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

Chapter 73: The Promise with Angelica

Angelica had only prepared dinner for Qin Chu and herself. The guards’ meals were provided by the army, delivered in convenient lunchboxes.

She was supposed to prepare Ekaterina’s food as well, but after the Valkyrie’s attack on her master, Angelica held a grudge. If Ekaterina wanted to eat, she could fend for herself. The kitchen was well-stocked.

She had heard that Ekaterina’s cooking skills were… explosive… literally.

Perhaps a charred steak would suit her taste.

As a maid, Angelica wasn’t supposed to dine with her master, but Qin Chu insisted, forcing her to sit beside him.

Her face, pale and delicate, was adorned with a silly grin.

She ate her food in small, measured bites, but her mind was elsewhere, her thoughts consumed by a single, exhilarating realization: her master had finally noticed her.

Her heart fluttered with anticipation and a hint of fear.

Anticipation for his… attention… and fear of… his preferences…

She had been studying… certain books… to prepare herself for this moment… though those books had made her blush.

Of course, she would accept him, no matter his… inclinations… She clenched her fists, her resolve firm, even missing his compliment about her cooking.

After dinner, she cleared the table with remarkable speed.

Then, grabbing a towel, she rushed into the bathroom. This was her special night, her sacred duty. She had to be clean, pure. Anything less would be disrespectful.

An hour later, she emerged from the bathroom, her pale skin practically glowing against the white towel wrapped around her. Water droplets clung to her smooth shoulders, her green hair, still damp, cascading down her back. Her legs, long and toned, carried her gracefully, her bare feet padding softly against the floor.

Her bed was covered in clothes: Holy Maiden robes, nun’s habits, maid uniforms… black stockings, white stockings, cat ears, a tail…

She surveyed her collection, a proud smile curving her lips.

Hmph!

She had prepared meticulously for this moment, studying those books, acquiring these… tools… The shopkeeper had assured her that these items would drive a man wild.

Considering her master’s… maid fetish… she chose a maid uniform. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she added a pair of black stockings… just in case he had… varied tastes…

You can do this, Angelica!

She pumped her fist, offering herself a silent pep talk. She wouldn’t disappoint him.

The sky was dark, the moon hidden behind clouds. Her heart pounding with anticipation and a hint of trepidation, she approached Qin Chu’s bedroom, her knuckles rapping softly against the door.

“Come in.”

His voice, a low rumble, beckoned her inside.

She took a deep breath, then pushed the door open. He was still awake, sitting in a chair, his posture suggesting he had been expecting company. But there was no one else in the room.

She didn’t dwell on it. Her fear, now stronger than her anticipation, overwhelmed her. She wasn’t afraid of the… pain… she was afraid of disappointing him…

Qin Chu’s eyes widened as she entered, his gaze lingering on her outfit: a maid uniform and black stockings. Perfect.

But he couldn’t stare. It would be… ungentlemanly…

“Angelica, I have something to tell you…”

She walked towards him, her fingers twisting the hem of her maid uniform, her face flushed. She didn’t sit down. Instead, gathering her courage, she spoke. “Master, I… I’ll make sure you’re… satisfied…”

“Huh?”

“Satisfied?”

He blinked, confused. He hadn’t even assigned her the task yet. But her enthusiasm was… commendable…

“Good, good. I appreciate your dedication.” He nodded, gesturing towards a chair. “Please, have a seat”

“Eh?” Angelica’s eyes widened. “Sitting?”

Even with her limited knowledge of these matters, she knew that… sitting wasn’t conducive to…

“Do you prefer standing?” Qin Chu asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. He wasn’t one for strict protocols. Most nobles wouldn’t even allow a maid to sit in their presence, but he wasn’t like them. Angelica had been with him for a while. Surely she knew that?

Angelica blushed. “It’s not about… preference… well, it is… but… it’s not… possible…”

“Is your… bottom… uncomfortable?” he asked, her behavior baffling him.

“No, no, it’s fine.”

“Then sit down. I don’t have those kinds of rules. I won’t punish you for such a minor transgression.”

Angelica, her cheeks burning, sat down, her body stiff and awkward.

Gods, she had anticipated some… unusual… requests, but this… sitting? How was that even… possible…? Images, vivid and embarrassing, flashed through her mind. She shook her head, banishing them. No, those positions were… advanced… beyond her current skill level.

Qin Chu, seeing her seated, spoke, his voice carefully neutral. “Angelica, I called you here tonight because I have an important task for you.”

“I understand. I’ll make sure you’re… eh?” She blinked, her mind catching up to his words. “A task?”

A sense of foreboding washed over her.

“Yes, a task.”

Aaaaaaaaaah!

She groaned inwardly. She understood now. Their conversation had been a series of misunderstandings.

He hadn’t called her here for… that… He had a mission for her. And she had spent all this time preparing, anticipating…

She pouted, her disappointment evident.

But she quickly composed herself. If he was being so serious, it must be important. She had to listen carefully, to every word, to every nuance. She wouldn’t disappoint him.

“I’m going to be away for a few days,” Qin Chu said.

Before he could continue, Angelica interrupted, her voice urgent. “I’ll go with you, Master!”

Her eagerness warmed his heart. He reached out, ruffling her neat green hair.

“No, I have another task for you.”

He raised his hand, silencing her as she tried to speak. “Let me finish. I know that the royal family, the Holy See, and the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess are all… interested… in me. While I’m gone, I need you to keep an eye on them. Monitor their movements, gather information. This is a crucial task.”

“But your safety is paramount. Don’t take any unnecessary risks. Don’t put yourself in danger to gather information. If anything happens to you, I’ll be… devastated… I might even do something… reckless… which could put me in danger. Understand?”

He knew her personality. If he simply assigned her a task, she would do anything to complete it, even if it meant risking her life. She had regained her magic, but she was still no match for the truly powerful individuals lurking within the capital.

But if her actions could potentially affect him, she would be more cautious.

Angelica bit her lip, her disappointment evident, but she was a good girl, an obedient girl. She didn’t want him to worry. She nodded, accepting the task.

Qin Chu sighed in relief. He had to prepare for every contingency. After Benson’s death, the story would deviate significantly from his previous life. He needed to anticipate his enemies’ actions, using his knowledge of their personalities and Angelica’s intelligence reports.

Angelica, bless her heart, didn’t ask any questions. She knew he was… different… more than anyone realized.

She took a deep breath, then, gathering her courage, she spoke.

“Master… will you promise me something?”

“Of course,” he said, his voice gentle.

This time, she didn’t hesitate. She faced her feelings head-on. “When you return… I want to be yours…”

She didn’t desire a title, a wife’s status. To be his… that was enough.

He had saved her, pulled her from the abyss, when she had been at her lowest point, her spirit broken.

She wanted to offer him everything.

Even though her request, coming from a maid, was… audacious…

Qin Chu stared at her, surprised. He hadn’t expected such a request. For a young woman to express such desires… it took courage.

Perhaps she had been preparing for this ever since he had summoned her to his room. She smelled of soap, her hair was neatly brushed, and she had even changed into a more alluring outfit.

She had been expecting something and he had disappointed her. He truly was a terrible person.

He didn’t respond. The silence made her tremble. She knew he wasn’t cruel, but she couldn’t help but worry that he would think she was shameless, indecent.

Her fingers, twisting the hem of her maid uniform, were clammy with sweat.

He felt a surge of tenderness, reaching out to caress her cheek.

“When…”

He was about to agree, but then he hesitated.

Wasn’t this… tempting fate?

What was the difference between this and “When you return, we’ll get married”?

He stopped himself, taking a deep breath. She had been brave. He had to respond.

He pulled her close, his arm encircling her waist, pulling her against him. She gasped, startled by his sudden movement. She felt his breath against her cheek, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Master, what… what are you…”

“Silly girl, I told you. You’re mine.”

He didn’t give her time to react, his lips capturing hers in a tender kiss.

Chapter 72: His Strand of Hair

Shaye’s face contorted in horror.

“The Void? Are you insane?”

She knew the dangers of that place. Why was he suddenly interested in exploring it again? Was he still under the influence of the contamination? But there were no signs of corruption on him.

The Holy Light spell had suppressed it. This was his own decision.

Her outburst caught Anthea’s attention, but the ghost merely glanced at them with a curious expression before returning her gaze to the world outside, her interest quickly fading.

This city… it felt familiar, but she couldn’t remember anything. It frustrated her.

Shaye, realizing her outburst, took a deep breath, forcing her voice to remain calm. “You know how dangerous that place is, right?”

“I do,” Qin Chu said, his voice steady. “But I managed to escape last time, didn’t I?”

“The Holy Light spell, the Seed of Light and the Seed of Life… these things… they might be connected to the Void…”

He was… motivated…

Anthea’s story had shaken him.

After the time regression, he had meticulously planned everything, his actions calculated, his progress steady.

But Anthea, an unforeseen element, had disrupted his carefully crafted narrative. He couldn’t escape her domain.

He had thought he understood this world, but he had only scratched the surface. There were too many unknowns, too many potential threats. Who could guarantee that someone like Anthea wouldn’t appear again?

Would he be so lucky next time?

Intrigue and manipulation were useful tools, but ultimately, power was the only true guarantee of survival. Unrivaled strength could crush any conspiracy.

He was growing stronger, but it wasn’t enough. He needed to be stronger, faster!

He had three ways to increase his power:

First, Devourer.

But he was constantly surrounded by guards, his movements restricted.

Second, Ekaterina.

But he wanted her to fully succumb to the potion’s influence, her descent complete. He didn’t want to disrupt the process. And her power, though significant, wouldn’t be enough to satisfy his needs.

Third, the seven scrolls, the Void.

This was the most dangerous option, but he sensed that it also held the greatest potential.

If he could unravel its secrets…

“And besides,” he continued, “aren’t you two here to protect me? How long did it take for the… transformation… to begin after I touched the scroll last time?”

Shaye frowned. “About ten seconds…”

“Then I’ll need your help. Don’t wait ten seconds. Seven seconds. Wake me up after seven seconds.” He took a deep breath, then turned to Anthea. “Lady Anthea…”

Anthea, hearing her name, floated towards him, tilting her head curiously. “Yes?”

He explained his plan. She understood her role: to wake him up after seven seconds, using pain if necessary.

He didn’t rush into it. He spent two days preparing, honing his mental fortitude, ensuring his mind was at its peak.

He looked at Shaye and Anthea, their presence offering a sense of security.

Then, he opened his Storage Ring, reaching inside. This time, he chose a different scroll.

His mind was instantly engulfed in a chaotic vortex, his consciousness pulled into the endless darkness of the Void.

He was prepared this time. He saw it, a colossal cloud of dark red mist, larger than the Imperial Capital, its center a gaping maw, its edges a mass of writhing tentacles, their surfaces covered in pulsating tumors.

The tentacles, constantly shifting and probing, snatched asteroids and meteors from the Void.

From the maw, a stream of swirling energy, shaped like a chain, extended into the depths of the Void.

He didn’t linger on this monstrous entity. His target was the cage.

Time within the Void was distorted, fluid. He felt as if he had been traveling for eons, but in the real world, it was probably only a second.

He saw it again, the massive cage.

The swirling mist, the writhing shadows, the stench of blood, the faint whispers, the cries of anguish…

Fear, primal and overwhelming, surged through him. He knew the entity, the monstrous red cloud, would soon sense his presence. He lunged towards the cage.

The cage, sensing his approach, expanded, the chains binding it groaning under the strain.

Cracks appeared on the chains’ surfaces. The intricate web of metal parted slightly, a sliver of light piercing through the gap.

The mist churned violently as the light, though faint, cut through the darkness.

The shadowy figures, their limbs replaced by tentacles, screamed as the light touched them, their forms dissolving into dust.

The Void trembled, as if on the verge of collapse…

Shrieks, roars, maddening cries, echoed from every direction, a cacophony of sound that threatened to shatter his mind.

He felt his consciousness tremble, as if countless claws were tearing at it, trying to rip it apart.

The seven entities, represented by the seven scrolls, had sensed the disturbance.

They were angry. They were hungry.

Seven massive chains snapped taut, their movements swift and brutal.

The cage contracted, the sliver of light fading. And just as the darkness was about to consume it completely, a silver arc shot out from the last remnants of light.

Qin Chu instinctively reached out…

Crimson tendrils, like grasping claws, shot towards him.

And just as they were about to reach him, he felt a powerful pull, the scene before him shattering like a mirror.

He opened his eyes, his consciousness snapping back to reality.

Anthea was holding his left hand, her grip tight. Black flames, dancing around her hand, had seared his wrist, leaving a blackened, blistered wound.

Ignoring the pain, the involuntary spasms that wracked his body, he looked at his right hand. A silver strand, resembling Shaye’s hair, rested in his palm.

But it was longer, whiter.

This was what he had grabbed within the Void.

Before he could examine it, it came to life, rising from his hand, wrapping around his wrist, transforming into a silver bracelet, its metal searing his flesh.

The contamination, the corruption that had seeped into him from his encounter with the entities within the Void, vanished, suppressed without the need for Holy Light. The tremors, the pain… it all subsided.

He checked his status screen.

He had acquired a new spell: Holy Radiance.

And a new Ability:

Holy Healing: Special Ability. You possess incredible regenerative abilities. Any injury, no matter how severe, will heal, as long as you are still alive.

Special Abilities weren’t categorized by rank.

He looked at his left arm. The burn, inflicted by Anthea’s ghostly flames, had almost completely healed. New flesh was rapidly growing, covering the wound. A few seconds later, only a layer of dead skin remained. He rubbed it away, revealing healthy, unblemished skin beneath.

His eyes gleamed with excitement.

This venture into the Void, though risky, had yielded incredible rewards.

Holy Healing, a Special Ability… he wouldn’t have to worry about injuries, as long as he wasn’t instantly killed.

And Holy Radiance… he had to test it.

He chanted the short incantation: “Bloom, Holy Light!”

And then he became light.

White light, sharp and piercing, erupted from his body, transforming into blades of pure energy.

Darkness vanished, replaced by blinding radiance.

A scream, sharp and piercing, echoed through the room. Anthea.

He immediately dispelled the spell, his gaze finding Anthea, who was now huddled in a corner, her eyes wide with terror. A gaping hole, surrounded by blackened, smoldering flesh, marred her stomach.

Her form flickered, her spectral body unstable.

He understood. Holy Radiance, a spell of pure light, was incredibly effective against spirits, Demons, and other dark creatures. And judging by the damage to his surroundings, it wasn’t harmless to humans either. The walls were riddled with scorch marks, the furniture slashed and burned.

Shaye, perhaps due to her connection to him, was unharmed, but her expression was one of shock.

His magical power was still limited, but Shaye sensed that, with enough mana, this spell could rival a Super-tier spell, perhaps even surpass it.

“I’m sorry…” he apologized to Anthea.

He had acquired a new power, and instead of using it against his enemies, he had accidentally injured his… companion…

Anthea, her spectral form stabilizing, the wound on her stomach slowly closing, shook her head.

“It’s alright…”

“The Seed of Light…”

“It has sprouted.”

She spoke enigmatically, then floated towards him, her form dissolving into a shadow as she merged with his body. She needed to rest. The Seed of Life… it was comforting, but she didn’t know how to… absorb… its power.

His body was the safest place for her.

The Seed of Light had sprouted?

What did that even mean?

Was a tree going to grow inside him?

Please, no.

He pushed the unsettling thought aside. Besides Holy Healing and Holy Radiance, his mental power had increased significantly, his mana reserves growing.

The door suddenly burst open.

Angelica rushed in, her face filled with concern.

“Master, what happened?”

She had finished preparing dinner and was about to call him when she saw the bright light emanating from his room. She didn’t know what had transpired, but her worry had overwhelmed her.

She gasped, seeing the state of the room, the furniture damaged, the walls scarred.

Qin Chu, his expression calm, spoke smoothly.

“It’s nothing. I was just… testing a new spell…”

Angelica placed her hand on her chest, her fear subsiding. Her hands were so… round… no, so… white…

She stuck out her tongue playfully. “Master, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now?”

“Of course.” He smiled, his usual charming facade firmly in place. “Angelica, after you’re finished cleaning up… could you come to my room?”

“Ah, yes…” she replied, then her eyes widened, realization dawning.

His room… at night…?

Ehhh? Ehhh? Ehhh?

Was he finally going to… to… make a move?

Her heart fluttered with anticipation.

Chapter 70-71: I Plan to Explore the Void Again 

Ekaterina had cleaned herself up, her clothes immaculate. She seemed to be clinging to this semblance of order, this outward appearance of composure, to maintain her dignity amidst her inner turmoil.

But after several rejections, the dual torment of her body and mind was taking its toll. She tried to remain defiant, but her eyes betrayed her confusion, her desperation, her pain.

She sensed that something was wrong, that her body, her thoughts, were being influenced by an unseen force.

Her instincts screamed at her to flee, to put as much distance as possible between herself and Qin Chu. He was like a magnet, drawing her closer, tempting her towards a dark abyss.

But her body disobeyed her mind. She couldn’t leave. She found herself drawn to his room, inhaling his scent, waiting for him to appear.

She didn’t even know what she would say to him, what she would do.

Normally, a woman as strong-willed as Ekaterina wouldn’t be so easily swayed. The potion would only increase her affection, not control her actions.

But Qin Chu’s cruel tactic, the silent treatment, had amplified the potion’s effects, her desire growing stronger, more difficult to resist with each passing rejection.

“Ah, Hero-sama, I just remembered, we have other important duties to attend to. We’ll take our leave now,” Charles said, his voice smooth and polite.

He was a smart man. To interrupt their… encounter… was… impolite.

He winked at Qin Chu, then, with his men, discreetly retreated.

As soon as they were gone, Ekaterina, unable to hold back any longer, lunged at Qin Chu, her arms encircling him, pulling him close.

Her lips, soft and pink, sought his.

She couldn’t bring herself to beg, to discard her last shred of pride, so she let her actions speak for her.

But before their lips could meet, she felt something blocking her, his finger pressed against her mouth.

The torment, both physical and mental, was unbearable. She looked at him, her beautiful face filled with confusion, questioning his actions.

Qin Chu’s voice, low and steady, held a hint of amusement. “Ekaterina…”

“Do you remember Jie Luo?”

His words were like a whisper from a demon.

Dark and chilling.

Hearing his name, Ekaterina shuddered, her face paling.

Ah…

She remembered.

Jie Luo!

The man she loved!

But if she loved him, why was she consumed by thoughts of Qin Chu? Why did his presence fill her with such… warmth… such longing?

Their night of passion… it was seared into her soul, impossible to forget.

She had almost forgotten. She and Loseweisse had planned this. They would use him, drain him of his power, and then kill him, sacrificing him to resurrect Jie Luo.

How could she have forgotten something so important?

And why did the thought of their plan now fill her with such revulsion? She loathed herself, the very idea of their scheme now abhorrent.

Qin Chu, seeing her pale face, her confusion, delivered the final blow.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t share my women. Especially not with ghosts.”

“Save your kisses, your body… for the one you love.”

He gently, but firmly, pushed her away, turning and walking into his bedroom without a backward glance, leaving her standing there, tears streaming down her face.

She wanted to tell him that she loved him, that he was the one she wanted.

The pain, the confusion, was overwhelming.

She didn’t know who she loved anymore. She was supposed to love Jie Luo. But she could barely remember his face.

Could she love two men at once? The thought disgusted her.

She truly was a terrible person.

She wouldn’t survive this night.

Outside, Charles and the other guards hadn’t gone far. They still had a duty to protect the Hero.

But curiosity, that inherent human trait, proved to be too strong. They hid around a corner, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them.

They watched, stunned, as Qin Chu rejected Ekaterina.

“Holy Goddess, he actually turned her down?”

“What a waste! Such a waste! I mean, she’s… well… she’s pretty damn hot, isn’t she?”

“Especially those legs…”

“You idiots! Don’t you know who she is? The Crimson Valkyrie! Forget about it! Just be grateful that it wasn’t you. I’d run for my life.”

They nodded, understanding dawning.

It was Ekaterina, after all.

Even if they had the opportunity, who knew who would end up on top?

“Hah! Qin Chu, you truly are cruel, tormenting her like this…” Shaye said, her voice laced with mockery, her tone betraying her annoyance at the new ghost’s presence.

Her unique position had been challenged.

“Not just her body, but her soul as well? Honestly, you should give up on being a Hero and become a witch. It suits you better.”

A witch? A magical girl? No, thanks. That was a one-way ticket to a beheading.

Qin Chu ignored her taunt. Seeing her sulking, he smiled. “Don’t worry, Shaye. No matter what happens, you’ll always be my most important companion.”

Well, Angelica was his most trusted… person… But Shaye wasn’t human.

His casual words seemed to strike a nerve.

Shaye’s spectral form flickered, almost dissolving, before solidifying again. She averted her gaze, refusing to look at him, her voice laced with feigned indifference.

“Hah! What are you talking about?”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not your companion. If you hadn’t bound our lives together with that damn Heavenly Chain, if I hadn’t been forced to possess you during the time regression… I would have left long ago. You wouldn’t even be a blip on my radar. Don’t delude yourself… I don’t care who you surround yourself with, how many ghosts you collect. Do you think I’m jealous? Don’t assume we’re friends. We’re not, and we never will be. I haven’t forgotten what you did to me, sealing me away, twice! If I wasn’t immortal, you would have killed me, wouldn’t you? I hold grudges…”

She had spoken more words in this rant than she had since the time regression. Thankfully, as a spirit, she didn’t need to breathe.

And thankfully, she had no physical body, otherwise her blushing would have been impossible to conceal.

But even as a spirit, she felt her form… overheating…

Qin Chu, a smile playing on his lips, watched her, amused by her tsundere act… It was a bit outdated, but Shaye, with her undeniable charm, managed to pull it off.

His amusement intensified her embarrassment. She quickly changed the subject, gesturing towards the ghost sitting by the window. “So, what’s the deal with her?”

Anthea, quiet and unobtrusive, had left Qin Chu’s shoulder upon entering the bedroom. She hadn’t spoken a word, simply sitting by the window, gazing out at the world, her thoughts hidden.

“You know Anthea?”

“The one Angelica mentioned, the strongest Valkyrie from a thousand years ago, the Valkyrie Protector of the Nation?”

Qin Chu nodded, briefly summarizing his encounter with her.

Shaye fell silent. It was good that Anthea hadn’t harmed him, but her desire to take something from him was concerning. Just because she hadn’t acted yet didn’t mean she wouldn’t.

“Is it safe to let her stay with you?” Shaye asked, her brow furrowed with worry. “She’s powerful. If she attacks you, even together, we might not be able to stop her.”

It would be easy to get rid of her. Saint Monique or Augustus could banish her. Ghosts, though elusive, were not invisible to those with their level of power. They simply didn’t usually bother with detecting them.

“We’ll see. She hasn’t shown any hostility… yet.” He felt a pang of sympathy for her, their shared experiences creating a strange bond. But he wouldn’t tolerate her presence solely out of pity.

She was strong. She could be a valuable protector.

And she seemed to know something he didn’t, something even Shaye was unaware of, something that involved his own body.

“Shaye, have you heard of the Seed of Light and the Seed of Life?”

“No,” she said, her voice flat. “Never.”

As expected.

Qin Chu sighed.

“Shaye, I’m going to explore the Void again.”

…

Chapter 69: The Seed of Life

Her voice was clear yet hollow, devoid of any emotion.

Her small, cold fingers brushed against Qin Chu’s cheek, despite the flames that danced around her.

The icy touch trailed down his face, his neck, his chest, his stomach…

She seemed to be searching for something, her fingers lingering on his navel. He shivered.

What did she mean, “the seed of life”?

The flames, though intense, didn’t burn him. He swallowed, wanting to ask what she was doing.

But as he looked down, his gaze met hers, and he froze. In the depths of her blue, lifeless eyes, he saw pain, despair, madness…

Fleeting images, fragmented and confusing, flashed through his mind.

A grand palace… the Auville Empire’s Imperial Palace?

A young woman, clad in battered armor, knelt before a corpulent man, his crown askew, his eyes barely visible amidst the folds of fat.

But through those narrow slits, Qin Chu saw greed and suspicion directed at the kneeling woman.

The opulent hall echoed with praise for her, but she felt only annoyance. The enemy wasn’t defeated. They were still plotting their revenge.

She yearned to be on the battlefield, defending the Empire.

The fat man, acknowledging her achievements, bestowed upon her the title of “Valkyrie Protector of the Nation.”

He shifted uncomfortably on his throne, his body a mound of flesh, seeking a position that offered him some semblance of comfort.

He asked her to become his queen…

She replied: “How can I think of home when our enemies are still at large?”

The surrounding nobles praised her noble spirit, their fawning admiration blinding them to the venomous rage that filled the Emperor’s eyes.

His authority, his power, had been challenged.

A noble, loved and respected by her peers, was a threat to his rule.

From the moment she refused his proposal, her fate was sealed.

They held a grand feast in her honor. The Emperor himself offered her a toast, a poisoned chalice disguised as a celebratory drink.

They couldn’t defeat their enemies, but they excelled at eliminating their own.

Don’t drink it! Don’t drink it! Don’t drink it!

Qin Chu screamed inwardly, seeing a reflection of his own fate in her story.

He wanted to stop her, but this was just a memory, a glimpse into the past. He couldn’t change anything.

He watched helplessly as she drank the poisoned wine.

And then she fell ill.

Her body weakened, her strength fading. She could no longer wield her spear, no longer lead her army into battle…

Her condition worsened. She was brought to the palace, to receive the best medical care, but the physicians, the priests… they had all been bribed. The medicine they administered, just like the concoctions he had been forced to consume, was laced with slow-acting poisons.

And when she was too weak to resist, they dressed her in her battle armor, placed her spear in her hand…

They bound her with chains and burned her alive.

It hurts! Why are they doing this to me?

They watched her, their faces contorted with glee, as she burned, her screams swallowed by the flames.

They wanted to see her die, broken and humiliated, clad in the armor that had been her pride.

They forged a farewell letter, informing her family that she had chosen to die alone, away from their loving gazes, unwilling to burden them with her suffering.

They held a grand funeral, their faces streaked with tears, lamenting the loss of their “Empire’s Pillar.”

They named a street in her honor.

They turned her remains into a statue, its stone body inscribed with powerful runes, transforming it into a prison, her soul trapped within, eternally standing guard on the street that bore her name… They wanted her to witness the Empire’s continued prosperity, even without her.

Betrayal, it seemed, was a tradition.

“Are you crying? Why?”

The small girl stood before him, her expression innocent, her blue eyes staring up at his face.

She noticed the tearstains on his cheeks.

Her demeanor, usually vacant and unresponsive, seemed to soften in his presence. Her eyes, though still lifeless, held a flicker of… awareness…

He exhaled, a wave of empathy washing over him. He smiled, reaching out to pat her head, but his hand passed through her body.

A ghost.

“It’s nothing… You and I… we’re the same…”

They were both victims.

“What do you want from me?”

“The Seed of Life?”

“Not the Seed of Life. The Seed of Light. Light brings life, so you also possess the Seed of Life.”

She corrected him, her voice firm, her words betraying a strange wisdom that belied her childlike appearance.

So, he possessed both the Seed of Light and the Seed of Life. But why couldn’t he sense them?

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what those are. But if they’re inside me, and you need them, you can take them.” He spread his arms, offering her his body. He felt a strange kinship with this girl, her story echoing his own. “But if you could return them… that would be appreciated.”

Her hand, cold and small, rested on his lower abdomen.

She frowned, tilting her head, her expression confused.

She had located the Seed of Life but didn’t know how to extract it.

After a long moment, she sighed, her frustration evident. She had no experience with… harvesting… Seeds of Life.

“Can I… stay with you?” she asked, her voice no longer hollow, but ethereal, a whisper in the wind.

Qin Chu, startled, nodded.

Did he have a choice? This strange domain was her creation. If he refused, he might never escape.

She climbed onto his shoulder, her small hands gripping his arm, her legs dangling in front of his chest. Her blue eyes, still clouded with confusion, scanned her surroundings. She didn’t seem to understand what she was, what had happened to her, why she was free from her stone prison.

He had seen her memories, but she had sealed them away.

Perhaps those memories, filled with pain and despair, were too much for her fragile soul to bear.

She didn’t know what she was doing. She was simply drawn to his life force, his warmth, seeking comfort, escaping the eternal torment of the flames.

She had endured it for a thousand years.

The strange domain shattered like a mirror, the sounds of the city rushing back, a cacophony of noise after the oppressive silence.

“Hero-sama… Hero-sama, are you alright?” Charles’s voice, close and concerned, snapped him back to reality. He had stopped walking, his gaze fixed on… nothing…

The guards, the pedestrians… they couldn’t see her.

Only he could perceive this ghost…

No, not just him… Shaye…

The witch’s crimson eyes widened in disbelief. She recognized Anthea instantly. She wasn’t human. She was a spirit, a ghost, a fragmented soul…

And she was sitting on Qin Chu’s shoulder, her presence accepted, even welcomed.

Shaye, though confused, knew this wasn’t the time for questions.

But what she couldn’t tolerate was this… intruder… sitting on her… spot…

Unforgivable!

That was her territory!

She could ignore Angelica, Ekaterina, Natia… they were insignificant. She was unique, special. But now, she felt a surge of… jealousy…

Had Qin Chu found a new ghost, a replacement for her?

She wanted to shove the ghost off his shoulder but hesitated. She couldn’t defeat her… not yet. She had lost all her power during the time regression and was slowly regaining her strength as Qin Chu’s power increased.

And this ghost… she was as strong as Ekaterina!

Just you wait until I regain my full power… Shaye fumed silently.

Qin Chu, his expression a mixture of surprise and amusement, looked at Charles, forcing a smile.

“Ah, sorry, it was nothing. I was just… lost in thought.”

As the last rays of sunlight faded, he returned to his residence, intending to rest. But as he entered his bedroom, he saw Ekaterina.

She had just bathed, her long hair cascading down her back, still damp. Her cheeks were flushed, her long eyelashes adorned with water droplets. Her crimson eyes, usually fierce and untamed, were now soft and inviting, a hint of moisture glistening within them.

Her lips, pink and full, parted slightly, her breath warm and fragrant.

This boisterous woman, usually so brash and aggressive, was now a vision of seductive beauty.

She was… yearning…

…

Chapter 68: The Revived Statue

Candice agreed, sneaking a peek at the Hero’s face. Her little “Uncle” maintained a calm facade, his true thoughts hidden.

He truly was worthy of standing alongside Horus, his demeanor exuding the aura of a master.

After a long silence, Qin Chu drained his glass. “Continue monitoring the Demonfolk. Inform me immediately if anything unusual occurs.”

Candice nodded silently.

He stood up, placing a bill on the counter.

“Wait…” Candice called out just as he was about to leave.

She hesitated, her face betraying her uncertainty. Then, she pulled a small box from her pocket and offered it to him.

He accepted it, his brow furrowed in confusion. Opening the box, he saw a silver necklace with a star-shaped pendant.

“What’s this…?” he asked, certain it wasn’t for him. After all, this was their first meeting, at least as Qin Chu.

“I… I found it while shopping,” Candice said, her cheeks flushing slightly. “It… It seemed to suit Horus’s… style.”

“I wanted to give it to him personally, but he’s so elusive… You’re close to him…”

“So you want me to give it to him?” Qin Chu raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Candice nodded eagerly, her face growing even redder. She twirled a strand of her purple hair around her finger, her teeth nibbling her lower lip.

She truly was a Succubus, her charm undeniable.

Even her usual demeanor was captivating, but now, her shyness, her hesitancy, made her even more alluring.

She noticed his gaze, her embarrassment intensifying. “Hero-sama… please don’t misunderstand…”

“Horus has helped me greatly. I just wanted to express my gratitude. There’s… there’s nothing more to it. Please don’t get the wrong idea.” She waved her hands frantically, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Qin Chu nodded, understanding filling his eyes. Of course, of course. After all, they had only met once. Love at first sight was rare.

“Don’t worry, I’ll give it to him personally. We’re… close.”

He placed the box in his Storage Ring, then, right before her eyes, he rubbed his face, rearranging his features, his previously calm expression shifting into one of frustration and annoyance.

“Charles…” he called out, his voice now laced with impatience.

“Hero-sama, your orders…” His lieutenant entered the tavern, his gaze falling upon Lena Martithes, who was still unconscious on the counter.

He facepalmed, remembering his captain’s… weakness…

Judging by the Hero’s demeanor, he hadn’t enjoyed himself. He had come here to relax, to drink, but she had passed out after a single drink. How was he supposed to have fun?

Charles broke out in a cold sweat, his face paling. “Hero-sama, I…”

Qin Chu waved a dismissive hand. “Forget it. Take Lena Martithes back. I’m going home.”

Charles sighed in relief. The Hero, though clearly unhappy, wasn’t directing his anger at them. He ordered a few men to carry Lena Martithes back to her quarters, then, with the remaining guards, escorted the Hero back to his residence.

Qin Chu chatted with them, his mind, however, focused on Ekaterina, on how to break her completely.

According to Shaye, the original Stunning Love potion required seven doses. The enhanced version was more potent, so the process should be faster.

Ekaterina was strong-willed, but even she was nearing her breaking point after only two doses. Her pride, her sense of self, were crumbling.

Three or four doses should be enough.

He listened to the rhythmic click of their boots against the pavement.

Something was wrong. It was too quiet. There were no other sounds, no chatter from the guards, only the sound of their footsteps.

He stopped abruptly, his gaze darting around. Charles and the guards… they had been with him just a moment ago… now they were gone…

Charles wouldn’t leave his side without orders.

Qin Chu’s expression turned serious. He had entered a… domain… something dangerous, something unusual. But he didn’t panic.

The sky was a dull gray, not the darkness of night, but a pervasive fog that swallowed even the light of the two moons.

The pedestrians, the carriages… they were gone, vanished like his guards. The shops lining the street were dark and lifeless, their usual vibrancy extinguished. A sense of oppression filled the air, a faint scent of burning…

“Shaye?”

No response.

This strange domain had severed their connection. This had never happened before.

The air grew warmer, a wave of heat washing over him.

He scanned the street. No footsteps, no breathing, no heartbeats… only the smell of burning… and a profound sense of emptiness.

A feather drifted down from the sky, landing on his forehead.

He picked it up, his fingers stained with gray-black ash. He rubbed his fingers together… burnt feathers.

He looked up. Countless ashes, like feathers, were raining down from the sky, blanketing the ground. The air shimmered with heat.

A figure stood at the end of the street.

The figure, clad in a form-fitting female armor, held a spear longer than two meters. Black chains wrapped around her arms, legs, and waist, half of her body swallowed by shadows, her face hidden from view.

This was the source of this strange domain.

He started towards the figure, intending to inquire about his imprisonment, but then the figure raised its arms.

And then…

A surge of fire erupted from her body, illuminating her features.

Her face was as pale as snow, devoid of any color, any sign of life… Her body seemed as hard and unyielding as stone…

Cracks spread across her armor. The tip of her spear was stained with blood, a tattered banner, its fabric crimson, hanging from its shaft. The fire consumed the banner, reducing it to ash.

Her legs, slender yet strong, had carried her through countless battles.

Her golden hair, whipped by the flames, danced wildly around her. Her eyes, blue and piercing, were empty and lifeless.

Qin Chu stumbled back, recognition dawning.

The figure, the face… he knew her.

This… This was the statue from Anthea Street!

The statue had come to life, consumed by flames.

He stared at her, fear gripping his heart.

Her power, the aura radiating from her… it rivaled Ekaterina’s!

He searched for an escape route as he bowed slightly, forcing a polite smile. “Greetings, Lady Anthea?”

“What brings you here?”

His question was met with silence.

The flaming figure, a blur of motion, lunged towards him.

He tried to dodge, but a strange force held him in place, his body unresponsive. A wave of heat washed over him as the fiery figure reached him.

He caught a glimpse of her pale face within the flames.

“Light brings life… you awakened me…

You carry… the seed of life…”

…

Chapter 67: At the End of the Void Lies the Enemy! 

Imperial Capital, slums.

The Witch’s Hearth Tavern.

Qin Chu frowned as he watched the guards expel the patrons.

“Wait,” he said, “it’s more lively with everyone here.”

“Hero-sama, these commoners aren’t worthy of drinking with you. Please be mindful of your status,” the lieutenant said, his voice respectful yet firm.

“Aren’t we all human?”

“But humans are not all equal.”

This was a deeply ingrained belief in the Heavenly Continent. Only nobles were considered true humans. Commoners were barely considered people and certainly weren’t worthy of sharing the same space as a noble.

Knights, though technically part of the nobility, occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. They endured the oppression of higher-ranking nobles and, in turn, exerted their own authority over commoners, reinforcing their own fragile status.

The commoners, their skin tanned from years of toil, their clothes simple and coarse, shuffled out of the tavern, their faces resigned. They were accustomed to such treatment. Only a few muttered curses under their breath.

They didn’t blame the Hero. After all, he had tried to stop the guards. It was the soldiers, abusing their authority, who were at fault.

The tavern was now empty, the knights forming a cordon around the building, preventing anyone from approaching.

Behind the bar, Candice’s purple hair seemed to gleam with an inner light. Qin Chu sensed that her power had increased slightly.

She looked at him with suspicion. What was the Hero doing in her tavern?

Had he discovered her true identity? If so, things could get messy.

She had been studying the Heavenly Fire Meteor spell Horus had given her, her power increasing, but she wasn’t confident she could defeat the Hero, Lena Martithes, and the knights surrounding the tavern.

A flicker of wariness crossed her violet eyes. “Welcome, Hero-sama and Knight-sama. What can I get for you?”

“A Witch’s Heart, please,” Qin Chu said.

“I’ll have a Witch’s Hair,” Lena Martithes said.

Candice smiled, her slender fingers expertly mixing the drinks. Soon, a glass of crimson liquid, “Witch’s Heart,” was placed before Qin Chu.

Lena Martithes received a glass filled with black liquid, its surface shimmering like silk, strands of what appeared to be hair swirling within. It was both beautiful and unsettling.

Qin Chu, swirling his drink, wanted to clink glasses with Lena Martithes and say something like “To your eyes…”

It would be… romantic.

But Lena Martithes simply raised her glass in a silent toast. “Cheers…”

She downed the drink in a single gulp.

Then, with a thud, she slumped onto the counter, unconscious.

She was drunk.

Her tolerance for alcohol was nonexistent.

One drink, and she was out cold.

And yet, she loved to drink…

There was even a betting pool in the Knights’ Order: whoever could finish a bottle of alcohol before Lena Martithes passed out would win a thousand Mana.

Candice, surprised by her sudden collapse, looked at Qin Chu, her voice uncertain. “Hero-sama, this knight…”

“Don’t worry, she’s just drunk…” Qin Chu shrugged. If she hadn’t been such a lightweight, he wouldn’t have brought her along. He would have invented an excuse to drink alone, to wallow in his manufactured sorrow.

“Candice,” he said, his voice soft, a smile playing on his lips, “may I ask you a question?”

“Of course… but… Hero-sama, I believe you’re mistaken. My name is Katherine, not Candice…” Candice bit her lip, her words tumbling out in a rush. Her violet eyes darted nervously around the tavern.

“There’s no need to be nervous, Candice. I mean you no harm.” Qin Chu raised his glass to his lips, his smile unwavering. “I’m just here to collect some information, on behalf of… someone…”

Candice’s eyes narrowed. “I’m just a humble tavern owner. I don’t have any information. Are you sure you have the right person?”

Qin Chu’s gaze met hers, his smile intensifying.

“My eyes see through millennia.”

He had decided to handle the information exchange personally. His entourage was growing, making covert operations difficult. He couldn’t appear as Horus every time.

To maintain control over Candice, Horus’s identity had to remain shrouded in mystery.

And Candice was intelligent. She would eventually deduce the connection between Horus and the Hero. It was better to be proactive.

He wasn’t worried about her exposing him. After all, who would believe a half-Demon, someone with Succubus blood, over the Hero?

And he had ways of keeping her in line, of ensuring her silence.

Candice gasped, her composure finally cracking.

“My eyes see through millennia.”

Those were Horus’s words.

Women were good at making assumptions.

She didn’t hide her surprise, her violet eyes shining with admiration.

How did the Hero know those words? Had he met Horus?

Ah, the great Horus! To have brought the Hero under his control, despite the constant scrutiny of powerful factions, the Holy See, the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, the Empire… He was truly impressive!

She clasped her hands together, her excitement making her lean forward.

She had chosen the right side.

In this world of darkness and despair, only Horus offered a glimmer of hope.

She glanced at Lena Martithes, concerned about her presence.

“She’s drunk. She won’t remember anything.”

Nothing could rouse Lena Martithes from her drunken slumber.

“Are you… under Horus’s command?” she asked cautiously.

If so, wouldn’t they have to… establish a hierarchy?

How should she address him? Fellow servant of Horus? Brother and sister in arms?

A strange sense of competitiveness welled up within her. To be called “junior” by someone younger than her… it wounded her pride.

“Command?”

Qin Chu shook his head, leaning back in his chair.

“Candice, I think you’ve misunderstood. I’m not under his command. Our relationship is one of… equals. We’re… close.”

He added, “We’re practically the same person.”

Equals… Candice pouted, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

So, she had to address him as… what? Uncle?

She was a generation below him?

But why was Horus so close to him? This Hero was weak, no match for her.

Perhaps he saw potential in the Hero? It was said that this Hero was far more talented than the First Hero…

She looked at her… uncle… curiosity filling her eyes. “Where’s Horus?”

Qin Chu smiled. “He’s gone to a faraway place…”

“Where?” Candice was eager to know everything about Horus.

Her fascination puzzled him.

He looked towards the night sky, his voice taking on a melancholic tone.

“The Void.”

He remembered the cage within the Void, inventing an explanation, maintaining Horus’s enigmatic and powerful image.

But he had a premonition that he would eventually face the entities within the Void, even though his only goal was revenge.

Suddenly, his head spun, his consciousness pulled into the endless Void. The colossal, fleshy sphere, covered in countless eyes, their crimson gaze boring into him…

The indescribable scrutiny triggered a reaction within him. His head throbbed, his soul threatened to shatter, and eyes, countless eyes, erupted across his skin, peering out from beneath his flesh, their gaze filled with madness and chaos.

The contamination was spreading.

He didn’t panic. Holy Light, soft and gentle, enveloped him, banishing the grotesque transformation.

Candice trembled, her face pale. The whispers, the maddening whispers, had assaulted her mind, her soul tearing at its seams. Her skin itched, as if those eyes were about to burst forth from her own flesh.

It was a presence she couldn’t bear to witness, to even hear.

“Hero-sama, what was…”

Qin Chu shrugged, his voice calm.

“You know… we’re battling… those… entities… within the Void.”

Candice stared at him, a mixture of fear and awe filling her eyes.

The Void?

It was a forbidden realm, a place of mystery and terror, unexplored by both humans and Demons. And Horus… he could traverse the Void?

Her admiration for Horus intensified. She believed him without question. It was fitting for someone like Horus.

Even the Hero… he had been attacked by an entity from the Void. She had only felt the faintest touch of its power, and her soul had almost shattered. He, the target of the attack, must have endured unimaginable torment… and then he had banished it with his light.

This Hero was far more powerful than she had realized. No wonder he was Horus’s… comrade…

“What… what’s in the Void?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“At the end of the Void… lies the enemy,” Qin Chu said, his voice low and enigmatic. He tapped his finger against his glass, the sound sharp and clear.

“Our world is bound by chains.”

“We’re like the liquid in this glass, trapped within a cage, oblivious to our imprisonment.”

Candice trembled. She felt as if she had glimpsed the truth, a terrifying truth.

Their world, a prison? Horus and the Hero… were they fighting to break free from these chains?

She thought of the endless conflicts, the bloodshed, the struggle for land and wealth that consumed both humans and Demons.

Horus and the Hero… they were truly noble, their purpose far greater than any petty squabble.

Ah, Horus, you are so captivating… Candice’s cheeks flushed, her eyes shining with admiration.

Wait…

Wasn’t she supposed to… question this?

He was making things up…

“Candice, Horus is busy. He might not be able to meet you every time. I’ll be handling some of the communication. If you have any information, tell me. Understand?”

Candice, her awe momentarily subdued, took a deep breath. “I understand.”

“Lomond will attack Benson in three days…”

Time was short. He hadn’t fully subdued Ekaterina yet.

He had to accelerate his plans.

He leaned back, setting down his glass, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.

“Inform Lomond. Tell him that Loseweisse and Ekaterina will be leaving the capital in three days to assist Benson. Tell him to intercept them…”

…

Chapter 66: I Don’t Like Wearing Someone Else’s Hat

This wasn’t succumbing to desire, Ekaterina told herself. This was to make the Hero stronger. This was for Jie Luo, for the sake of the world. She had to offer herself to Qin Chu for the greater good.

She clung to this flimsy justification, desperately trying to preserve her fragile self-respect.

But Qin Chu, malicious and calculating, intended to shatter her completely. At least in his presence, her pride was irrelevant.

His smile vanished as he looked at her.

Her position, leaning against him, brought their lips almost close enough to touch.

“Lady Ekaterina,” he said, his voice cold and distant, “could you move away?”

“You’re disrupting my cultivation.”

Ekaterina’s face paled. She had gone so far, only to be met with his icy rejection.

She stared at him, her eyes wide with confusion, then slowly released her hold on his neck and stepped back, her face ashen, her body trembling with shame and anger.

She had offered herself, only to be cruelly rebuffed.

It was as if her body was nothing but worthless trash.

Her pride, her dignity, lay shattered.

She couldn’t understand this sudden shift in his demeanor. The man who had been so gentle, so… enamored… was now cold and distant, his demeanor frighteningly different.

“I apologize if my words were harsh,” Qin Chu said, his expression softening slightly. “But your presence is hindering my progress…”

“But… you said… you broke through to the second layer after… after last night…” she mumbled, her voice barely audible. “I thought… maybe… it could help you advance even further…”

Qin Chu stood up, walking towards her. He lifted a strand of her crimson hair, his fingers brushing against her cheek. “Lady Ekaterina, don’t devalue yourself… your body… It’s precious, isn’t it?”

His fingers traced the delicate curve of her jaw, then moved lower, exploring the smooth skin of her neck, her collarbone, her waist, her legs… His touch, lingering and possessive, seemed to caress every inch of her. But his words contradicted his actions.

“And besides, I’m not that kind of person,” he said, his voice a soft rumble.

His words and actions were at odds. His touch, rough and possessive, sent shivers down her spine.

“Last night was… an accident. But we’re both sober now. I can’t… I can’t be intimate with a woman who calls out another man’s name,” he said, his voice flat. “It feels like… wearing someone else’s hat. You know I don’t like that.”

Wearing a hat? What did that even mean?

But Ekaterina didn’t have time to ponder his words. Jie Luo’s name, echoing in her mind, filled her with shame.

She had betrayed Jie Luo, betrayed Qin Chu, betrayed herself.

She couldn’t understand how she had become this… this… creature… She loathed herself.

“If one day… you truly forget Jie Luo… then come find me,” Qin Chu said, his gaze unwavering.

“I… I need some air.”

He withdrew his hand, turning away from her, walking away without a backward glance.

This was the “silent treatment,” leaving her hanging, her emotions raw and exposed.

He would break her, crush her pride, make her beg for his attention, make her obey his every command like a pet.

Ekaterina, watching him leave, collapsed onto the ground, her body trembling.

Sadness, pain, hatred, disgust, shame, longing… a torrent of emotions overwhelmed her. Tears streamed down her face.

She had never felt so humiliated.

But what frightened her even more was her own body, the aching emptiness within her…

She hugged herself, her face a mask of despair… Forget Jie Luo?

No, she couldn’t. She wouldn’t. He was her only light, her only hope. Without him, her life would be consumed by darkness.

But no matter how hard she tried, his image in her mind blurred, fading with each passing moment.

Qin Chu’s image, however, grew sharper, more vivid.

She was falling for him. The more distant he became, the stronger her feelings grew.

Her love was shifting, transferring…

…

Outside the training grounds, Qin Chu stretched, enjoying the warmth of the setting sun on his face.

A sly smile curved his lips. It was a shame to leave Ekaterina like that, but he could be patient. He knew what was important.

“Lady Lena Martithes,” he said, his smile now bright and cheerful, “I’m heading out. Would you care to join me?”

Lena Martithes, having heard the rumors, despite the Pope’s order for silence, looked at him with sympathy. For the Hero to be… violated… by a drunken Valkyrie… it was a terrible humiliation. She felt she should offer him some comfort, some distraction.

“Of course,” she said, her boisterous personality similar to Ekaterina’s. She slapped him on the back, her grin wide. “Where are we drinking, brother? I’m buying!”

They had become quite close over the past few days. He didn’t mind her casual demeanor.

Her lieutenant, however, paled, frantically signaling for her to show some restraint. Such disrespect towards the Hero!

“Hmm… let’s go to… The Witch’s Hearth,” Qin Chu said.

The Witch’s Hearth was Candice’s tavern.

The name, referencing witches, wouldn’t arouse suspicion of any connection to Demons. After all, Demons lurking within the city wouldn’t be so brazen.

And the tavern’s menu featured… unusual… drinks, such as “Witch’s Heart,” “Witch’s Blood,” “Witch’s Hair,” and “Witch’s Eye”…

“Isn’t that in the slums? Why go there?” Lena Martithes asked, her brow furrowed. “There are plenty of taverns in the noble district, with better quality and service…”

“Well… the glasses in the noble district are too small…”

Lena Martithes, ignoring her lieutenant’s frantic signals, laughed, slapping his back again. “I see, brother. You have good taste! I hate those tiny glasses they use in the noble district. They ruin the experience.”

Please, stop hitting me, it hurts.

She, eager for a night of drinking and camaraderie, dragged him towards The Witch’s Hearth.

Though she resembled Ekaterina in temperament, Qin Chu knew that, at their core, they were different.

Lena Martithes was genuine, her heart pure. Her only desire was to restore peace to the Heavenly Continent. She would gladly sacrifice her life to protect him. And now, she just wanted to drown his sorrows in alcohol.

He felt a pang of guilt for exploiting her kindness.

After all, he wasn’t going there to drink. He needed information from Candice.

Lomond, the Eternal Monarch’s seventh son, should be on the move by now.

Benson, though powerful, was no match for Lomond, especially not alone. Lomond had an army at his disposal.

But Benson’s defenses were formidable. He could hold out for a while. And when he realized he was outmatched, he would contact Loseweisse for support. He might not be a mage, but he carried a variety of magic scrolls.

Most powerful and wealthy individuals kept a supply of scrolls for emergencies: communication scrolls, healing scrolls, etc.

Qin Chu needed to follow Benson, to steal his Ability. False Absolute Defense… it was a tempting prize.

…

Chapter 65: I’ll Just Hold You, I Promise I Won’t Move

Ekaterina froze, her mouth agape, utterly shocked by Qin Chu’s words.

He envied Jie Luo? What did that mean? Did this man… like her?

Looking at Qin Chu’s sorrowful expression, she felt the possibility was high.

A whirlwind of confusing thoughts flooded her mind, causing her brain to short-circuit.

If any other man dared to compare himself to Jie Luo, Ekaterina would’ve slapped him silly. “You? Compared to Jie Luo?”

And if any man declared his love for her, she wouldn’t be happy; she’d be disgusted… Though, no man had ever done that before.

But now, strangely, Ekaterina felt only turmoil, not disgust.

This internal chaos frightened her. Unsure how to respond, she instinctively reached for her flask, seeking the familiar comfort of alcohol.

But as she grasped the flask, her face flushed with embarrassment. She remembered her promise to Loseweisse: to quit drinking.

“Don’t drink anymore,” Qin Chu said, his voice gentle. “Alcohol is bad for you. It clouds your judgment.”

“Drink water instead. There’s some over there.” He gestured with his hand.

Ekaterina walked over, poured herself a glass of water, and brought it to her lips. She hesitated. Had Qin Chu used this glass? Was the water…

“Actually, could you pour me a glass too? Thank you,” Qin Chu said.

Ekaterina put down her glass and poured him one, her hands trembling slightly.

As she approached him, Qin Chu suddenly reached out, his arm encircling her slender waist, pulling her close.

A wave of warmth and a delicate fragrance enveloped him.

Ekaterina gasped, startled by his sudden action. The water in her glass sloshed precariously.

Thankfully, she remembered the previous night’s events and managed to restrain herself.

But her heart pounded in her chest, her athletic body stiffening as she struggled in his embrace. “Qin Chu, what… what are you doing?”

“We can’t… We can’t do this again.”

Even though Loseweisse had prepared her for this, she couldn’t help but feel resistant… No, afraid?

The fearsome Crimson Valkyrie was gone, replaced by a frightened girl.

In her panic, she didn’t notice Shaye’s arrival.

Qin Chu ignored her struggles, his cheek pressed against her flat stomach, as if savoring her warmth.

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything,” he murmured.

“To have experienced your… charms… was an honor. I wouldn’t dare ask for more.”

“I just want to hold you. Can’t you even grant me that?”

Ekaterina’s mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She had treated him so terribly. Letting him hold her… that was… acceptable, right?

It was… compensation.

She didn’t realize that her resistance was weak, her face flushed crimson as she stood stiffly in his embrace, his arm encircling her waist.

Her heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest.

“Only holding,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “No… no other movements…”

“I promise,” Qin Chu said, his voice a soft rumble against her stomach.

The embrace lasted only a few seconds before he released her, taking the glass of water from her trembling hand and drinking it in a single gulp.

As he pulled away, Ekaterina felt a pang of… disappointment… After all, Jie Luo, the man she loved, had never expressed any affection for her, never held her so close.

Qin Chu was the first, and the only one.

She shook her head, dispelling the treacherous thought. This was wrong. She shouldn’t compare Qin Chu to Jie Luo.

She retreated, grabbing her own glass and drinking the water.

It tasted sweet.

This time, Shaye hadn’t added the touch of Lust. The first experiment had proven that adding the Ability’s power was too unpredictable.

She had only enhanced the potion’s affection-inducing properties.

“I’ll continue my training,” Qin Chu said, returning to his meditative pose.

He had been a perfect gentleman. He had promised only to hold her, and he had kept his word. He hadn’t made any other advances. Even the embrace itself had been brief, lasting only a few seconds, as if that was enough to satisfy him.

Ekaterina watched him resume his training, a strange sense of confusion washing over her. He was content with just holding her?

What did that even mean?

Her mind was a battlefield, her loyalty to Jie Luo clashing with her mission to seduce the Hero. Was she truly going to do this?

She questioned herself repeatedly.

Was this right?

She didn’t know. It felt as if she were being pulled into a dark abyss, consumed by shadows, her will slowly eroding.

She wished he would be angry, disgusted, even violent, like in the fabricated memories her mind had created.

That would have been easier, at least she wouldn’t have to grapple with this agonizing dilemma.

But he wasn’t angry. He was kind, gentle.

He was only saddened by her cries for Jie Luo. He had even expressed concern for her well-being, advising her to limit her alcohol intake. He had merely embraced her, nothing more.

And yet, this man was the one she had to seduce, the one she had to eventually kill, using his blood and life force to resurrect Jie Luo…

She had never questioned their plan before.

But now, a wave of revulsion, a deep self-loathing, washed over her.

She was a terrible person. There was no denying it.

If she died, she would surely go to hell.

She watched him, his presence becoming strangely comforting. If she hadn’t met Jie Luo first, would she have fallen for this… boy?

Yes, she would have.

But…

Her gaze hardened, her resolve returning.

He might be an extraordinary man…

He might have been forcibly summoned to this world, yet he was still fighting to save it…

He might become their savior, the protector of the Heavenly Continent…

But…

He was the key to Jie Luo’s resurrection.

And that meant she had to kill him.

Her eyes, though filled with a flicker of sadness, were now cold and determined. This goal, this mission, would never change.

It wasn’t fair to him, but for Jie Luo, she would do anything.

But why did her heart ache?

She shook her head, her gaze returning to Qin Chu. She had to follow Loseweisse’s plan, seduce him, make him crave her, become obsessed with her, so they could eliminate him once he had dealt with the Demons.

But seduction… it was beyond her capabilities.

She could fight Demons, she could train warriors, but seducing a man… it was an impossible task.

She looked down at her revealing dress, its form-fitting fabric accentuating her curves. And yet, he hadn’t reacted, he had simply held her briefly before returning to his training. What did she have to do to elicit a response from him?

She pouted, resting her chin on her hand, watching him train, trying to figure out how to seduce this… block of wood…

Was he truly that oblivious?

She was practically naked, and she had even offered herself to him! And all he had done was hug her?

He had no other… desires?

She fanned herself with her other hand. The training grounds were suddenly hot, his presence raising her body temperature.

Even without Shaye’s influence, she felt a primal urge to be closer to him, to experience another embrace, a kiss…

She wanted him to want her, but she didn’t know how to bridge the gap between them. Her body was the only thing she could offer.

As time passed, the heat within her intensified… If seduction wasn’t working… what if she initiated it?

The thought shocked her.

It was too shameless.

The first time, she could blame it on her drunken state, her clouded judgment.

Her revealing outfit could be seen as an attempt to entice him, to make him the aggressor. She could even justify it as a necessary step in their plan to resurrect Jie Luo.

But to actively seek him out, to proposition him… that was something she couldn’t do.

It felt like a betrayal of Jie Luo, an act of infidelity.

She still clung to a shred of her self-respect.

She couldn’t lose this last vestige of her dignity. It was her only light, her only hope.

And Qin Chu, without even realizing it, was slowly chipping away at her remaining defenses.

She fought against the growing urge, but it became harder to resist with each passing moment.

She wanted to be close to him.

She pressed her lips together, fearing that any sound she made would betray her desire. She trembled, her body strained with the effort of suppressing her emotions.

Shaye, a mischievous grin on her face, observed Ekaterina, impressed by her willpower. To withstand the combined influence of Lust and Stunning Love for so long…

Yes, Qin Chu had activated Lust’s power during their embrace. He could control the Ability, turning it on and off at will.

But she wouldn’t last much longer.

Ekaterina’s fingers twitched, unsure where to place them. Her breathing quickened, her eyes blazing with a newfound heat.

She wanted to do something, something shameful.

“Mmm…”

She bit her lip, drawing blood, the crimson stain making her lips even more alluring.

She had to distract herself.

She had to.

She needed a distraction.

“Qin Chu…” she said, her voice trembling.

“Yes?” he asked, his eyes still closed, his attention focused on his cultivation.

“How… how did you learn Star Flame Battle Qi so quickly? You’re already at the second layer?” she asked, grasping at a topic, anything to divert her thoughts.

His rapid progress had shocked her. Jie Luo’s pace had been a tenth of his. This man… he might actually succeed in defeating the Demons.

Qin Chu had suppressed his Battle Qi to the first layer while facing Augustus. He had released the restriction after they had left.

“Oh, that…”

“I’m not sure. It might have something to do with… last night…” He scratched his head. “Yesterday afternoon, I was just beginning to sense the elemental energy, just starting my cultivation.”

“But… I apologize. I didn’t mean to bring it up.” He apologized, his voice sincere, as if concerned about her feelings, worried that mentioning the previous night would upset her.

“Anyway, despite the… unexpected nature of last night’s events, I seem to have benefited from it. It’s as if your… guidance… helped me break through to the second layer.”

He offered a brief explanation, then returned to his training, ignoring her.

Ekaterina didn’t respond, her mind still grappling with the possibility that… that act… had somehow enhanced his power.

Silence, thick and heavy, descended upon them. Ekaterina, unable to endure it any longer, stood up, her body swaying seductively as she approached him.

Without her armor, the heat radiating from her was palpable.

Her red hair, cascading down his face, tickled his skin. Her chin rested on his shoulder, their bodies close, her breath warm against his neck.

Her voice, husky and alluring, whispered in his ear:

“Qin Chu… should we… again…”

“It’s not for me… it’s for the Heavenly Continent. The stronger you are, the faster you can eliminate the Demons… and…”

She almost said “resurrect Jie Luo.”

“And bring peace to the Heavenly Continent,” she finished, her voice barely a whisper.

She had found her justification. This wasn’t her desire. This was for the greater good. This was for Jie Luo.

A perfect excuse, wasn’t it?

Her gaze, clouded with desire, didn’t notice the sly smile curving Qin Chu’s lips.

Her hope, her will, hadn’t been completely crushed. There was still light in her eyes.

Chapter 64: Does He Like Me?

A strange light flickered in Loseweisse’s eyes. She had cast a mental magic spell.

It wasn’t Mind Control, a high-level spell capable of directly manipulating someone’s thoughts. It was merely Mental Suggestion, a basic spell that subtly influenced someone’s thought process.

The spell’s energy was faint, and Ekaterina, her mental state already unstable, didn’t detect it. Coupled with her guilt over jeopardizing their plan to resurrect Jie Luo, she found herself agreeing with Loseweisse.

Yes, she had already slept with Qin Chu.

What was the difference between once and a hundred times?

Her body was already defiled. If this broken vessel could aid in Jie Luo’s resurrection, then it was a worthy sacrifice. At least her actions wouldn’t be in vain.

Loseweisse, seeing the reluctance and hesitation fading from Ekaterina’s eyes, smiled.

She would do anything to bring Jie Luo back.

Everyone, including Qin Chu and the other members of the Hero Squad, were merely tools to be used.

…

At the Hero’s residence, Qin Chu sat cross-legged in the training grounds, cultivating his Battle Qi.

This wasn’t a facade. He was genuinely training.

Star Flame Battle Qi coursed through his meridians, growing stronger with each cycle.

His night of… passion… with Ekaterina had propelled him to the second layer of Star Flame Battle Qi. And his cultivation speed had increased significantly.

It was as if Ekaterina’s Battle Qi, flowing through him, had paved the way, opening up his meridians, allowing his own Battle Qi to flow more freely. Now, he just had to follow the established path, and with enough time, he would reach her level.

Though it was only mid-afternoon, Angelica was already preparing dinner. She wanted her master to enjoy her cooking.

Ekaterina, her movements sluggish, appeared at the entrance to the training grounds.

She wore an unfamiliar outfit, her usual crimson armor replaced by a form-fitting red dress, as vibrant as a rose blooming under the scorching sun.

The dress’s neckline dipped low, revealing a generous amount of cleavage. The fabric clung tightly to her curves, accentuating her hips and waist, her athletic physique transformed into a vision of seductive beauty.

Her long legs were adorned with high heels, their height forcing her to lean forward slightly, emphasizing her ample… assets…

This was the outfit Loseweisse had chosen for her.

The guards’ leering glances made her uncomfortable. If Qin Chu hadn’t forgiven her, she wouldn’t even be allowed inside. They would have stopped her at the gate.

And even now, they followed her, their eyes watchful, their movements wary. After all, she had a history of violence.

Despite Loseweisse’s reassurances, Ekaterina was still conflicted. She didn’t know how to face him.

She should hate him, the man who had taken her purity, but she couldn’t. After all, she was the one who had initiated it. He was the victim.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself.

She had a goal, a mission to fulfill. And that was…

Ah, yes. To resurrect Jie Luo.

For him, she would endure any humiliation, any degradation.

She lifted her chin, her gaze settling on the man training in the center of the grounds. Faint crimson light flickered around him, waves of heat radiating from his body, raising the temperature of the training grounds to a stifling level.

Star Flame Battle Qi, second layer?

Ekaterina, an expert in Star Flame Battle Qi, recognized his level instantly. He had just broken through and was now stabilizing his realm.

But it was still an impressive feat.

She knew how difficult it was to cultivate Star Flame Battle Qi. His progress was astounding.

His talent was undeniable. Ignoring everything else, he was an exceptional man. He was kind, forgiving, even when she had tried to kill him. And his potential… it surpassed even Jie Luo’s.

Jie Luo had taken almost two weeks to reach the first layer. Qin Chu had reached the second layer in a single day.

If he had been the one summoned instead of Jie Luo… perhaps she would have fallen for him?

The thought startled her. She shook her head, dispelling the dangerous notion. No, she couldn’t compare him to Jie Luo, couldn’t entertain the idea that he was… better…

No matter how exceptional Qin Chu was, Jie Luo was irreplaceable. This truth, this conviction, was absolute… unshakeable…

She took a deep breath, calming her turbulent emotions. Then, she walked towards him, mimicking the elegant, alluring gait Loseweisse had taught her, placing her heel directly in front of her toes with each step, her hips swaying seductively.

This way of walking felt unnatural, pointless. In battle, such a flamboyant display would get you killed.

She didn’t try to conceal her approach. Qin Chu, sensing her presence, stopped his training, turning to face her. She thought she saw a flicker of… joy… in his eyes.

Joy?

That wasn’t right.

Shouldn’t he be disgusted by her?

“Lady Ekaterina, you’re here,” Qin Chu said, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He waved. “I thought you wouldn’t return.”

Ekaterina, unsure how to respond to his warmth, forced a smile, approaching him cautiously. She kept her distance, uncomfortable with being too close.

She bit her lip, wanting to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.

Qin Chu tilted his head, his smile unwavering. “You don’t think I hate you, do you?”

Ekaterina nodded, her cheeks flushing. “After what I did… after trying to kill you… I… I’ll do anything to apologize…”

Anything?

Her words held a suggestive undertone.

“Haha, you’re overthinking it. I don’t hate you. I promise.”

I just hate you enough to want to torture you.

Ekaterina stared at him, her surprise growing.

His smile faded, replaced by a melancholic expression. “Lady Ekaterina, you… you love Jie Luo, don’t you?”

Hearing his name, Ekaterina’s heart skipped a beat. “How… how did you know?”

Qin Chu shrugged.

“You were calling his name… while we were…”

Ekaterina’s face burned with shame.

She covered her eyes with her hands, a mortified groan escaping her lips.

Gods, how humiliating!

Calling out his name while… with Qin Chu… She must have mistaken him for Jie Luo. She had been incredibly drunk.

This was an insult to both Qin Chu and Jie Luo.

He must be furious.

She peeked at him through her fingers.

But to her surprise, his face held no anger, only a profound sadness.

“Who is Jie Luo?” he asked, his voice laced with sorrow. “He must be an extraordinary man. I… I envy him…”

Your acting is impeccable… Qin Chu praised himself silently.

He hadn’t wanted to do this, but Shaye had insisted it would enhance the potion’s effects.

Ekaterina stared at him, her mouth forming a silent “O.”

He… he envied Jie Luo?

What did that mean?

Could it be that he liked her?

Chapter 63: You Wouldn’t Want…

“Ekaterina, you have disappointed me greatly.”

Inside the Holy Maiden’s chamber, Loseweisse, unable to contain her anger, berated Ekaterina.

Within the Hero Squad, she had always played the role of the kind, gentle older sister to Eileen and Airi, and the obedient younger sister to the others. She was always polite, her voice soft and alluring. But this time, she couldn’t hold back. Her expression was stern, her body trembling with suppressed rage.

Ekaterina, aware of her grave error, hung her head, accepting the younger woman’s scolding without protest.

“Your actions almost ruined our entire plan! Can’t you think before you act? For once, consider the consequences!” Loseweisse massaged her temples, her head pounding.

She was at her wit’s end.

Her life had been a series of misfortunes ever since the Second Hero, Qin Chu, had arrived in the Heavenly Continent.

Humiliated at the welcoming banquet.

Angelica, the maid she had once tormented, now enjoying newfound freedom and power.

Her home burglarized, her secret notebooks and diaries stolen, her fortune gone, even her precious Divine Oracles vanished.

Her plan to manipulate Qin Chu through Angelica backfiring, the two nuns she had sent to kidnap Angelica killed, Qin Chu using the incident to break Angelica’s seal…

It was as if fate itself was conspiring against her.

Every plan, no matter how carefully crafted, no matter how foolproof, had crumbled before her eyes.

She was exhausted, frustrated, and now Ekaterina’s blunder had almost destroyed everything.

Even her usual composure had shattered. After Qin Chu and Augustus had left, she had summoned Ekaterina to her chambers. She had to make her understand the gravity of her actions.

They had escaped this time, but if Ekaterina didn’t control her temper, this would happen again, and next time, they might not be so lucky.

Ekaterina, who had been silently enduring Loseweisse’s tirade, finally spoke, her voice a meek murmur. “Did it really affect our entire plan? It wasn’t that bad, was it?”

Her nonchalance infuriated Loseweisse. This idiot still didn’t understand the magnitude of her mistake.

How had this imbecile even become a member of the Hero Squad?

Loseweisse wanted to scream, to throw things, but she restrained herself. Her stomach, however, churned with anxiety.

“Please, dear sister, think for a moment!”

“Do you even realize what you did? After Qin Chu carried you back from the tavern, you… you raped him! Don’t you understand how this will affect his reputation? He’ll be ridiculed, mocked! He’ll despise you!”

“And then, you, in your drunken stupor, accused him of violating you, and you attacked him!”

“He’ll hate you, and by extension, he’ll view the entire Hero Squad with suspicion. Our plan to befriend him, to gain his trust so we can eventually assassinate him, will become even more difficult. And our plan to resurrect Jie Luo… it will be jeopardized.”

“This is basic logic! Why can’t you grasp it?”

She had thought Ekaterina was intelligent, but it seemed she was a complete moron.

Ekaterina stared at her blankly… Jie Luo?

Who was Jie Luo?

She couldn’t even recall the name, its significance lost to her. Her subconscious knew that she and Loseweisse were planning something, something important, involving Qin Chu, but the true purpose of their plan eluded her.

Her expression was vacant, her eyes unfocused.

Stunning Love, enhanced by Shaye’s modifications, was more potent than the original. A single dose was worth three of the original potion. After the initial shock had subsided, and Ekaterina had calmed down, the potion’s true effects were beginning to manifest.

Memories of Jie Luo flooded her mind.

She shuddered, her face paling. She remembered. Jie Luo, the man she loved most. Their plan was to resurrect him. They were befriending Qin Chu to eventually kill him and use his life force to bring Jie Luo back…

How could she have forgotten something so important?

It must have been the trauma of losing her purity to that… that… Qin Chu. Her subconscious, unable to accept the reality of her defilement, had deemed her unworthy of Jie Luo, unfit to remain by his side.

That had to be it!

Loseweisse’s scolding had jolted her back to reality, her memories returning. She trembled, her body wracked with guilt and shame.

Loseweisse, seeing her distress, softened her tone. “You understand the severity of the situation now? Good. Remember, this cannot happen again. Qin Chu forgave you this time, thanks to my intervention. Next time… well, there might not be a next time.”

Hah, that Qin Chu… when Augustus, despite her pleas, had remained resolute, she had only had to ask Qin Chu, and he had immediately spoken up for her, saving Ekaterina’s position in the Hero Squad.

He was clearly infatuated with her.

Too bad it was one-sided. She wouldn’t stoop to Ekaterina’s level. That man was nothing compared to Jie Luo.

This was perhaps the only silver lining in this mess.

If the other women, Ekaterina, Eileen, Airi, Athena, Sylph, couldn’t win Qin Chu over, she would have to step in. Her charm surpassed theirs.

She felt a surge of pride.

Ekaterina, oblivious to her thoughts, was consumed by guilt and self-recrimination. She had forgotten Jie Luo!

“I’ll quit drinking,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

“Good. It’s not too late to salvage the situation.” Loseweisse pondered their next move, her fingers tapping the armrest of her chair. She had to repair the damage Ekaterina had done, to restore the Hero Squad’s image in Qin Chu’s eyes.

“You can’t change what happened. You slept with him. So, we might as well use it to our advantage. Seduce him. You’ve already done it once. If he needs… comfort… well, provide it. At least make him tolerate your presence. If you can make him fall for you… even better.”

Thinking about it, she felt another surge of frustration.

If Qin Chu had been the aggressor, it would have been so much easier. She could have simply said: “You wouldn’t want this to become public knowledge, would you? You wouldn’t want your reputation ruined? You wouldn’t want people to think you’re a monster?”

And then she could have forced them into a relationship, making their plan so much easier.

And Ekaterina, her purity lost, would have been deemed unsuitable for Jie Luo, eliminating a powerful rival.

She had been so pleased, but then everything had been flipped on its head, her plans ruined.

She suppressed her annoyance, continuing. “Men… they’re all slaves to their desires.”

“Qin Chu is no different. You’re beautiful, Ekaterina. If you’re willing to… lower yourself… Angelica won’t stand a chance.”

Ekaterina frowned, her expression reluctant. Seduce him? Make him fall for her?

“Wouldn’t that make me a… a…”

Seeing her hesitation, Loseweisse pressed on, her voice soft and persuasive, almost hypnotic.

“Ekaterina, don’t you want Jie Luo to live again? I’m sure he’ll be touched by your sacrifice.”

“Everything you do, you do for him!”

“You wouldn’t want your sacrifice to be in vain, would you?”