time he had seen her smile, even in his previous life.

A smile, rare and unexpected, could be incredibly beautiful. He stared at her, momentarily captivated.

Yes, it was… pleasant…

Natia, confirming her feelings, her reactions matching Louisa’s description, reached a conclusion. She was in love with this man.

After a few seconds, she released his hand, her blue eyes still fixed on him, her gaze intense.

“Hero Qin Chu…” she said, her voice firm.

“Yes?” He tensed, her gaze unsettling him. What was she planning?

“Let’s get married.”

The milk tea he had just sipped sprayed from his mouth, his surprise absolute.

What the hell was happening? How had they reached… marriage…? Was she delirious? Her cheeks were flushed… Perhaps she had a fever…

He grabbed a napkin, wiping his mouth, his face burning with embarrassment, the stares of the other patrons making him squirm.

This bastard… he was so lucky!

A beautiful, petite woman, with such… assets… was proposing to him? Why wasn’t he dead?

He could practically hear their envious thoughts.

He gasped, staring at her in disbelief. “Ahem, Lady Natia, did I… mishear you? Or are you… joking? This isn’t funny. I might take you seriously.”

“I’m not joking,” she said, shaking her head. “You heard correctly. I’m asking you to marry me.”

Well, he definitely hadn’t misheard her.

“Why?” he asked, utterly baffled.

Lust couldn’t be responsible for this. The Ability could induce infatuation, but it couldn’t make her skip countless stages and jump straight to marriage.

Her voice, as always, was calm, devoid of any emotional inflection. Her words weren’t a declaration of love, but a simple statement of fact, a research report.

“Based on two separate experiments, I’ve concluded that I’m in love with you.”

Despite the presence of others, her gaze remained fixed on him, oblivious to their stares, their whispers, their envy, their judgment.

She cared only about her own desires, her own pursuits.

And now, those pursuits included him. After all, he was the only man who had elicited such a reaction from her, both physically and emotionally.

“And if I’m in love with you, then we should get married, shouldn’t we?” she added, her logic straightforward. His touch was pleasant, and she wanted to keep him close.

If love equaled marriage, wouldn’t there be fewer tragedies in this world?

He thought, but his mind was still reeling. He couldn’t comprehend this situation. Marriage? It was too sudden… Did she even understand what she was saying?

Seeing his hesitation, she frowned slightly. “Is there something… wrong… with me?”

“I might be biased, but I believe my appearance is… acceptable. Many have commented on my beauty.”

“And my figure… many women envy it.”

Her beauty, her curves… yes, many envied her.

“I’m also quite talented. My teacher once said that I’m the most gifted of the Thirteen Sages. And I’m strong. I might be the youngest of the Sages, but I’m progressing quickly. In terms of combat ability, I’m above average. My position is solely due to my age.”

“If we marry, I can protect you until you become stronger.”

“And financially… well, you receive 100,000 Mana per month, but I… I don’t have a fixed income. However, last month, I sold ten potions for 3 million Mana.”

“And one of my less important magical notebooks fetched over 10 million at auction. So, I believe we’ll be… comfortable…”

She had clearly thought this through.

Ten potions, 3 million Mana… a “less important” notebook, 10 million… She was wealthy. Undeniably wealthy.

If he didn’t have other goals, he would have thrown himself at her, begging her to become his sugar mama.

But this was… marriage…

And besides, was she even that… appealing…?

Sure, she was beautiful, with a great figure, powerful, influential, and rich… but those were… superficial qualities…

Marriage shouldn’t be based on such things. It should be about love. A loveless marriage was a recipe for disaster.

And he wasn’t that kind of person.

“Lady Natia, I’m truly…”

“Oh, right…” She tapped her forehead, remembering Louisa’s advice. Certain… activities… were reserved for marriage.

She had interpreted this as a… requirement…

“And after we’re married… we can do… those things…” she said, her voice still calm, though a faint blush tinged her cheeks.

She didn’t understand what those “things” were, but apparently, they were… important… to men.

Qin Chu stood up abruptly.

“I…”

He froze, two piercing gazes, sharp as daggers, boring into his back.

Chapter 79: You’ve Fallen For That Man

“Where?” Ekaterina asked eagerly, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

The Hero Squad’s plan hinged on resurrecting the First Hero. Surely, their master would be interested in any information regarding his whereabouts.

She wanted to earn his favor, to bask in his love!

Loseweisse, her suspicions unaroused, responded readily. “Ronald doesn’t know the exact location yet, but it’s somewhere within the territory of Nagath’s third daughter, the Third Demon Princess…”

She paused, then continued, her voice soothing, reassuring. “So don’t worry, Ekaterina. We’re making progress. Just be patient, endure a little longer. When Jie Luo is resurrected, you’ll be the one who made it all possible.”

Ekaterina didn’t care about recognition or accolades. She just needed to relay this information to her master.

“I understand. I’ll be patient,” she said, her voice subdued.

She shook her head, adding, “And don’t worry about me losing control. I’ll… restrain myself.”

That’s precisely what I’m worried about! You almost killed me just now!

Loseweisse thought, but she kept her concerns to herself.

“I suggested bringing Qin Chu along not to kill him, but to… facilitate Jie Luo’s resurrection,” Ekaterina said, remembering her master’s instructions. She had to maintain her facade, to deceive the perceptive Loseweisse.

Loseweisse frowned, her curiosity piqued.

“We can’t leave him alone in the capital…” Ekaterina continued, her voice urgent. “There are too many people trying to get close to him.”

“Wadsworth’s people, Saint Monique’s people, Augustus’s people… Even Carlos from the Adventurer’s Guild…”

Carlos, the Guild Master, was a powerful figure, only slightly weaker than Wadsworth, Augustus, and Saint Monique. His signature move, the Sword of Damocles, was said to be capable of severing anything.

“And countless nobles, members of the royal family…”

“Their intentions are obvious, aren’t they?”

Loseweisse fell silent, understanding dawning. They were all vying for the Hero’s favor.

If they left him alone, those vultures would descend upon him, their honeyed words and seductive smiles tempting him away.

And knowing Qin Chu, he wouldn’t be able to resist.

“But what excuse can we use? The guards at the gate…” Loseweisse pondered their options.

“It’s simple,” Ekaterina scoffed. “We’ll say we’re taking him on a training exercise, to give him some… practical experience… with the Demons. And besides, do those guards dare to question us?”

…

Meanwhile, Qin Chu strolled leisurely through the streets of the noble district.

As he passed a bakery, a familiar figure caught his eye.

She was petite, barely reaching 1.5 meters, but her figure was… voluptuous… not plump, but pleasantly rounded, her curves alluring.

Her sky-blue hair, as long as she was tall, cascaded down her back, framing a face that was attractive, though not conventionally beautiful. Her eyes, the same shade as her hair, sparkled like gemstones.

It was Natia, the youngest of the Thirteen Sages.

He hadn’t seen her since the banquet.

Speaking of which, those old geezers had tricked him, summoning him to this world under false pretenses. Zimmerman had promised that he could return to Earth once the Demons were defeated. But after he had eradicated them, the Sage had simply shrugged, admitting that he had lied.

Damn that old bastard.

And Loseweisse’s scroll, the one containing the resurrection ritual… he suspected that the Sages might have provided it. After all, those thirteen old men were obsessed with arcane and forbidden knowledge.

He entered the bakery, walking towards Natia, who was seated at a table by the window.

Nikles remained outside, discreetly giving them privacy.

The bakery was crowded, but no one dared to approach her. Her presence, aloof and intimidating, kept them at bay.

Hearing his approach, Natia looked up. Qin Chu thought he saw a faint blush on her cheeks, but perhaps it was just the lighting.

“Hero-sama…”

“Lady Natia, may I join you?” he asked, his voice polite.

Without waiting for her response, he sat down opposite her.

She frowned slightly but said nothing, maintaining her composure.

“A White Silk Angel, please…” he called out to a waiter.

It wasn’t a… suggestive… request.

White Silk Angel was the name of a pastry, its white cream piped into delicate swirls. It was quite delicious.

Natia looked at him, surprise flickering in her blue eyes. “Have you been here before?”

“No…”

“Then you’re in luck. It’s their signature dish.”

“Is that so? It seems the Goddess of Fortune smiles upon me.” He chuckled, then lowered his head slightly. “I apologize…”

She tilted her head. “For what?”

“Well…”

He hesitated, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. “You remember… at the banquet… when I… well… I never apologized for my… behavior…”

“That…” She delicately lifted a bite of cake to her lips with a small fork. “I’ve forgotten about it.”

Her words were calm, but her ears twitched slightly, the memory of that night flashing through her mind. What embarrassed her even more was her body’s… reaction… It had lingered for days.

She was a gifted mage, her talent undeniable. She had dedicated her life to magic, her pursuit of knowledge absolute, her desires… nonexistent.

There were even rumors that she was… barren…

She dismissed those rumors with a laugh. The pleasures of the flesh held no appeal for her. Unraveling the mysteries of magic was far more fulfilling.

She was confident that she would reach the pinnacle of magical mastery before she turned forty.

Magic, it was said, hadn’t existed in this world originally. It was knowledge brought from the stars, a gift from the heavens, that had allowed humans to harness elemental energy.

She had already planned her future. Once she had mastered magic, she would explore the stars, seeking the secrets hidden within the endless void.

That had been her plan. But after meeting Qin Chu, her heart… her mind… had been thrown into disarray.

When he had placed his finger in her mouth, her body had reacted, a strange, unfamiliar sensation that both frightened and intrigued her. She didn’t understand it, this yearning, this desire, but it filled her with shame.

She had thought that avoiding him would be enough, but even in his absence, the memory of that night haunted her.

She tried to focus on her studies, but her mind was restless, her concentration shattered.

She wanted to ask the other Sages for advice, but those twelve old men, their combined age exceeding a thousand years, had never experienced… romance…

Fortunately, she had a friend.

Just one, a noblewoman named Louisa.

Louisa’s reputation among the nobility wasn’t stellar. She was a novelist, but her books were considered… scandalous… even banned by the Empire, deemed heretical by the Church, and denounced as immoral by the aristocracy…

But despite the criticism, her books were incredibly popular, her sales records unmatched.

This noblewoman, while venturing outside the city to… gather inspiration… from goblins, had almost been killed. Natia, who had been collecting ingredients for potions, had rescued her. And thus, an unlikely friendship had blossomed.

Louisa, it seemed, was knowledgeable in matters of the heart.

So Natia had asked her, “Louisa, tell me, when a man touches my mouth, and my body temperature rises, my heart races, and I feel… a strange longing… and even after he’s gone, I can’t stop thinking about him… what does it mean?”

She hadn’t thought her question was unusual, but Louisa, upon hearing it, had frozen, then grabbed her shoulders, shaking her violently. Who was this man who had stolen her Natia?

She wasn’t Louisa’s!

After a long, tense silence, Louisa had calmed down, then looked at her with a strange expression, a mixture of pride and… sadness… like a mother watching her daughter grow up, a father watching his daughter prepare for marriage…

But she was older than Louisa, wasn’t she?

Then Louisa had asked, “Do you dislike him?”

Natia had shook her head.

“Do you dislike his touch?”

She had considered the question carefully. The sensation had been… strange…

But she didn’t dislike it. In fact, his touch had been… pleasant…

“Pleasant…” Upon hearing that word, Louisa had looked at her with… disapproval… then delivered a bombshell. “I understand, Natia. You’ve fallen for him.”

“That yearning you feel… it’s your desire to… to do… certain things… with the man you love.”

What were those… certain things…?

She didn’t understand…

“If you’re unsure, test it again. If you react the same way, it means you’re in love. If you feel nothing, it was just a… fluke…”

…

Qin Chu, unaware of her inner turmoil, noticed a smudge of cream on her cheek. He instinctively reached out, wiping it away with his thumb.

Then he realized his action might have been… inappropriate…

They weren’t close. This was too intimate.

“Sorry…” he mumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Natia, startled, blinked at him, her blue eyes unfocused. Then, without warning, she opened her mouth, taking his finger between her lips.

She had to confirm her feelings. Was she truly in love with this man?

Damn it! He hadn’t deactivated Lust’s power…

…

Chapter 78: Qin Chu Couldn’t Possibly Control Ekaterina

It was akin to a terrifying curse.

It warped her mind, twisting her thoughts, her emotions. Now, only Qin Chu remained. She still possessed her intelligence, her memories of past battles, of the camaraderie she had shared with her comrades, but… those memories now seemed insignificant.

Her love for Jie Luo had been completely transferred to Qin Chu. He was her everything. She loved what he loved, hated what he hated…

Her comrades, their bond, their shared experiences… they no longer mattered.

Qin Chu’s image in her mind was idealized, her memories embellished with fabricated moments of shared intimacy, of whispered promises, of passionate embraces.

Loseweisse, the woman who hated her beloved, who plotted to use him, to discard him, to resurrect the First Hero…

Anyone who threatened Qin Chu was her enemy.

Ekaterina’s eyes blazed with murderous intent, crimson flames dancing within their depths.

She summoned Flame Extinction, its crimson blade humming with power.

“Ekaterina…” Loseweisse, arriving at the doorway, called out, her voice laced with urgency. Before she could explain her purpose, a blazing arc of fire, its roar deafening, tore through the air, hurtling towards her.

The mansion trembled.

The heat was intense, the air shimmering with distortion, the metal lock on the door glowing a dull red.

Loseweisse’s face paled. “What are you doing?” she shrieked, stumbling back.

She flung out her hand, a milky white light enveloping her.

Holy Light Barrier, a defensive spell.

The fiery blast slammed into the barrier, its impact sending shockwaves through the mansion. The front door shattered, its splintered wood igniting.

Loseweisse, thrown back by the force of the attack, slammed into a wall, the stone crumbling behind her. Her barrier, riddled with cracks, flickered precariously.

This was Ekaterina.

The Crimson Valkyrie.

Her greatsword, each swing a symphony of destruction, was a force to be reckoned with.

Loseweisse, her face pale, quickly regained her composure. Seeing Ekaterina charging towards her, her sword raised, she shouted, her voice sharp and commanding. “Ekaterina, stop! It’s me, Loseweisse!”

Loseweisse…

Yes, you’re the one I’m going to kill!

You want to kill my beloved? You deserve to die!

Ekaterina’s killing intent intensified. But as she was about to strike, a sharp pain pierced her head. Qin Chu’s words echoed in her mind.

“From tomorrow onwards, act normally around Loseweisse and the others. Don’t let them suspect anything. Understand?”

She cursed herself. She had promised to remember, but the sight of Loseweisse had triggered her rage, her desire for revenge overwhelming her.

She forced her anger down, her grip on her sword loosening.

Loseweisse, sighing in relief, dispelled her damaged barrier. What had gotten into Ekaterina? That attack had been unleashed with full force.

She was a berserker, her love for battle unmatched. She might not be the strongest member of the Hero Squad, but she was the most ferocious, the most skilled in combat. None of them could claim to be her superior in a fight.

Loseweisse, though powerful, her magical abilities surpassing even some of the Sages, was still young. She was no match for Ekaterina in a direct confrontation.

Seeing Ekaterina’s frustrated expression, Loseweisse realized that the attack hadn’t been intentional. She had mistaken her for someone else.

She glanced at Ekaterina’s attire, her clothes torn and stained, the evidence of their night of passion clear.

She smiled inwardly. Her mental suggestion had worked. Ekaterina had followed her instructions.

She deduced the situation…

Ekaterina, though struggling to maintain control, had reached her breaking point. She had momentarily mistaken her for Qin Chu, triggering her attack.

Ekaterina, clenching her fist, tapped her forehead lightly. “Sorry, I… lost control…”

Her response confirmed Loseweisse’s suspicions. Ekaterina, if not for her… episode… wouldn’t have attacked her so recklessly. She was brilliant.

But she still needed to warn Ekaterina. She couldn’t allow her to kill Qin Chu.

After all, if Qin Chu became infatuated with her, even fell in love with her, their plan would be so much easier. And Ekaterina, with her position by his side, would become their most valuable asset, a spy within the Hero’s inner circle…

“Ekaterina,” she said, her voice soft and sympathetic, “I know you’ve sacrificed so much. It must be… difficult…”

Not at all, it was incredibly pleasurable…

Ekaterina thought, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

Loseweisse, unaware of her true feelings, continued. “But please, be patient. This is all for Jie Luo. If you act rashly, our plan will fail. He won’t be resurrected. You wouldn’t want him to remain dead, would you?”

“Remember, everything you do, you do for him.”

She reinforced her mental suggestion.

Mentioning Jie Luo’s name, reminding her that her sacrifice was for his sake, would ensure her obedience.

After all, Loseweisse knew the depth of Ekaterina’s love for him.

Ekaterina scratched her head, a wave of irritation washing over her. Jie Luo, Jie Luo, Jie Luo… Did that bastard’s fate even matter to her? She didn’t care if he was dead.

And what did she mean, “be patient”?

Her love for Qin Chu surpassed her previous feelings for Jie Luo… by a significant margin.

It was a shame that her master, though he loved her, seemed to favor Angelica. Yes, that maid was her rival.

She had to find a way to steal his heart.

Of course, she wouldn’t resort to violence. She wouldn’t harm Angelica. After all, her master cared for her. If she died, he would be heartbroken.

Yes, that was the right approach!

Ekaterina nodded, her future course of action decided.

Loseweisse, seeing her nod, felt a wave of relief. Her mental suggestion was working. Ekaterina was reflecting on her actions. This was good.

She patted her chest, her heart still pounding from the near-death experience. “Ekaterina, you really scared me. I thought… I thought Qin Chu had somehow… taken control of your mind…”

She cringed inwardly. What had she been thinking? Qin Chu controlling Ekaterina? Ridiculous.

She composed herself, her expression turning serious. “Ekaterina, we have a problem…”

“Benson… he’s been attacked.”

Ekaterina blinked. What did Benson’s fate have to do with her?

They were comrades, but she wasn’t close to him. In fact, wouldn’t his death be… beneficial…?

After all, everyone in the Hero Squad, except for her, wanted to kill Qin Chu.

But she remembered his instructions. She couldn’t reveal her true feelings. She frowned, her voice concerned. “Who attacked him?”

“Lomond, the Demon King’s seventh son. Even traveling at full speed, it would take at least two days to reach him from the capital. We have to leave immediately.” Loseweisse’s voice was laced with worry.

She wasn’t concerned about Benson’s strength. His defenses and regenerative abilities were formidable. He could endure prolonged battles.

But Lomond was powerful, and he had an army at his disposal. Could Benson hold out for three days? His death would be a major setback for the Hero Squad, for their plan.

“Loseweisse might contact you tomorrow. You’ll be leaving the capital. I want you to bring me along.”

Qin Chu’s words echoed in Ekaterina’s mind… He had anticipated this?

Ah, her beloved was truly brilliant.

She didn’t know why he wanted to go, but she would obey his every command.

“Of course. But I need to change first,” she said.

It was a reasonable request. Loseweisse, though eager to depart, couldn’t deny that Ekaterina’s current appearance was… unsuitable… for travel.

After an agonizing wait, Ekaterina finally descended the stairs, clad in her crimson armor, her long hair, now neatly tied in a ponytail, swaying behind her. Qin Chu had mentioned that he preferred her hair like this.

“Let’s go,” Loseweisse said, her voice urgent.

She reached for Ekaterina’s hand, but the Valkyrie subtly evaded her touch.

“I know you’re worried.”

“I’m concerned about Benson too, but there’s something we need to do before we leave,” Ekaterina said, her voice firm.

Loseweisse frowned. “What is it?”

“We’re bringing Qin Chu with us,” Ekaterina said, her gaze unwavering.

Loseweisse stared at her, her face paling. “Eka… Ekaterina, why? What are you planning?”

“Are you going to… to kill him… outside the city?”

She truly believed that Ekaterina intended to take Qin Chu to a secluded location and eliminate him. After all, her… episode… had been quite severe. She had even mistaken her for him.

If she hadn’t been so strong, she might have been killed.

But she couldn’t allow that to happen. Not because she cared about Qin Chu, but because his death would ruin their plans.

“Ekaterina, I know you hate him, but please, be patient. Don’t kill him yet…” She chose her words carefully. “We can’t eliminate him until the Demons are defeated, until we’ve found all of Jie Luo’s soul fragments…”

“Don’t worry, your suffering won’t last much longer.”

“Ronald is already searching for the fragments… He has a lead…”

Jie Luo’s soul fragments? That was information Qin Chu would be interested in.

Ekaterina’s eyes brightened. “Where?”

Chapter 77: The Valkyrie’s Killing Intent

The next morning, Qin Chu opened his eyes, their color instantly shifting to a silvery white. Despite a night of cultivation, his Battle Qi hadn’t progressed. The surge of power he had gained from his encounter with Ekaterina seemed to have been compressed, its potency reduced after its transformation. He remained stuck at the initial stage of the second layer.

He could sense the sprout, its roots entwined with his Battle Origin and Demon Core, a parasite residing within him. He couldn’t expel it, but at least it hadn’t caused any problems… yet.

Its roots drew energy from his core, but it wasn’t a parasitic drain. It was a process of refinement. The roots absorbed the energy, filtering out impurities, channeling the purified essence back into his core, the waste expelled from his body.

His Battle Qi and magical power, though reduced in quantity, were now purer, more potent. He needed to test this newfound refinement, but he lacked a suitable… test subject.

The silver strand, presumably a Goddess’s hair, remained inert, coiled around his wrist.

He had inadvertently stumbled into a conflict between Gods. This was… troublesome.

The Goddess imprisoned within the Void, the monstrous entities guarding her prison… they were all powerful deities. This wasn’t a battle he, a mere Hero, should be involved in. Had they overestimated his significance?

His first encounter with those scrolls, in Loseweisse’s chamber… he had been drawn into this conflict against his will…

Damn that Loseweisse, setting such a dangerous trap in her own home, ensnaring him when he had simply wanted to retrieve his belongings.

…

A night of cultivation had left him hungry. He stretched, his muscles protesting, then stood up, leaving Ekaterina and Angelica to their slumber.

Nikles, ever vigilant, stood guard outside his door.

“Hero-sama, you’re awake…” Nikles bowed, envy filling his eyes. The Hero had spent another night with the Crimson Valkyrie. He, on the other hand, had been stuck outside, exposed to the night’s chill.

The Hero’s stamina was impressive. After such… exertion… he was still up so early.

“Are you heading out?”

“I’m hungry.”

Nikles followed him, hesitation evident on his face. After a moment of consideration, he glanced around, lowering his voice.

“Hero-sama, what happened between you and the Valkyrie… well, that’s your business. But… please… don’t… pursue… the Holy Maiden.”

Eh?

Was his interest in Loseweisse that obvious?

But Nikles’s definition of “pursue” was probably different from his.

Still, his warning piqued Qin Chu’s curiosity. He raised an eyebrow. “Do you have feelings for the Holy Maiden?”

Nikles’s face flushed crimson. He waved his hands frantically. “No, no, Hero-sama, please don’t joke about such things…”

He glanced around nervously, as if afraid of being overheard. Seeing that they were alone, he sighed in relief. “It’s not me… it’s the Grand Prince.”

The Grand Prince?

Qin Chu blinked, drawing a blank.

After a moment, he remembered. “Ah, you mean Wadsworth’s son, the one who fell into a cesspit as a child?”

Nikles paled. How did the Hero know about that incident? He had only been here for a few days. His gossip network was impressive.

“Shh, shh, Hero-sama, please don’t say such things…” Nikles hissed, his voice laced with panic.

“Just… please… stay away from the Holy Maiden. The Grand Prince is… obsessed… with her…”

Every time Loseweisse visited, the Grand Prince’s men would appear shortly after, inquiring about their conversation, their interactions, the duration of their meeting…

Nikles didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire between the Hero and the royal family. He had to warn Qin Chu.

“The Grand Prince is the Emperor’s most favored son. He’s already reached level seventy, a remarkable achievement for someone his age. He’s second only to Lady Natia, one of the Thirteen Sages. He’s the heir apparent…” Nikles spoke cautiously, his words bordering on insubordination, but he had to warn the Hero.

The Grand Prince… Qin Chu’s eyes narrowed, a smile touching his lips.

Nikles felt a shiver run down his spine. The Hero’s smile… it was unsettling. But when he looked again, Qin Chu’s expression was neutral, his demeanor calm and composed.

He remembered.

Lance Aberchian, Wadsworth’s eldest son.

In his previous life, Loseweisse had sought his help, claiming she was being stalked. The stalker had turned out to be the Grand Prince.

Out of respect for Wadsworth, Qin Chu had simply slapped Lance and sent him back to his father for… discipline.

Loseweisse had also been the one who had told him about Lance’s… unfortunate… incident with the cesspit.

He had almost forgotten about him.

He remembered seeing him on the execution platform, his laughter the loudest, his glee the most unrestrained.

Qin Chu touched his chin thoughtfully. “If I recall correctly, this… cesspit enthusiast… ahem, this esteemed Grand Prince, is betrothed to a daughter of the Masefield family, correct?”

It was an ancient tradition in the Auville Empire.

The heir apparent’s marriage was always arranged in advance. It was a matter of paramount importance. After all, an Emperor’s primary duty wasn’t to rule, but to produce heirs, to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline.

The Auville Empire was… liberal… in its marital customs. Nobles, besides their official wives, often had numerous concubines. If nobles enjoyed such freedom, the royal family was even more unrestrained. Each Emperor had a vast harem. Wadsworth himself had 366 wives… It was said that one of his ancestors had broken all records, boasting a harem of 1001 wives.

But the crucial point was that the Emperor’s first wife, the one who bore his first son, the heir apparent, was always a daughter of the Masefield family. This ensured the legitimacy of the succession.

Nikles, surprised by the Hero’s knowledge of the Empire’s customs, blinked his brown eyes.

“That’s correct,” he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “But our Grand Prince… well… he has no interest in the Masefield women. He’s infatuated with the Holy Maiden. He’s of marrying age, but he’s been delaying, even refusing, any marriage proposals…”

He leaned closer, his voice barely audible. “It’s said that he’s vowed to marry only the Holy Maiden. He even defied the Emperor, threatening to renounce his claim to the throne.”

“And his personality… it’s… extreme…”

This was his way of warning Qin Chu to stay away from Loseweisse. The Grand Prince was powerful, influential, and possessive. The Hero, though destined for greatness, was still weak. Any… incident… like the one with Ekaterina, would enrage the Grand Prince.

And a man driven by jealousy was capable of anything, even assassinating the Hero.

Qin Chu, after a moment of consideration, understood. Nikles wasn’t concerned about the Hero’s safety, or the fate of the Heavenly Continent. He was worried about himself.

He was the Hero’s guard. If the Grand Prince attacked, what was he supposed to do? Defy the Grand Prince? He would be crushed.

Side with the Grand Prince?

If he failed to protect the Hero, Wadsworth would punish him. And the Grand Prince wouldn’t tolerate a witness, someone who knew his secrets.

He was caught between a rock and a hard place.

He couldn’t reason with the Grand Prince, nor could he inform Wadsworth. He could only warn the Hero, who seemed… approachable… He had even given him 3000 Mana… Of course, he, Nikles, didn’t care about the money. He was concerned about the Heavenly Continent. The Hero couldn’t be allowed to die.

Qin Chu, his expression thoughtful, remembered the numerous assassination attempts he had endured in his previous life. Almost half of them had been orchestrated by humans… The Empire had claimed that other kingdoms, fearing the Empire’s growing strength, were targeting the Hero.

Now, he suspected that the Grand Prince had been behind those attempts.

He was in love with Loseweisse. No wonder he had been so hostile, his laughter so gleeful during the execution.

Perhaps it was time to… deal with… this lovesick prince. But to fall for Loseweisse… he had terrible taste. That woman was rotten to her core.

Qin Chu, his thoughts churning, continued walking, Nikles by his side. He didn’t enjoy the atmosphere of the noble district, but he had to admit, it offered certain… luxuries… that the slums lacked. Exquisite pastries, delicious breakfasts…

As they approached a bakery, a figure, moving with a hurried grace, appeared before them.

Her slender form was clad in a white Holy Maiden robe, its simple design emphasizing her purity. Her face, pale and delicate, was flushed with a healthy pink, her features tempting, like a ripe fruit begging to be tasted.

It was Loseweisse.

But something was wrong. Her usually calm demeanor was replaced by a frantic energy, her golden eyes filled with anxiety. She moved with an uncharacteristic haste, her footsteps quick and loud, her usual grace abandoned.

She was heading towards the Hero’s residence.

“Ah, Holy Maiden Loseweisse,” Qin Chu called out, a smile touching his lips.

A flicker of annoyance crossed her eyes. She had no time for distractions. But she quickly schooled her features, forcing a smile. It was the Hero, after all. It wasn’t time to reveal her true intentions.

Qin Chu, observing her subtle shift in expression, was impressed.

Her ability to control her emotions, to maintain a facade of composure, was remarkable.

“Hero-sama,” she said, her voice sweet, her smile charming. She curtsied, her gloved fingers delicately lifting her skirt. “Where are you headed?”

“Just getting some breakfast. I’m famished. Is something wrong? You seem… distressed…” He smiled, his tone casual. “Would you care to join me? My treat.”

Loseweisse’s frustration intensified. She had no time for this. And besides, eat breakfast with him? Disgusting. She might get pregnant…

Her words, however, contradicted her thoughts. “It’s nothing, just a minor matter. I’m here to see Ekaterina. Thank you for your kind offer, but I’ve already eaten…”

She placed her hand on her flat stomach. “As a Holy Maiden, I have to… watch my figure… You understand. I must be going. Enjoy your breakfast, Hero-sama.”

Enjoy?

Oh, he would.

He watched her leave, his smile widening. He knew why she was looking for Ekaterina.

The show was about to begin.

His smile made Nikles shudder. The Hero was interested in the Holy Maiden. Damn it! His warning had fallen on deaf ears.

…

Ekaterina stretched, her muscles protesting as she woke up, her body stiff from sleeping on the cold floor.

A blanket, draped over her, slipped from her naked form.

She clutched the blanket, memories of the previous night’s passion flooding her mind, a soft smile curving her lips. He had covered her. He was so kind.

Many things were now forgotten, many memories distorted.

Only the pleasure, the overwhelming sense of fulfillment, remained.

Despite the warmth that filled her, she felt an emptiness, an ache in her heart. It was his absence, she realized. Only his presence could fill the void within her.

She stood up, intending to find him, but then she paused, assessing her appearance. She needed to… freshen up…

She couldn’t appear before him like this, her hair tangled, her body… sticky…

She was about to head upstairs to wash and change when her face hardened, her gaze snapping towards the doorway.

Loseweisse stood there, her expression unreadable.

A wave of murderous rage surged through Ekaterina, her crimson eyes blazing with hatred. Loseweisse… the woman who wanted to kill her beloved…

She had to die!

Chapter 76: Which God?

The battle was over. Qin Chu stood victorious.

Ekaterina, defeated and exhausted, lay beside him.

He didn’t waste time, his mind focused on absorbing the combat experience, converting it into strength. He wouldn’t let any opportunity to grow stronger slip away.

He sat cross-legged, entering a meditative state, his focus turning inwards.

He didn’t notice the faint gray mist that began to creep across the cold floor, tendrils of shadowy energy writhing above him, slowly descending.

His consciousness sank into his body, his vision blurring, the world fading into a gray haze. Then, firelight pierced through the darkness, revealing a crimson diamond, the size of a soybean, burning with intense heat.

His Battle Origin, the core of his Battle Qi.

Beside it, a multicolored diamond, slightly larger, pulsed with energy. His Demon Core.

Though he hadn’t focused on magic in this life, his mental power, fueled by the countless Demons he had consumed, was his strongest attribute. His Demon Core was even larger than his Battle Origin.

His Battle Qi, guided by his will, cycled through his meridians, his Battle Origin, a ravenous beast, devouring the surrounding energy, its crimson hue deepening, becoming more vibrant.

Fragments of Saint Quartz, crushed by his hand, lay scattered on the floor.

The energy within the Saint Quartz, Loseweisse’s gift, surged into him, a fiery tornado fueling his Battle Qi. He could feel his power growing stronger with each passing moment.

Waves of heat radiated from his body, dispelling the night’s chill. Flames danced in his hair, his skin glowing crimson, his entire form resembling a blazing inferno.

His progress, though remarkable, brought a frown to his face. A sharp pain pierced his forehead, a primal urge to destroy welling up within him.

His head throbbed, a strange energy invading his mind, threatening to shatter his consciousness.

His body burned, his skin hot as a branding iron.

His cultivation had been invaded. Something, a presence unseen, was disrupting his progress.

Faint whispers, their origin unknown, their language alien, echoed in his ears.

He couldn’t understand the words, but he sensed their insidious intent, their power to corrupt, to drag him into a dark abyss. A cold, slimy tentacle, its touch repulsive, wrapped around his neck, its tip slithering across his face, his neck, his arms, his stomach…

The sensation, so vivid, so horrifying, made his skin crawl.

He tried to open his eyes, but his eyelids felt heavy, as if sewn shut.

His body twitched, his muscles spasming. Though his eyes were closed, he saw them, translucent figures, their forms shifting and writhing, their limbs contorting in unnatural ways.

Ghosts, shadows, unspeakable horrors.

They slithered towards him, their limbs transforming into serpent-like tentacles, their movements sinuous and unsettling, their forms drawing closer…

The contamination!

His ventures into the Void, his glimpses into forbidden realms, had incurred a price. The powerful entities within that endless expanse had noticed him. Perhaps he was too insignificant to warrant their direct attention, or perhaps they were bound to that realm, unable to leave. Regardless, their influence, their corruption, had seeped into him.

If they had appeared before him personally, his fragile consciousness would have shattered instantly.

He had believed that the Holy Light within him had purged the contamination, but it had been lying dormant, waiting for an opportunity, striking when he was most vulnerable, his defenses weakened during his cultivation.

A cruel and insidious tactic.

If this continued, his mind would shatter, consumed by madness.

He fought against the whispers, the encroaching darkness, his consciousness sinking deeper into his body.

He had to regain control. Time lost all meaning, seconds stretching into eons, breaths becoming lifetimes. Finally, his right index finger twitched.

And then the silver bracelet, the mark left by the strand of hair, erupted in a blinding white light.

Waves of pure energy radiated outwards, washing over him, purging the darkness. The bracelet detached itself from his wrist, the strand of hair dancing above his head, each movement unleashing a burst of Holy Radiance, its silver form stretching, its ends meeting, forming a glowing halo.

Behind him, a small, green sprout emerged, its form solidifying in the Holy Light, its single leaf, small and delicate, trembling in the powerful energy field.

Within the radiant halo, a translucent figure, its form feminine and alluring, its body bound by countless chains, materialized.

The figure raised a foot, its shape perfect, its skin smooth and flawless, tapping the air lightly.

The world froze.

And then, from the point of contact, a massive ring, woven from countless silver threads, expanded outwards, encompassing everything.

The shadowy figures, caught in the ring’s embrace, screamed, their forms dissolving into white smoke, their essence purged.

They were banished… no, purified…

Their malevolent consciousness, their corrupted souls, were incinerated, their tainted energy cleansed, transformed into pure energy.

From the base of the sprout, countless tendrils, like roots, snaked outwards, greedily absorbing the purified energy.

The room, previously filled with a dark, oppressive presence, was now cleansed, the air clear and vibrant. The sprout’s leaf, now slightly larger, pulsed with newfound energy. The tendrils retracted, wrapping themselves around his Battle Origin and Demon Core.

A flicker of black light, a fleeting glimpse of madness, a whisper of rage, vanished before him…

Qin Chu opened his eyes. The grotesque visions, the whispers, the oppressive darkness… it was gone. He was sitting on the floor, Ekaterina, still under the potion’s influence, lying beside him.

Everything was as it had been before his cultivation session, as if it had all been a hallucination.

Ekaterina, Angelica upstairs, the guards outside… none of them had been affected by the invasion. To them, nothing had happened.

He looked at his right wrist. The mark left by the silver strand of hair still glowed faintly, its warmth lingering on his skin. He turned, but there was no sprout behind him.

He frowned, then, after a moment of hesitation, activated his Star Flame Battle Qi.

A flame, small and vibrant, flickered in his palm.

He stared at the flame, its reflection in his eyes a silvery white.

The Seed of Light, the Seed of Life…

Anthea had said that the seeds within him had sprouted… And the figure, the translucent woman bound by chains, the one that had appeared within the halo of Holy Light… who was she?

A tap of her foot, and space had frozen, time had stopped, all darkness banished.

She had appeared within the ring of silver threads… Could she be… the one imprisoned within the Void?

Which God was she?

Chapter 75: The Valkyrie’s Fall

Ekaterina tilted her head, considering the question before responding, her voice soft, almost childlike.

“I don’t know anyone named Jie Luo.”

Her crimson eyes, fixed on Qin Chu, held a look of utter devotion, her world narrowed down to him, everything else fading into insignificance.

Qin Chu’s heart skipped a beat as he listened to her reply, his gaze fixed on her vacant smile, the unsettling, almost manic gleam in her eyes.

Had she truly broken?

Shaye’s spectral form materialized behind Ekaterina, a silent nod confirming his suspicions.

The witch’s skills were truly impressive. Stunning Love’s effects were exceeding expectations.

His tactic, the cruel game of push and pull, had yielded impressive results. Humans craved what they couldn’t have, their desire intensifying with each rejection.

He could sense the change in Ekaterina. Her love, once directed at Jie Luo, had now shifted to him, amplified, twisted, all-consuming. He was now the center of her world.

For him, she would become utterly subservient, her will his to command, her body his to use.

She trembled, her desire for him a tangible force, her body yearning for his touch, his embrace, his affection.

But she held back, fearing that her eagerness would frighten him, push him away.

Qin Chu, watching her, his eyes narrowed, extended a hand.

Ekaterina, confused, unsure of his intentions, hesitated before slowly lifting her own hand, placing it in his, her movement hesitant, almost submissive, like a pet seeking its master’s approval.

She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.

Her obedience brought a smile to his lips.

He smiled… A wave of warmth, of pure bliss, washed over her. She had touched him, her beloved.

Even this simple contact, their palms brushing against each other, sent shivers of excitement through her.

This love, this all-consuming passion, was far more intense, far more potent, than her previous feelings for Jie Luo.

“Good…”

“You’re doing well, Ekaterina… I’m pleased.”

…

This was the Crimson Valkyrie.

The once proud warrior…

…

“Ekaterina, what does Loseweisse think of me?” Qin Chu asked, his voice cold, his gaze sharp.

This was another test. The Hero Squad’s plan was crucial to Ekaterina, the key to Jie Luo’s resurrection. Though Shaye had assured him that Ekaterina was completely under the potion’s influence, he needed confirmation. If she held back, it meant that a part of her, no matter how deeply buried, still resisted.

If she confessed everything, it meant she was truly his.

Ekaterina didn’t hesitate.

“Loseweisse hates you… no, not hate… she despises you.”

Hearing those words, Qin Chu finally relaxed. She was his.

“She loves the First Hero deeply. He’s the only one for her…” A flicker of confusion crossed Ekaterina’s face.

She was a member of the Hero Squad. She had met the First Hero. But she couldn’t remember his name, his face…

The thought puzzled her, but she didn’t dwell on it. Nothing was more important than her master.

“And it’s not just her. It’s all of them.”

“When the Thirteen Sages decided to summon the Second Hero, Loseweisse and the others protested vehemently. They refused to acknowledge you, claiming it was an insult to the First Hero. They believed that only he was worthy of the title, that no one could steal his glory.”

“But then they changed their strategy. Loseweisse acquired a scroll from… someone… It contained a resurrection ritual. Using the Second Hero’s blood, along with other rare ingredients, they could create a powerful magic formation to bring him back.”

“That’s why she’s befriending you…”

“Master, don’t be fooled by her. She might seem gentle and kind, but she’s the most ruthless of them all.” Ekaterina, like Angelica, had adopted the title “Master.”

“She’s using you. She intends to kill you.”

She revealed everything, her betrayal complete, her past loyalty forgotten.

“They haven’t acted yet because they want to use you to defeat the Demon King, Nagath. He’s too powerful. The First Hero couldn’t defeat him. If they resurrected him now, he would only die again. They want you to eliminate the Demons first, and then they’ll kill you and bring him back.”

Qin Chu’s face hardened.

So it was as he had suspected.

When they had betrayed him in his previous life, Loseweisse hadn’t revealed the details of their plan. He had deduced it himself, and it seemed his assumptions had been accurate.

“To make it easier to kill you, Loseweisse instructed the others to befriend you, to treat you with kindness, even if they loathed you. They have to make you see them as comrades, siblings, even lovers. If you fall for one of them, it will be that much easier to eliminate you.”

Qin Chu clenched his fists, his anger flaring, even though he had already known this.

He activated Forced Calm, suppressing his rage.

Ekaterina’s expression turned cold.

“Master, do you want me to kill them?”

Her love for Jie Luo, her loyalty to her comrades… it had all vanished, replaced by her devotion to him, her utter subservience.

The Hero Squad members were all powerful. Even if there were differences in their strength, Ekaterina couldn’t possibly eliminate them all.

Qin Chu smiled, shaking his head. He stroked her hair gently.

“No need.”

“I wouldn’t want to put you in danger, my dear Ekaterina. You’re too precious.”

Her eyes widened, her face flushed with happiness. He cared for her. He considered her… precious… Ah, his praise was more intoxicating than any wine.

He truly loved her.

“But there’s something you need to remember.”

“From tomorrow onwards, act normally around Loseweisse and the others. Don’t let them suspect anything. Understand?”

“If they make a move, inform me.”

She nodded eagerly, memorizing his instructions.

“Loseweisse might contact you tomorrow. You’ll be leaving the capital. I want you to bring me along.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Good. Now, get up…”

“Such obedience deserves a reward, wouldn’t you say?”

…

Chapter 74: Jie Luo? Who?

Although Qin Chu had already taken Angelica’s first kiss, this time was different.

Outside the window, the night wind rustled the curtains, her black stockings outlining the curves of her legs.

Shaye, floating in mid-air, smiled faintly at the scene before discreetly leaving the room. She could stay when it was Ekaterina, but not this time. She could sense that Angelica held a special place in Qin Chu’s heart, a significance that surpassed the others.

…

Downstairs, Shaye found Ekaterina, still awake.

The Valkyrie’s expression was a mixture of pain and confusion, her willpower crumbling.

Ekaterina didn’t understand what was happening to her. When she had first learned of Qin Chu’s existence, she had felt only disgust. And when they met, her revulsion had intensified.

But now, his image dominated her thoughts.

She yearned for his touch, his embrace, his kiss… She wanted him to treat her with the same affection, the same tenderness he showed Angelica.

She felt as if she were falling for him. Every moment spent away from him was filled with anxiety and a restless yearning. Only his presence brought her peace.

She clutched a small wooden token, two characters carved into its surface:

Jie Luo!

Jie Luo… the man she loved.

But she couldn’t remember their shared experiences, couldn’t recall why she had fallen for him.

She clung to this token, a desperate attempt to anchor herself, to prevent his memory from fading completely. If she forgot him, she would lose herself.

But even as she stared at the token, his face remained elusive, his name a hollow echo in her heart. Her thoughts, her desires, were consumed by Qin Chu. Whether her eyes were open or closed, whether she was awake or asleep, his image haunted her.

She saw Angelica enter his room…

She envied her. She wished it were her, wished she could experience even a fraction of his affection…

She heard him praising Angelica, and she yearned for his approval, for his touch, for his love.

But he was cold, distant.

She tried to bridge the gap between them, but she didn’t know how. Her body, her only weapon, was met with rejection.

She was losing herself. She needed to regain control.

She entered the mansion’s ice room, grabbing a bottle of chilled water, gulping down half of it in a single breath. But the turmoil within her remained.

Shaye, observing her, smiled. Ekaterina was on the verge of succumbing to the potion’s influence.

Her modified Stunning Love was truly potent. A single dose was worth three of the original…

But perhaps a little reinforcement wouldn’t hurt.

The icy water provided only a moment of respite. The burning within her returned, consuming her.

She shook her head, grabbing another bottle, then another, gulping down the icy liquid.

Suddenly, her movements ceased, her body stiffening, her expression vacant.

The wooden token slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor.

…

Upstairs, in the master bedroom, Angelica slept peacefully, a faint blush on her cheeks, a sweet smile gracing her lips. She was dreaming, a happy dream, her soft giggles echoing through the room.

Qin Chu, looking at her black stockings, now riddled with holes, felt a twinge of guilt. Had he been too rough?

He hadn’t been able to control himself.

He wanted a cigarette but remembered that they didn’t exist in this world.

He looked at her, his expression softening.

He wasn’t completely immune to her charms. He was a man, after all. And she was beautiful, devoted, her presence a constant source of… temptation… He had almost given in to his desires on several occasions.

But he couldn’t. He was afraid.

Angelica was different from Ekaterina and Loseweisse. He didn’t even consider them human. They were merely targets of his revenge.

But Angelica… her loyalty, her willingness to sacrifice herself for him, she was precious. She had proven her devotion, her willingness to die for him. She was different from those he had saved, those he had helped, only to be betrayed.

And because he cherished her, he was afraid.

He was afraid of hurting her, of causing her pain, of violating her trust.

And he was afraid of being betrayed, of experiencing the same pain, the same heartbreak…

His fear, his uncertainty, had held him back.

But when she had confessed her feelings, her voice trembling with courage, he had finally understood. And he had responded.

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, a smile touching his lips.

What the future held for them… well, he would worry about that later.

He didn’t see Shaye in the room.

He stepped out, the night air cool against his skin.

The tenderness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. He smiled, his usual mask firmly in place.

He heard a noise downstairs, assuming it was Shaye. But as he descended the stairs, he saw Ekaterina.

She stood motionless, her expression vacant.

To his surprise, she seemed to have regained her composure. Her face, no longer pale and drawn, glowed in the moonlight.

Her hair, previously disheveled, was now neatly tied in a ponytail, the crimson strands gleaming with a healthy sheen.

Red… it was her color. No other hue suited her so well.

She wore a different dress, even more revealing than the previous one, its fabric clinging to her curves, her long legs accentuated by the high slit in her skirt.

She had even donned a pair of red, high-heeled shoes, clearly uncomfortable in them.

She had been about to ascend the stairs when she saw him. She flinched, instinctively taking a step back.

But her eyes, those crimson orbs, were filled with a burning intensity, a raw, primal hunger.

Her breathing quickened, her cheeks flushed, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Her eyes, beautiful and alluring, glistened with unshed tears. She looked as if she wanted to throw herself at him, to melt into his embrace.

It was almost disturbing.

He felt a shiver run down his spine.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice cold.

“I came to see you…”

“Why?”

Her breath hitched, her voice husky with desire. “I want you to to treat me… the way you treat Angelica.”

Qin Chu leaned back, his voice calm, his gaze unwavering.

“What about Jie Luo?”

She tilted her head, a broken smile twisting her lips. “Jie Luo?”

“Who?”

…