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

Chapter 62: The Statue’s Tears

From initial disgust and revulsion to finding him somewhat tolerable, even accepting the idea of giving her body to him…

Perhaps it was the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced in such a short time, coupled with Qin Chu’s unexpected defense of her, that had clouded her judgment. She hadn’t even registered the shift in her feelings towards him, nor had Jie Luo’s name even crossed her mind.

Stunning Love was working its magic.

Shaye’s modified potion was proving to be even more potent than she had anticipated, and Ekaterina had only consumed a single dose.

Augustus finally removed the magical restraint from Angelica’s neck.

As the black collar fell away, a surge of elemental energy flooded Angelica’s body. Loseweisse, witnessing Angelica’s power steadily increasing, felt a surge of jealousy.

Angelica was a talented mage. After all, she had once been Loseweisse’s most formidable rival. Their magical abilities had been comparable.

The collar had suppressed her magic for years, preventing her from training, but her foundation remained strong.

The influx of energy subsided after a few minutes. Angelica, unaccustomed to wielding magic after such a long time, struggled to control her power. Milky white light flickered around her erratically, like a faulty light bulb.

Her magical reserves and control had diminished.

Even so, she was now as strong as Candice or Qin Chu, assuming he didn’t use his Super-tier Abilities, Devourer and Rage Explosion.

And it wouldn’t be long before she regained her full power, likely reaching level seventy, becoming a valuable asset to Qin Chu.

Angelica, her face flushed with excitement, couldn’t believe she could use magic again. She flitted around Qin Chu like a joyful sparrow.

She knew who to thank for her newfound freedom.

“Alright, alright, you’re not a child anymore. Calm down,” Qin Chu chuckled, patting her head in a display of mock annoyance.

Angelica, taking his actions as a reward, closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

Their public display of affection made Qin Chu blush. He turned to Augustus.

“Lord Augustus, thank you for your assistance.”

Augustus was pleased with his response.

He had realized that this Hero wasn’t as naive as the First Hero. He was more cunning, more calculating.

Gaining his trust would take time, but making a good first impression was a step in the right direction.

Augustus, abandoning his papal authority, his demeanor now gentle and grandfatherly, bowed slightly. “It was my pleasure.”

“Lady Ekaterina, Holy Maiden Loseweisse, I’m sure you have much to discuss. I won’t intrude any further. Farewell…”

Qin Chu bid them farewell, his manners impeccable, then turned and walked away, Nikles and the other guards following behind.

The guards were largely useless. Qin Chu could handle most assassination attempts himself. And against someone like Ekaterina, they were insignificant.

Now that Angelica was by his side, their presence was even less necessary.

But he didn’t dismiss them. After all, they were Wadsworth’s men. Their presence reassured the Emperor.

The noble district, unlike the slums, was clean and orderly. The air was fresh, devoid of the stench of poverty and decay. There were no ragged beggars, no corpses littering the streets, only bustling crowds and vibrant shops.

It lacked the chaotic energy of the slums. The people, mostly traveling in luxurious carriages, moved with a restrained elegance, their conversations hushed and polite, their every action reflecting their noble status.

Qin Chu, the Hero, followed by his entourage of guards, was the center of attention wherever he went. He maintained a pleasant smile, greeting everyone with warmth and courtesy. Angelica’s arms were soon overflowing with invitations.

In his previous life, he had been focused solely on eliminating the Demons, his days spent training, fighting, and honing his skills. His relationship with the nobles had been strained.

This was one of the reasons why none had defended him in the end.

They reached Anthea Street, a wide thoroughfare that connected the noble district to the slums.

At a busy intersection, a life-sized statue of Anthea stood tall.

The statue, approximately 1.7 meters tall, depicted a woman with an ideal physique. She held a spear, its shaft adorned with the Auville Empire’s flag, raised high in the air.

The statue was incredibly lifelike, its details so intricate that it seemed as if it might come to life.

Her lips were parted, as if she were shouting a battle cry.

She wore armor, but her long legs were exposed.

Her hair, sculpted as if caught in the wind, flowed behind her.

Even in stone, her presence exuded power and defiance, a warrior facing an army without fear.

There was a legend in the Auville Empire: touching Anthea’s statue would grant her blessing. The statue, polished smooth by countless hands, gleamed in the sunlight.

In his previous life, Qin Chu hadn’t paid much attention to Anthea or her statue. He had simply admired her bravery.

But this time, he stopped before the statue, his gaze lingering on its features.

Nikles positioned the guards around the intersection. They were nearing the slums, and this busy crossroads was a potential target for an ambush.

Angelica stayed by Qin Chu’s side. Sensing his interest in the statue, she spoke softly. “This is Lady Anthea…”

“A thousand years ago, she saved the Empire. She was known as the strongest Valkyrie in the Empire’s history. When the enemy was at our gates, she rallied the nobles and the royal guard, leading them to victory, reclaiming our lost territories, and preserving the Empire’s strength.”

Angelica recounted Anthea’s legend, her voice filled with admiration.

“She wanted to conquer the surrounding kingdoms, to expand the Empire’s borders, to unite the entire Heavenly Continent under Auville’s rule. But sadly, she had sustained too many injuries during the war. She fell ill shortly after reclaiming our lost lands and eventually passed away.”

“She was mourned by millions. This street is named after her. The Emperor even posthumously granted her the title of Princess.”

“Her family became Dukes, one of the most powerful families in the Empire. Though their influence has waned, they still command respect.”

“If she hadn’t died so young, her family would be even more powerful. They wouldn’t be facing… financial difficulties…” Angelica sighed, her voice tinged with sadness.

Qin Chu didn’t respond. He reached out, his hand gently tracing the statue’s cheek, his expression unreadable.

In his previous life, he had simply admired her courage.

But now, he saw a reflection of himself in her story. A strange thought crossed his mind.

“Angelica…”

“What if Lady Anthea was… assassinated? What if her death wasn’t an accident?”

Angelica gasped, her eyes widening.

Anthea’s legend was well-known, a beloved tale passed down through generations. Even children knew the story, reciting it with pride.

The idea that she had been assassinated… it was unthinkable.

Angelica felt a shiver run down her spine, her skin prickling with goosebumps.

It was like telling someone that the real Sun Wukong had been killed when he met the Buddha in Journey to the West, and the one who went on the pilgrimage was the Six-Eared Macaque.

She didn’t know how to respond.

“Sorry, I was just thinking out loud. Don’t mind me,” Qin Chu chuckled, withdrawing his hand. He looked up at the sky.

Dark clouds had gathered overhead, their presence ominous.

The nobles on the street quickened their pace, the ladies lifting their skirts, cursing the weather under their breath. But even in their haste, they maintained their decorum, refusing to break into a run.

“Looks like it’s going to rain. We should head back…”

A clap of thunder, loud and sudden, split the sky.

The world, momentarily illuminated by a flash of lightning, plunged back into darkness.

Rain, heavy and relentless, poured from the sky, drenching Anthea’s statue. Water streamed down her face, her cheeks, her eyes… like tears…

…

Chapter 61: Is There Any Justice in This World?

“Ekaterina, you raped me!”

The words hung in the air, silencing the entire courtyard.

Everyone, except for Nikles, the other guards, and Angelica, stared at Qin Chu, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Had they heard correctly?

Was he claiming that Ekaterina, the Crimson Valkyrie, had raped him?

Hah! That was impossible! A woman… committing such an act… well, perhaps not entirely impossible.

After all, this was Ekaterina, the Crimson Valkyrie. And she had been drunk. Anything was possible.

Augustus’s expression was unreadable. Both parties were claiming to be the victim. Who was telling the truth?

Loseweisse was stunned. This situation was full of twists and turns. She hadn’t expected another reversal at this point.

Ekaterina, however, was speechless. Then, her body trembled with rage, her fury threatening to consume her.

“What… what are you talking about?” she sputtered, her voice laced with disbelief.

She had thought he was merely a shameless opportunist, but it seemed he was also a coward, unwilling to take responsibility for his actions.

And to make matters worse, he was blaming her, claiming that she had forced herself upon him?

That was impossible! Even she, Ekaterina, wouldn’t stoop so low.

In her eyes, Qin Chu was lower than the maggots feasting on a rotting rat carcass in the sewers…

Qin Chu, however, remained calm. “Am I lying?”

He didn’t care about his pride, his reputation. He just didn’t want to be falsely accused. Besides, Nikles and the others had witnessed the events of the previous night. And they were known gossipmongers. The truth would come out eventually.

“You said you were going to train me, but then you left, claiming you had important business to attend to.”

“And that ‘important business’ involved drinking yourself into a stupor. I had to carry you back from the tavern. I tried to take you to your room, but you barged into mine…”

The crowd’s gaze shifted to Ekaterina, their expressions skeptical.

Her anger and hatred were replaced by a flicker of embarrassment… To abandon her duties as the Hero’s instructor to indulge in alcohol… it was indeed irresponsible.

She sensed their disapproval but couldn’t help but defend herself. “Yes, I went drinking. But that’s no excuse for you to take advantage of me…”

“Take advantage of you?” Qin Chu scoffed. “You were the one who was acting like a wild animal!”

“Nikles and the others are right here. Ask them what happened last night.”

All eyes turned to the guards standing behind Qin Chu.

Nikles, uncomfortable under the scrutiny of so many important figures, blushed, clearing his throat. “Lady Valkyrie…”

“Have you truly forgotten? Perhaps you should… reconsider your recollection of events…”

“The Hero carried you back from the tavern…” He hadn’t witnessed that part, but if the Hero said it was true, it must be.

“And then you barged into his room. He tried to leave, but you dragged him back inside. You surely haven’t forgotten that, have you?”

“We all saw it with our own eyes.”

“Yes, yes, the captain is right. We all saw it.”

“You were the one who dragged him in. He struggled, but you were too…”

“It was… violent. We could hear his screams from outside…”

“The poor Hero, subjected to such brutality… I imagine he’s traumatized.”

“Gods, it’s too painful to even think about…”

The guards, over a hundred of them, chimed in, their voices a cacophony of embellishments and exaggerations.

In reality, only Nikles and his five companions had witnessed the scene. But as the story spread, details were added, the narrative becoming more vivid, more dramatic. And each person, recounting the tale, insisted: “It’s true! I saw it with my own eyes!”

Somehow, the story had morphed into this.

“I heard the Hero screaming for help…”

“You tormented him for seven hours…”

“He was covered in blood when he escaped, his back covered in scars… he looked like he had been… well… you can imagine how badly he was treated…”

“How brutal…”

Qin Chu stared at them, speechless. Was that truly what had happened? They were making him blush.

The crowd, except for the guards, fell silent, their gazes shifting between Qin Chu and Ekaterina. Who was telling the truth?

Ekaterina’s face burned with anger. She was about to retort when a sharp pain, like a needle piercing her brain, made her gasp.

Fragments of memories, disjointed and confusing, flooded her mind.

She remembered…

Drinking with a group of men at the tavern, mocking their weakness as they succumbed to the alcohol after only half a barrel.

She remembered Qin Chu approaching her, her fist almost connecting with his face. He had paid for her drinks and carried her home. She had clung to him, her hands roaming his chest, groping… something…

Her head throbbed.

She massaged her temples, trying to ease the pain.

More memories surfaced…

She had been lying on the bed, her mind hazy. Qin Chu, seemingly unable to support her weight, had unceremoniously dumped her onto the mattress.

And then… then… he had turned and walked away.

He had just… left?

The memory sparked a strange sense of irritation. She wasn’t unattractive. A beautiful woman, lying drunk on his bed… and he had simply walked away?

Was she truly that unappealing?

Her pride, her sense of feminine allure, was wounded.

No, this wasn’t the time for such thoughts.

If he had left, then he hadn’t touched her?

She shook her head, trying to clear the fog in her mind. More memories emerged.

She had been lying on the bed, watching his retreating figure. She had seen Jie Luo, her beloved, in his place. And as he walked away, a wave of panic had surged through her. She had scrambled off the bed, rushing after him…

She had dragged him back into the room, slamming the door shut.

And then…

Her face burned with shame.

Gods, what had she done?

She had forced herself upon him? And then she had accused him of taking advantage of her? She remembered him struggling, her forcing him to… to… and then… her mind had fabricated those images of him abusing her, her subconscious protecting her from the truth.

And she had attacked the Holy See, publicly accusing him?

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!” She covered her face with her hands, crouching down, her cry a wail of despair.

Everyone understood now. The Hero wasn’t a predator. He was the victim.

They glared at Ekaterina, their gazes filled with judgment.

How could she do such a thing?

She had violated him, both physically and emotionally, and then she had tried to kill him?

And didn’t she know her own strength? He had only arrived a few days ago, his power still weak. Could he withstand her brute force?

It was a miracle he had survived.

This reckless woman had almost destroyed the Heavenly Continent’s only hope.

Was she worthy of being a member of the Hero Squad, a comrade, a teacher?

Qin Chu approached Ekaterina, who was now a huddled mess, her pride and arrogance gone.

“Ekaterina…” he said, his voice filled with sadness…

And a hint of… resentment.

Spending the night with her had been… unpleasant.

“I didn’t want to reveal this, to protect your reputation. I was trying to be considerate. But you blamed me… You ruined my reputation!”

“You violated me, and then you tried to kill me…”

“Is there any justice in this world?”

His voice cracked with emotion. He was almost believing his own performance. After all, a good actor had to immerse themselves in the role.

Ekaterina flinched, looking up at him timidly before quickly averting her gaze.

The tables had turned.

The ferocious Valkyrie was now a trembling mess. Her voice was barely a whisper.

“I… I’m sorry…”

Sorry?

One of his most hated enemies was apologizing to him?

It felt… incredibly satisfying.

After all, ignoring her personality, her future actions, she was undeniably attractive, her athletic figure more alluring than any delicate, fragile woman.

And his hatred for her had fueled his… enthusiasm… the previous night.

His Star Flame Battle Qi had even broken through to the second layer, his power increasing significantly.

He had benefited from this situation in every way.

And now she was apologizing to him, her voice trembling. What goes around comes around, Ekaterina.

He savored his victory, but his expression remained neutral, his true emotions hidden.

Ekaterina, remembering her actions, her aggression, lost her remaining defiance. Her hatred for him faded. She had no reason to hate him anymore. He hadn’t taken advantage of her. She had forced herself upon him.

If this were to become public knowledge, he would be ridiculed.

“Why… why didn’t you fight back?” she mumbled.

“Are you serious? You’re levels above me, your strength far exceeds mine. How could I possibly resist?” Qin Chu said, his voice exasperated.

She fell silent. He was right. To expect him to fight back was unreasonable.

The judging stares of the crowd made her squirm.

“The poor Hero…”

“Subjected to such brutality…”

“That woman… acting like a wild animal when she’s drunk… she’s not worthy of the Hero! He’s too good for her…”

“She made a mistake and then blamed him, even tried to kill him! He’s the Heavenly Continent’s hope…”

“Is she truly a woman, or is she some kind of savage ape?”

Ekaterina, her head bowed, her teeth digging into her lower lip, endured their whispers, their condemnation.

Augustus decided it was time to end this farce. This spectacle was damaging to everyone involved.

He cleared his throat, silencing the crowd. “Well, it seems this was all a misunderstanding…”

“Everyone, please disperse.”

His gaze swept across the courtyard, a silent warning to keep their mouths shut.

The nuns, priests, Holy Knights, and even Qin Chu’s guards, obeyed, filing out of the courtyard.

Only Augustus, Qin Chu, Ekaterina, Loseweisse, and Angelica remained.

“Lady Ekaterina, we’ll let this matter rest. You have no objections, do you?” Augustus said, his voice cold. After all, his Holy See had been attacked. He was still displeased.

“I won’t punish you for attacking the Holy See…”

Ekaterina’s face brightened.

“But as a member of the Hero Squad, the Hero’s instructor, you abandoned your duties to indulge in alcohol. You acted recklessly, jeopardizing the Hero’s safety, even attempting to kill him…”

“I don’t believe you’re fit to remain a member of the Hero Squad, nor are you qualified to be his instructor.”

Ekaterina’s face fell. She had made a grave mistake. To lose her position in the Hero Squad, without any further punishment… she was fortunate.

Augustus was trying to preserve her dignity, allowing her to resign gracefully. Otherwise, he would join forces with Wadsworth and Saint Monique, stripping her of her titles and authority.

She accepted his judgment, but Loseweisse panicked.

The Hero Squad had to remain united. Replacing a member would disrupt their plans.

“Pope Augustus, that’s… unfair. Ekaterina made a mistake, but she deserves another chance…” Loseweisse pleaded, hoping to sway his decision.

But Augustus was resolute. “One mistake almost cost the Hero his life. Can you guarantee that she won’t lose control again? Can you guarantee that the Hero will be safe next time?”

“The Hero’s safety is paramount. We can’t allow such a threat to remain by his side.”

Unable to change his mind, Loseweisse turned to Qin Chu, her eyes pleading.

He considered his options. “Pope Augustus, perhaps we could give Ekaterina another chance…”

“She’s a skilled warrior. Though her training methods are… unorthodox, she’s effective. As for her drinking… well, we just have to make sure she doesn’t overindulge. And in the current situation, we need every capable warrior we can get.”

Augustus frowned, surprised that Qin Chu was defending her. “Hero-sama, are you concerned about the Hero Squad losing a member? There’s no need to worry. I can arrange for another warrior, someone just as skilled as Ekaterina…”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. The Hero Squad has been together for years. They’re accustomed to each other’s fighting styles. Replacing a member would disrupt their synergy, weakening their combat effectiveness.”

The truth was, he wasn’t ready to let go of this… toy… just yet.

His revenge had just begun. To lose Ekaterina now would be… disappointing.

He wouldn’t let her go until he was finished with her.

Augustus, his brow still furrowed, studied Qin Chu, then Ekaterina and Loseweisse, his gaze sharp and calculating. After a long moment, he sighed. “Very well. If Hero-sama believes it’s not an issue, I won’t object. However, if you encounter any further problems, please don’t hesitate to contact me…”

He would have preferred to replace the Hero’s entourage with his own people, but he couldn’t force the matter.

Ekaterina, her despair lifting, felt a surge of gratitude.

This man… he had initially tried to protect her reputation, even though he had been the victim.

So many people had condemned her, even Augustus had wanted to strip her of her titles and honors. Only Loseweisse and Qin Chu had defended her. Loseweisse was her friend, so her support was expected.

But Qin Chu… she had attacked him, almost killed him, without even understanding the situation, and yet he was willing to give her another chance.

Perhaps… he wasn’t such a bad person after all?

She looked at him, seeing him in a new light. He wasn’t handsome, but he had a certain… charm… the more she looked at him, the more appealing he seemed.

It was a shame she had lost her purity, but giving it to him… well, it wasn’t the worst outcome.

…

Chapter 60: Am I That Kind of Person?

Qin Chu instantly became the target of everyone’s scrutiny.

This newly summoned Hero… was he truly so depraved? He already had a beautiful maid, Angelica, yet he had taken advantage of Ekaterina while she was drunk?

How despicable! How shameless! How… enviable… no, how repulsive!

The nuns and priestesses glared at him with disdain. He was now the embodiment of sin, a vile creature unworthy of the title of Hero.

Was this the person they were relying on to save the Heavenly Continent? Perhaps it would be better if the world was destroyed.

The male Holy Knights, however, their initial contempt slowly morphing into envy… after all, it was Ekaterina, the Crimson Valkyrie. Her temper might be fiery, but her beauty, her figure, her… assets… were undeniable, especially those long, shapely legs.

To have those legs wrapped around his waist… if they had the opportunity… well, they wouldn’t hesitate either… and now Qin Chu had enjoyed it all.

Of course, they couldn’t reveal their true thoughts. They had to maintain a facade of disapproval. To take advantage of a drunk woman… how disgraceful!

This outsider, summoned from another world, clearly lacked the refinement and honor of the Heavenly Continent’s natives. He was a barbarian.

The Holy Knights distanced themselves from Qin Chu, eager to show their disapproval.

Augustus’s expression was a mixture of confusion and annoyance. He had been furious. The Holy See, thanks to Loseweisse, had maintained a cordial relationship with the Hero Squad. Ekaterina’s unprovoked attack was a blatant insult, a challenge to their authority.

But now… his anger had nowhere to go.

He felt… aggrieved.

It was Qin Chu who had taken advantage of her, not the Holy See. If she wanted revenge, she should target him, not the Holy See. Couldn’t she have waited until he left their grounds?

But that was unlikely. Qin Chu would cling to the Holy See until Ekaterina arrived, using them as a shield.

Augustus, no fool, understood Qin Chu’s intentions. The Hero was using him as a pawn, hoping to deflect Ekaterina’s wrath.

And even though he knew the truth, as long as Qin Chu held the title of Hero, he couldn’t allow him to be killed within the Holy See.

Interesting. He had intended to use the Hero, to manipulate him, to bend his power to his will. But before he could make a move, the Hero had used him instead.

This Hero was more cunning than he had anticipated.

To make matters worse, after Ekaterina’s revelation, he couldn’t punish her for attacking the Holy See. If he pursued the matter, he would be condemned by every noblewoman in the Empire. She had been violated, and he was focusing on a minor transgression? A true man wouldn’t be so petty, so vindictive.

So what if she had attacked the Holy See? Was the damage significant? Couldn’t he be more understanding?

Augustus suppressed his frustration, forcing a smile. He cleared his throat, addressing Qin Chu. “Hero-sama, this… this is unacceptable.”

“You shouldn’t have taken advantage of Lady Ekaterina while she was intoxicated. It’s unbecoming of a Hero.”

“You could have courted a noblewoman. I’m sure none would refuse your advances.”

“And if you were truly… desperate, there are always brothels… Spending a little money is nothing to be ashamed of!”

Qin Chu stared at him, speechless. Was this truly something a Pope should be saying?

Augustus had left a few things unsaid. Of all the women he could have chosen, why Ekaterina? What was so special about her? Sure, she was beautiful, with a stunning figure, ample… assets… and long legs… but was she truly that irresistible?

Her fiery temper negated any physical appeal.

But voicing those thoughts would only enrage Ekaterina further, so he wisely kept them to himself.

Loseweisse was also stunned. She hadn’t expected things to escalate so quickly between Qin Chu and Ekaterina.

But her thoughts differed from the others. She suspected that Ekaterina had orchestrated this… After all, she had witnessed Ekaterina’s drunken state firsthand, on multiple occasions. To prank her while she was drunk was to risk a fractured skull.

Qin Chu couldn’t have succeeded without Ekaterina’s consent.

And they had discussed getting closer to Qin Chu, befriending him, even making him fall in love with one of them, to facilitate their eventual betrayal.

She wondered if this was Ekaterina’s way of achieving that goal. But wasn’t this sacrifice too great? To offer her body, her purity, for Jie Luo’s sake…

Loseweisse imagined Ekaterina, her fists clenched, fighting back the urge to crush Qin Chu’s skull, enduring his touch, her heart filled with disgust and revulsion…

She shuddered, her face paling.

Gods, what a horrifying image. Worse than any nightmare. How had Ekaterina endured it?

But if that was the case, why was she attacking him now? Loseweisse came up with an explanation: Ekaterina didn’t want Qin Chu to think she was easy, a woman who would sleep with anyone while drunk. After all, such a woman lacked appeal. She was too readily available, too… common. Even if they had slept together, it wouldn’t be enough to truly captivate him.

Loseweisse was touched by Ekaterina’s dedication, her willingness to sacrifice so much for Jie Luo. But she was also excited… They had slept together. The distance between Qin Chu and their group had narrowed significantly.

This would make their eventual betrayal much easier.

But Ekaterina was now… damaged goods. Jie Luo would never accept a woman who had lost her purity. She had eliminated a powerful rival. This was a good thing.

Oblivious to the thoughts swirling around him, Qin Chu looked around, his expression a mixture of confusion and indignation.

“Why are you all staring at me like that?”

“Do you really think I would do such a thing?”

“Am I that kind of person?”

He posed three questions, and the answer was evident in their gazes: Yes, you are.

A Hero who had demanded a beautiful maid upon his arrival… what else was he capable of?

Their suspicion wounded him.

He decided to reveal the truth. After all, being a victim of Ekaterina’s drunken advances was a better look than being a predator.

To be forced into intimacy was embarrassing, but considering his current lack of power, it was understandable. But to be labeled a predator… that would ruin his reputation.

Though his true intentions were far more sinister than any ordinary villain’s, he still needed a positive public image, at least for now.

He stepped out of Augustus’s protective barrier, facing Ekaterina directly.

Augustus frowned, considering intervening. But Ekaterina, exhausted and depleted, was unlikely to harm Qin Chu. And he was curious to see what the Hero would say.

Ekaterina glared at him, her hatred burning. “Qin Chu, don’t think you’ve escaped. As long as I live, you’ll never know peace. I doubt Augustus can protect you forever…”

“Fine, Ekaterina. If that’s how you feel, I won’t hold back anymore.”

He took a deep breath, then dropped a bombshell that shocked everyone.

“Ekaterina, you raped me.”

 

Chapter 59: The Potion’s Influence

Ekaterina didn’t understand what was happening to her. As the greatsword left her hand, a wave of reluctance, unexpected and unwelcome, washed over her.

She hated Qin Chu. She wanted to tear him limb from limb, to scatter his ashes to the wind.

He was the one who had destroyed her.

But why did she hesitate?

She wondered if she was going mad.

Fortunately, the feeling was fleeting, quickly suppressed. And it was too late to recall the blade.

Flame Extinction, a blazing meteor, hurtled through the air, its trajectory unwavering.

This was her full power, unleashed without restraint.

The air around the blade seemed to warp and distort, creating a vacuum that made everyone gasp for breath.

The already shattered pavement crumbled further, reduced to dust in the blade’s wake.

The naked eye could barely track its movement.

Even to Qin Chu, with his enhanced senses, the greatsword seemed to teleport, its speed exceeding the limits of human perception.

It wasn’t as visually impressive as her previous attack, Star Shatter, but its destructive power was far greater.

In an instant, the blade reached Qin Chu.

He stood motionless, seemingly frozen in place.

In reality, very few people could react to such speed.

Angelica gasped, her eyes wide with terror. She reached out, attempting to push him aside.

But her movements, like everyone else’s, were sluggish, slowed by the sheer velocity of the attack.

Just as the blade was about to strike, a withered hand shot out.

With a muffled thud, it grasped the blade’s edge.

Flame Extinction, its momentum halted, its energy abruptly restrained, erupted in a torrent of fiery energy.

The Battle Qi, compressed and focused, blasted downwards, its trajectory narrowly missing Qin Chu, Augustus, and the others.

A narrow, impossibly deep chasm opened up in the ground.

Dozens of meters deep? Perhaps even a hundred?

The shockwave rippled outwards, extending for hundreds of meters, splitting lampposts in half, their edges smooth and polished.

This attack, though less visually spectacular than the previous one, was far more deadly.

And Augustus had stopped it effortlessly.

His right hand, enveloped in a milky white glow, held the blade. His left hand, with a flick of his wrist, erected a protective barrier around them.

He leaned back slightly, absorbing the full force of Ekaterina’s attack.

This was the difference in their power.

Though Ekaterina was in her eighties, and Augustus was only in his early nineties, the gap between them was vast. Even five Ekaterinas wouldn’t be a match for him.

At their level, even a single level difference was significant.

“Hey, Shaye…”

“You said your modified Stunning Love potion was more potent,” Qin Chu asked, his voice a mental whisper. “Why didn’t Ekaterina hesitate?”

“Don’t question my skills,” Shaye grumbled, her voice tinged with annoyance.

“My version is flawless.”

“But I also said that a powerful emotional shock could break its influence. Do you think Ekaterina waking up to… her current situation… wouldn’t be a shock?”

Qin Chu was speechless.

She was right. For a woman who loved Jie Luo deeply, waking up to find herself… defiled…

It was a devastating blow.

“Besides, she’s only consumed one dose. The effect isn’t fully manifested yet…” Shaye said, her tone light. “Just wait. Her descent is inevitable.”

No one could hear their conversation.

Everyone’s attention was focused on Ekaterina.

After expending all her energy, she collapsed onto one knee, gasping for breath, her hand braced against the shattered pavement. Her red hair, damp with sweat, clung to her pale skin.

She was exhausted, her Battle Qi depleted…

She probably couldn’t even lift Flame Extinction now.

But she forced herself to stand, her legs trembling.

Her eyes, filled with hatred, locked onto Qin Chu. If not for Augustus, her blade would have incinerated him.

But deep within her hatred, a flicker of relief.

Relief for what?

Relief for failing to kill him?

The unexpected emotion confused her, fueling her anger.

She wouldn’t be relieved. Killing him was her only goal.

She stumbled towards him, her body weary, her movements sluggish. If her blade hadn’t killed him, she would crush his skull with her bare hands.

This was the Crimson Valkyrie.

She wouldn’t stop until she was dead.

If not for her betrayal, her willingness to stab him in the back for Jie Luo’s sake, she would have been an admirable woman.

But that betrayal had sealed her fate. She would suffer, she would endure pain beyond her comprehension. He would break her, both physically and mentally.

This was just the beginning.

“Ekaterina, what are you doing? Stop!” Loseweisse shouted, her voice laced with panic. She could sense Augustus’s anger.

His face was ashen, his jaw clenched, his eyes cold and hard. “Ekaterina, what is the meaning of this? Don’t think your status as a member of the Hero Squad will protect you. Explain yourself, or the Hero Squad will be down to nine members…”

Ekaterina glared at Qin Chu, her hatred burning. “Augustus, this has nothing to do with you. He’s the one I’m after…”

“The Hero?” Augustus was confused. The attack had clearly been directed at Qin Chu. He knew the Hero Squad members weren’t welcoming, but this was… extreme.

“That bastard… last night… he took advantage of me while I was drunk… he…” Ekaterina’s voice trembled. This was her shame, but she didn’t care anymore. She would expose him, even if it meant revealing her own humiliation.

Silence descended upon the courtyard.

Then, all eyes turned to Qin Chu.

Well, well, well… it seemed the Hero was quite the ladies’ man…

 

Chapter 58: A Sword that Pierces the Stars!

After what felt like an eternity, Ekaterina had finally arrived.

The Crimson Valkyrie’s power was truly terrifying.

The Holy See’s Auville headquarters was protected by a powerful barrier, but Ekaterina’s assault, though directed at the barrier, still sent shockwaves through the entire building, cracks spiderwebbed across the cathedral’s walls.

This was the strength of the Crimson Valkyrie, a force Qin Chu couldn’t currently withstand.

His smile vanished, replaced by a look of feigned concern. “What was that?”

“Could it be… Demons attacking the city?”

Augustus’s face darkened.

It wasn’t Demons. It was a human.

Someone dared to attack the Holy See? This was a direct challenge to his authority, an insult he wouldn’t tolerate.

Loseweisse, recognizing Ekaterina’s power, was stunned.

What had gotten into her? Why was she attacking the Holy See?

Had she gone mad?

…

Ekaterina, clad in her crimson armor, her greatsword, Flame Extinction, in hand, moved like a puppet, her movements stiff and mechanical.

She had learned Qin Chu’s location from the guards at the Hero’s residence.

That man, accompanied by Nikles and a contingent of soldiers, had gone to the Holy See.

Hah…

He was a cunning one.

He had anticipated her retaliation, seeking refuge within the Holy See, hoping for Augustus’s protection.

It was a smart move.

The Crimson Valkyrie, a member of the Hero Squad… her titles might sound impressive, but compared to the Holy See, she was an insignificant ant.

But if Qin Chu thought this would save him, he was sorely mistaken.

Ignoring the bewildered stares of those around her, she marched towards the Holy See, her greatsword dragging across the ground, splitting the paved street cleanly in two.

The patrolling soldiers, witnessing her approach, her eyes cold and lifeless, felt a shiver run down their spines. They didn’t dare to intervene.

She reached the Holy See, her gaze fixed on the shimmering barrier that enveloped the headquarters. A cold smile touched her lips.

She raised her greatsword for the first time.

The surrounding Holy Knights, their faces a mixture of confusion and apprehension, watched as crimson flames erupted around her.

She resembled a vengeful spirit, her body radiating intense heat. The stone beneath her feet melted, the air shimmering and distorting.

Her red hair, whipped by the flames, danced wildly behind her, the fire spreading to the tips of her strands.

She had abandoned all restraint, her Battle Qi surging uncontrollably. She didn’t care about exhaustion, about the consequences. Her power, like two fiery serpents, coiled around Flame Extinction, its energy channeled into the blade.

The greatsword seemed to grow, its translucent form expanding.

“Ekaterina, what are you doing…?” the captain of the Holy Knights shouted, his voice trembling.

He was terrified.

The Crimson Valkyrie’s power, unleashed, was overwhelming. The pressure suffocated him. He couldn’t believe someone dared to attack the Holy See.

“This is the Holy See’s Auville headquarters! You can’t act so recklessly! Stand down, and our benevolent Pope might forgive your transgression.”

He hoped to intimidate her with the Holy See’s authority, the Pope’s name.

But his attempt failed.

Ekaterina’s expression remained unchanged, her cold smile unwavering. She swung her greatsword downwards.

“Star Shatter!”

The forty-meter-long blade cleaved through the air.

The world seemed to split in two.

“Shit…”

The Holy Knights, their composure shattered, cursed, scrambling to avoid the attack.

The blade struck the barrier.

A thunderous boom echoed across the city, shaking the very foundations of the buildings.

Flames engulfed the barrier, dyeing it crimson.

A shockwave rippled outwards, blasting the Holy Knights away, their bodies tumbling through the air before crashing to the ground.

Buildings crumbled, the cobblestones beneath Ekaterina’s feet pulverized. A massive chasm, several meters wide and deep, opened up between her and the Holy See, the surrounding pavement shattered and cracked.

The power of a single sword strike…

This was the strength of a Valkyrie.

If not for the barrier, this attack would have cleaved through the Holy See’s headquarters.

Even the city’s thick walls would have crumbled before her might.

The barrier shuddered, cracks appearing on its surface… then slowly healing. The Holy See’s most powerful defense held, but barely.

Ekaterina smiled, unsurprised. She hadn’t expected to break the barrier with a single attack.

But she was the Crimson Valkyrie.

If one strike wasn’t enough, she would strike again and again, a hundred times, a thousand times, until it shattered.

Crimson energy surged around Flame Extinction once more.

Figures emerged from the Holy See, led by Augustus, the Pope.

But Ekaterina ignored him.

Her gaze was fixed on the man behind him, Qin Chu… Her heart skipped a beat, a strange sense of joy washing over her.

Was it the joy of finally being able to kill him?

He was the one who had destroyed her!

Augustus stepped out of the barrier’s protection, Qin Chu following close behind.

Her anger, her hatred, her despair… it all coalesced into a raging inferno, her eyes blazing with fiery intensity.

Loseweisse was shouting something…

Augustus was speaking…

She ignored them all.

At that moment, she only saw Qin Chu.

She channeled every ounce of her power, every drop of her Battle Qi, into Flame Extinction.

The greatsword vibrated, its metal humming, barely able to contain her power.

The air around its tip crackled and hissed as it sliced through the atmosphere.

She threw it, her arm snapping forward with incredible force.

Flame Extinction, like a meteor, hurtled towards Qin Chu.

This sword would pierce the stars!

As the greatsword left her hand, a pang of regret, sharp and unexpected, pierced her heart.

She felt a deep sense of loss, a desperate urge to recall the blade…

 

 

Chapter 57: Is Augustus the Mastermind? 

Qin Chu hadn’t fled.

He and Angelica enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, then headed to the Holy See.

This time, he didn’t sneak in. He entered openly, sending a Holy Knight to announce his arrival. Augustus, eager to please, rushed out to greet him personally.

It had been the same in his previous life.

Though the Hero’s position was significant, and both Wadsworth and Saint Monique desired his allegiance, they wouldn’t stoop to such blatant flattery. They were too proud, too conscious of their status.

Augustus, however, was different. His enthusiasm was… unsettling.

Augustus’s eyes gleamed as he saw Qin Chu.

The Hero’s power had increased significantly.

The aura of the first layer of Star Flame Battle Qi, still unstable, flickered around him, sparks occasionally dancing among his hair.

Augustus estimated Qin Chu’s level to be around ten, a weakling compared to him, a mere toad he could crush with a single finger.

But considering that Qin Chu had only arrived a few days ago and had begun his Battle Qi training yesterday afternoon, his progress was astonishing.

He was indeed the Hero.

Even Augustus, a prodigy in his own right, hadn’t progressed so rapidly. Even the First Hero’s talent paled in comparison.

Qin Chu’s talent and power filled Augustus with both excitement and apprehension.

If he could control this Hero, he would gain a significant advantage in his struggle against the gods.

But such talent, such power… controlling him wouldn’t be easy.

If Augustus knew that Qin Chu was only revealing a fraction of his true power, his excitement and apprehension would be replaced by terror.

Augustus suppressed his thoughts, his face a mask of welcoming warmth. He invited Qin Chu inside, offering him tea served by a beautiful nun.

“Hero-sama, what brings you to the Holy See today?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Qin Chu considered his words carefully. “Pope Augustus, I request that you remove the restriction on Angelica’s neck.”

As expected.

Augustus, seemingly unsurprised, nodded slowly.

“Hero-sama, I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

The voice came from the doorway.

It was Loseweisse.

Someone had informed her of Qin Chu’s arrival. Her influence within the Holy See was considerable.

She didn’t want Angelica’s restriction removed. It would complicate her plans.

“Angelica is a convicted criminal,” Loseweisse said, her voice smooth and controlled. “It’s only through the Hero’s generosity that she remains by his side…”

In reality, it was because the Hero had a maid fetish, but that wasn’t a suitable explanation. She had to maintain a semblance of decorum.

“She cursed the other Holy Maiden candidates. She’s dangerous. If her restriction is removed, I fear she might harm the Hero.”

Angelica listened silently.

She didn’t bother refuting Loseweisse’s accusations.

As long as her master trusted her, the opinions of others were irrelevant. She only cared about his approval, his affection.

She glanced at Loseweisse, a hint of mockery in her gaze. This beautiful woman, this Holy Maiden, was a clown in her eyes.

Loseweisse shuddered, her anger flaring.

That bitch! She was mocking her? Who did she think she was?

A woman she had once controlled, tormented, humiliated… now dared to look down on her?

Their gazes locked, two pairs of golden eyes clashing.

The air crackled with tension, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

The surrounding nuns exchanged nervous glances, their silence thick with apprehension.

Augustus, however, observed the scene with amusement. The more tension between Angelica and Loseweisse, the better.

He didn’t want Loseweisse getting close to Qin Chu. Her bloodline was… tainted.

Qin Chu, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere, tapped his fingers against the armrest. “I don’t know the details of what happened in the past, and I’m not particularly interested.”

“But Angelica is my woman. Understand?”

Angelica is my woman!

Augustus’s eyes widened slightly, a knowing smile spreading across his lips.

He understood.

After all this time, if Qin Chu hadn’t touched Angelica… well, he would have questioned the Hero’s virility. For a man with a maid fetish, Angelica was undeniably alluring.

In reality, Qin Chu hadn’t touched her…

Angelica blushed, her gaze softening, her previous defiance melting away.

Loseweisse, though victorious in their silent confrontation, felt no joy. She had lost, and she knew it.

That bastard, Qin Chu… he had claimed to be attracted to her, even intimidated by her beauty, but he had turned around and… defiled Angelica.

Hah… Men…

Except for Jie Luo, they were all the same.

Qin Chu smiled, his mind occupied with another matter.

Ekaterina should be waking up soon…

It was a pity he couldn’t witness her breakdown. It would have been… satisfying.

He had chosen to visit the Holy See today for two reasons: to remove Angelica’s restriction and to seek refuge.

He knew Ekaterina’s temper. When she woke up, naked, in his room, the evidence of their encounter undeniable… she would explode.

The Stunning Love potion might have induced some affection for him, but such a powerful emotional shock would negate its effects. She would storm the Hero’s residence, her greatsword in hand, ready to kill.

She wouldn’t listen to his explanations. She would attack without hesitation.

Though his power was growing, he wasn’t a match for her, not yet. And revealing his full strength wasn’t an option. That was his trump card, to be used only when absolutely necessary.

He needed someone to restrain Ekaterina. Augustus, with his eagerness to please, was the perfect… tool.

Surely Augustus wouldn’t allow the Hero to be killed within the Holy See?

He didn’t know why Augustus was so eager to gain his favor, but it was likely for his own selfish reasons. Qin Chu didn’t mind using him in return.

If it wasn’t part of his plan, he wouldn’t have touched Ekaterina.

Augustus, unaware of Qin Chu’s thoughts, pondered for a moment.

“Hero-sama, it’s not that I’m unwilling to help, but Angelica’s case was judged by the Inquisition. Their verdicts are rarely overturned. To remove her restriction, we need a review, and that’s… difficult.”

Though he was the Pope, he didn’t have absolute authority within the Holy See.

Others shared his power.

The Inquisition’s leader was Douglas, the Cardinal, the Holy See’s second most powerful figure. He was ruthless and ambitious, a former rival for the papacy.

Even if Augustus requested it, Douglas would likely refuse.

This wasn’t a matter of unwillingness but of political complexities.

“Without a valid reason, I can’t remove her restriction.”

The old fox!

Qin Chu understood. Augustus needed a justification, a reason to bypass the Inquisition.

He had prepared for this.

“Yesterday afternoon, my beloved maid was kidnapped.”

“The kidnappers were two women dressed in crimson nun’s habits, identical to the Holy See’s, except for the color…” He deliberately changed the color from black to red.

“That’s impossible…” Loseweisse blurted out before she could stop herself.

“Why is it impossible?” Qin Chu asked, feigning confusion.

Loseweisse realized her mistake, her teeth biting into her lip as she scrambled for an explanation. “Crimson is the color worn by the Inquisition’s nuns. They rarely leave the Holy See…”

She hadn’t considered the possibility of the kidnapping itself. Her focus was on the red habits.

Though Qin Chu knew she was behind it, her words had betrayed her.

“Lady Loseweisse, can you guarantee that every single nun remains within the Holy See?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Loseweisse fell silent. She was certain the Inquisition wasn’t involved. Maggie and Sana were her and Douglas’s personal assassins.

But she couldn’t reveal that.

Augustus glanced at her, his suspicions growing. But he didn’t press the matter. “Is that so? What happened?”

“They tried to force Angelica to poison me with a pink potion. They wanted to control my mind.”

“Despite their torture, she refused. Then they produced a scroll containing a mental magic spell, Mind Control, attempting to turn her into their puppet.”

Loseweisse remained silent, her gaze lowered.

“Angelica, unwilling to betray me, attempted suicide…”

“Then how did she survive?” Augustus asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

“A mysterious person intervened, rescuing her.”

“A mysterious person?” Loseweisse’s eyes narrowed. “We must thank this individual. Without them, the Hero’s maid would be dead.”

Qin Chu shrugged. “Angelica didn’t see their face. They were wearing a hooded robe. But their voice sounded like an elderly man. A warrior, judging by their fighting style. They killed the two nuns with their bare hands.”

He offered vague, misleading clues, hoping to sow discord between Loseweisse and Augustus.

He was certain Loseweisse would connect the dots, drawing her own conclusions.

As expected, Loseweisse fell silent, her brow furrowed in thought.

The person who had killed the nuns wasn’t Qin Chu. He hadn’t left the residence, and he wasn’t strong enough to defeat Maggie and Sana.

The hooded robe indicated a desire to conceal their identity.

An elderly man… with a deep voice?

Augustus fit the description.

Though he was only fifty, his obsession with magic had taken a toll on his body, making him appear much older.

But Augustus was a mage. The killer had used physical force…

But with Augustus’s power, even his staff could easily crush Maggie and Sana.

He must have been disguising his true abilities!

It was human nature to seek confirmation of their suspicions, to interpret information in a way that reinforced their beliefs.

Augustus was behind it.

The Pope had not only stolen the treasures from his room, but he had also killed Maggie and Sana.

His motive was clear: he wanted to prevent her from controlling Qin Chu.

He was even trying to replace her as the Holy Maiden with Angelica.

Angelica’s claim about the red habits must have been Augustus’s doing. He would likely use the need for secrecy as an excuse to remove Angelica’s restriction…

Augustus’s expression turned serious. “Hero-sama, I apologize, but those two nuns might not be from the Holy See. It’s possible they were impostors. However, I urge you to keep this matter confidential…”

After all, revealing this incident would damage the Holy See’s reputation. Qin Chu readily agreed.

“Angelica’s willingness to sacrifice herself rather than betray you proves her loyalty. Therefore, I will remove her restriction,” Augustus declared.

See, I was right!

Loseweisse smiled inwardly. Her suspicions were confirmed.

Augustus’s next move would be to restore Angelica’s reputation, to expose her past misdeeds, to remove her from her position as the Holy Maiden. She wouldn’t allow it.

She was convinced: Augustus was the mastermind!

The poor Pope had no idea that he had been framed.

Augustus approached Angelica, who stood up, her face flushed with anticipation.

This restriction had bound her for years.

Finally, she would be free, able to assist her master in more ways than just serving him.

Augustus reached for the black collar, his withered fingers outstretched.

A thunderous boom, like an earthquake, shook the Holy See.

Even within the cathedral, the tremors were palpable.

A wave of fiery energy, like a tsunami, swept through the building, cracks spreading across the walls.

The Crimson Valkyrie had arrived!

…

Chapter 56: Tainted

A hat? She never wore hats!

She tossed it aside, her gaze sweeping across the room. Judging by the decor, this was Qin Chu’s room.

Why was she here? And why was she lying on the floor?

Her mind was too foggy to process the situation. She needed to wash her face, to clear her head.

She got up, a sharp pain shooting through her body.

Her legs felt weak, her muscles aching. She stumbled towards the bathroom, her bare feet slapping against the cold floor.

She splashed cold water on her face, rinsing her mouth. It helped, but not enough.

Her stomach churned, her throat constricted. She vomited, the bathroom filling with a foul stench.

After a prolonged bout of dry heaving, she finally felt better.

Her mind, slowly clearing, began to piece together the fragments of her memories.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were bloodshot, her face pale, but her skin, beaded with water droplets, seemed clearer, smoother than before.

Then, she noticed something strange. She tilted her head, exposing her neck. There were marks, faint but undeniable, on her delicate skin…

She touched them, her expression turning puzzled. What were those marks? They looked like…

Hickeys?

Which bastard had taken advantage of her while she was drunk?

Fury surged through her. She would kill whoever had dared to touch her without her consent!

This was Qin Chu’s room. Could it be…?

That damn fool! She had dismissed him as a spineless coward, but it seemed she had underestimated his audacity.

She couldn’t kill him, not yet. They still needed him to resurrect Jie Luo. But a good beating… that was acceptable.

She stormed out of the bathroom, intending to confront him, but her legs buckled, the pain almost sending her crashing to the floor. She examined her body, her heart sinking.

She was naked, her skin covered in marks.

Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her, her face pale with shock.

Her body trembled as fragmented memories surfaced, images that filled her with terror. She rushed towards the bed, her movements frantic.

Her armor lay discarded on the floor.

Her strong, athletic body seemed to lose all its strength. She collapsed onto the floor, her body shaking uncontrollably.

More memories flooded her mind, each image intensifying her despair.

She remembered embracing Qin Chu, her body pressed against his.

She remembered…

She remembered…

He had taken everything from her, her most precious treasure.

She only remembered his touch, his violation, not her own actions, her own desire.

She loved Jie Luo. He was the only man who held a place in her heart. Even the other members of the Hero Squad were just comrades, their bond purely platonic.

She had intended to offer her heart, her body, her everything to Jie Luo. Now, she was broken, defiled.

Even if they resurrected him, how could she face him? How could she stand by his side?

She was tainted!

Her mind shattered, her spirit broken.

Her eyes, once vibrant and fiery, were now dull and lifeless, reflecting the emptiness within her.

The world had lost its color.

All that remained was a suffocating darkness.

Her body trembled, her stomach churning, her heart aching. But the physical pain paled in comparison to the emotional agony. Tears streamed down her face.

She felt like a hollow shell, her soul extinguished.

She hated herself.

She hated that she hadn’t confessed her feelings to Jie Luo when he was alive.

She hated her weakness, her fondness for alcohol. If she hadn’t been drunk, Qin Chu wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of her.

She sat motionless, a lifeless doll. Time lost all meaning. Then, she grabbed her hair, her fingers digging into her scalp, pulling with all her might.

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”

Her scream, raw and primal, echoed through the room.

Strands of her red hair, ripped from her scalp, littered the floor.

She was punishing herself, seeking to drown out the memories with physical pain.

But it wasn’t enough.

Her usual boldness, her fiery spirit, was gone. The Valkyrie was now a broken woman, her hair a tangled mess. She scrambled to her feet, bracing herself against the wall, her forehead slamming against the hard surface.

Bang… Bang… Bang…

The room shook, cracks spreading across the wall, plaster raining down. The entire building seemed to groan under her assault, threatening to collapse.

Anyone witnessing this scene would doubt that this crazed woman was the legendary Valkyrie.

She stopped, her forehead bruised and bloodied. She had hoped to knock herself unconscious, to wake up and find that it had all been a nightmare.

But she couldn’t escape. Each impact only sharpened her awareness, her shame, her self-loathing.

It hurt. Why did it hurt so much?

She sobbed, her body trembling, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, seeking comfort, but finding only a bone-chilling coldness.

After a while, she stumbled into the bathroom, scrubbing her body with frantic movements, trying to wash away the feeling of defilement.

She retrieved her armor and undergarments, dressing slowly, each piece a reminder of her lost innocence.

She grabbed her greatsword, Flame Extinction, the symbol of her glory as the Crimson Valkyrie. The tip dragged across the floor, its metal scraping against the stone, sparks showering down.

The floor split cleanly in two.

Her eyes, once fiery red, were now dull and lifeless.

She was tainted.

She could wash away the physical evidence, but the stain on her soul would remain forever.

No matter how hard she scrubbed, she couldn’t undo what had been done.

Her dream of marrying Jie Luo, of becoming his bride, was shattered. To offer him this broken body, to allow him to touch her… it would be a desecration.

She felt like a disgrace, her very existence a burden. Every breath, every heartbeat, was a reminder of her shame.

She thought about death.

She wanted to plunge Flame Extinction into her stomach, to end her suffering.

But first, she had one task to complete:

Kill Qin Chu!

That bastard had taken advantage of her, pushing her into this abyss of despair. He would pay with his life.

Consumed by pain and hatred, she forgot that he was a crucial part of their plan, that they needed his power to defeat the Demons. Without him, even a resurrected Jie Luo wouldn’t be a match for the Eternal Monarch, Nagath. He would be slaughtered again.

She forgot about her own role in the plan, her own willingness to use him and then discard him, to drain his blood for their own selfish desires.

Hatred consumed her, eclipsing all reason.

The door to Qin Chu’s bedroom exploded inwards.

The walls, already cracked and damaged from her earlier rampage, crumbled further. The floor, scored by her greatsword, threatened to collapse.

She searched for him, her eyes blazing with fury, but he was gone.

Even the guards who had been assigned to protect him had vanished.

Had he fled, anticipating her wrath?

He couldn’t hide forever.

She would find him, even if it meant scouring the ends of the earth.

…

 

 

 

Chapter 55: The Colors of Nature

Was Angelica, his little maid, interested in… that sort of thing?

This disobedient maid needed some… discipline.

Qin Chu understood. Angelica was jealous.

He had to appease her… but he wasn’t good at handling women… He pondered, trying to recall how the womanizers on Earth handled such situations.

…

Her master had never made any advances towards her. Their two kisses had been initiated by her. She had been the one who had chosen to follow him…

But now he was with Ekaterina.

The thought filled Angelica with a painful ache.

She knew he was the Hero, a person of high status. She was fortunate to be his maid. And with his identity and his immense potential, he would attract even more exceptional women in the future.

She understood this.

She had thought she wouldn’t mind, but now, witnessing this situation firsthand, she realized the depth of her pain.

Perhaps she cared for him more than she had realized.

She had trembled with fear when she had learned about what had transpired between her master and Ekaterina. She knew such things were common among the powerful in the Heavenly Continent, but she couldn’t help but worry that he would no longer need her, that Ekaterina would replace her.

Ekaterina was beautiful, strong, and accomplished.

And she… she was just a maid.

A lowly maid had no right to question her master’s actions. It would displease him.

She knew she shouldn’t have said anything, but she couldn’t help it. Her heart was in turmoil. She regretted her words, fearing that she had angered him.

He didn’t respond.

His silence was agonizing.

Her shoulders shook with fear. She felt like a criminal awaiting judgment, her scalp tingling with dread.

She peeked at him, trying to gauge his mood. Was he angry? Would he punish her, perhaps hang her upside down and whip her… He was a terrifying man.

But to her surprise, his expression was calm. He was even smiling…

His smile made her feel… embarrassed.

She stamped her foot. “Master, why… why are you laughing?”

He wasn’t angry. Thank goodness.

He chuckled, raising his hand. He hesitated for a moment, then ruffled her green hair playfully.

She swatted his hand away, her cheeks puffing out. “Master, what are you doing?”

He tilted his head, his expression amused.

“Are you an idiot?”

“What? An idiot?” She defended her intelligence. “I’m not an idiot! I’m smart! I wouldn’t have been chosen as a Holy Maiden candidate if I was stupid. And I was one of the best among the four candidates. I’m definitely not an idiot!”

“Then stop overthinking things.”

“You heard Nikles and the others. It’s embarrassing, but I was the one who was… dragged into the room.”

Though the roles had reversed once they were inside.

But he wouldn’t tell her that.

Angelica thought about it. He was right. According to Nikles, Ekaterina had been drunk, barging into his room. He had tried to leave, but she had dragged him back.

Had she misjudged him?

Then, his expression turned serious.

“Angelica…”

“I said it before, and I’ll say it again.”

“You’re the only one I trust in this world. Understand?”

“No matter what happens, no matter how much time passes, you’ll always have a place by my side.”

She placed her hand over her heart, struggling to suppress her smile.

This was all she had wanted, his reassurance, his promise.

“At least for now, you’re the most important person to me.”

She was worrying over nothing.

There was no possibility of a relationship between him and Loseweisse or Ekaterina.

Physical intimacy, perhaps, but no emotional connection. Only hatred.

His words comforted her, her smile widening. “But Master, why haven’t you ever…”

She was more relaxed now, but she still had questions.

Was it her body? Was she not attractive enough?

It would be a blow to her ego. Despite being a maid, she was confident in her appearance.

“It’s not that. I just don’t want to hurt you,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re beautiful…”

“I’m happy to have you by my side.”

“I’m a man. Of course I have… thoughts.”

His honesty made her blush.

“But when you first arrived, you were covered in injuries…”

“And yesterday… how could I take advantage of you in that state? It would have hurt.”

Her cheeks burned, her heart pounding. He did find her attractive. He was just being considerate, caring, protecting her.

Her golden eyes, filled with adoration, gazed at him. Meeting him was the greatest blessing in her life.

He sighed, relieved that he had appeased her. He patted her head. “Go change your clothes. We’re going to the Holy See.”

“Why?”

She was apprehensive about visiting that place.

He had warned her not to mention yesterday’s incident. If anyone asked, she was to claim that a mysterious person had saved her, but she didn’t know their identity. She didn’t understand why they had to go to the Holy See.

He touched the collar around her neck. “It’s time to remove your shackles…”

…

Meanwhile, it was midday.

Ekaterina groaned, her head pounding.

Had she truly overindulged last night?

She was awake, but her eyelids felt heavy, her body aching as if she had endured a grueling battle, even more exhausting than her fight with the Raging Gorilla.

Her throat was dry, a sticky feeling that made her uncomfortable.

Her mouth tasted foul. She had definitely drunk too much.

Alcohol might be enjoyable in the moment, but the hangover was a cruel mistress.

But she was also confused. Her alcohol tolerance was legendary. She could outdrink any human, even most Demons.

She vaguely remembered consuming… three or four barrels of liquor? Or was it five or six?

It wasn’t that much.

She had once emptied an entire tavern’s stock. This was nothing to her.

As a Valkyrie, her Battle Qi constantly circulated within her body, quickly metabolizing the alcohol. Her drunken state never lasted long.

Her head throbbed. She lifted an arm, massaging her temples, her eyes fluttering open.

She saw an unfamiliar ceiling. Her blurry vision caught a glimpse of a messy room, a strange scent lingering in the air…

And a hat, resting on the bedside table, its design… nature-themed?

A hat?

She never wore hats!

 

Chapter 54: Another Shaye

Whether it was a magic manual or a Battle Qi technique, the principle of cultivation remained the same:

Easy in the beginning, increasingly difficult as you progressed.

The higher the tier, the greater the challenge.

Star Flame, the Battle Qi technique Ekaterina practiced, was one of the highest-tier techniques in the Heavenly Continent. Very few techniques surpassed it in power, and its difficulty was legendary.

Firstly, talent alone disqualified most aspiring practitioners. Star Flame demanded exceptional aptitude.

Qin Chu had no issues in that regard. His talent had been amplified after his rebirth.

But even with his prodigious talent and his past life’s experience, mastering the first layer in a single afternoon was already pushing his limits. Reaching the second layer would normally take at least a month.

However, during his… encounter… with Ekaterina, he had felt her fiery Battle Qi surging into his body, stimulating his own weaker energy, accelerating its circulation, its volume increasing with each cycle.

In just three hours, he had almost reached the threshold of the second layer.

Even now, his body hummed with residual energy.

He wouldn’t waste this opportunity. He closed his eyes, focusing his mind, guiding the chaotic energy within him, channeling it into his Battle Origin, attempting to break through to the next level.

Waves of heat radiated from his body.

The temperature in the room rose steadily. The moonlight, streaming through the window, shimmered and distorted in the heated air.

His skin, flushed crimson, resembled a heated iron. Wisps of steam rose from his head. Power, raw and untamed, surged beneath his skin, his muscles bulging and contorting.

Almost there… just a little more…

His breath, hot and heavy, turned into flickering flames.

Not enough…

He could sense the barrier, the final obstacle separating him from the next level. But he couldn’t break through.

Every pore in his body opened, drawing in the ambient elemental energy. He became the eye of a storm, a vortex of swirling energy, absorbing the power around him.

The curtains billowed, the magical chandelier swayed, though there was no wind in the room.

If he didn’t have his past life’s experience, he would have patiently absorbed the ambient energy, a slow and arduous process that could take a week or more.

But now, he knew what he needed. A surge of potent energy, a catalyst to shatter the barrier.

Loseweisse’s generous gift: the Saint Quartz.

He retrieved three pieces from a storage ring.

With a series of sharp cracks, he crushed them simultaneously. The Saint Quartz’s energy, pure and potent, erupted outwards, filling the room, creating a miniature energy storm.

He stood at the storm’s center, the floor beneath him cracking under the strain. The energy surged into his Battle Origin, expanding its capacity.

…

Meanwhile, Shaye, hovering in mid-air, observed Qin Chu’s progress, a knowing smile on her lips.

He might not understand why Ekaterina had lost control, but she knew.

The Stunning Love she had given him was a modified version… but not the true Stunning Love.

She had added her own twist, infusing it with a touch of her Lust Authority, amplifying its potency.

The Lust Authority, combined with the alcohol’s effects, had induced a powerful hallucination, making Ekaterina mistake Qin Chu for Jie Luo.

It had also amplified her emotions, her love for Jie Luo magnified to an overwhelming degree.

These factors had led to the events of the previous night.

And Qin Chu’s surge in power was also a consequence of the Lust Authority. Super-tier Abilities were complex, each possessing unique and often unpredictable effects.

The stronger he became, the more she recovered.

She didn’t know what their relationship would become once she regained her independence, but for now, his strength was her strength.

Another Shaye wouldn’t tolerate her existence. Only one of them could remain in this world.

But it seemed her potion-making skills needed improvement.

Though Ekaterina had reacted as expected, she had almost regained her senses several times. Shaye had intervened, subtly manipulating her thoughts, keeping her mind clouded.

She needed to analyze the potion, to identify the flaws. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

…

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window.

Qin Chu sat motionless, his body still, his breathing shallow.

Then, his eyes snapped open, flames erupting from them for a moment before disappearing.

He stood up, his hair standing on end, sparks dancing among the strands.

He had finally reached the second layer.

He checked his status panel.

Level: 39

Class: Hero

Strength: 209

Stamina: 142

Agility: 163

Spirit: 432

Defense: 154

Charm: 6

His Strength had increased by thirty, Stamina by twenty, Agility by ten, and Defense by ten.

Mastering Battle Qi techniques directly enhanced physical attributes. Though it wasn’t as efficient as Devourer, it was still a valuable method of improvement.

He sensed someone outside his door.

He closed his eyes, calming his aura, suppressing his Battle Qi to the first layer, then opened the door.

Angelica stood outside, holding a set of clothes, a towel, a toothbrush, and other toiletries.

She had been waiting for him.

But her expression… she looked like she was about to cry.

Despite her distress, she helped him wash and change, her movements gentle and efficient.

“What’s wrong? Did someone bully you?” he asked, his words muffled by the toothbrush.

“No one bullied Angelica, Master,” she replied softly, handing him a cup of water.

But her trembling lips betrayed her emotions.

She knew her master’s personality. He was cunning, even a little cruel. He had witnessed her suffering, remaining hidden until she had attempted suicide.

He was suspicious, distrustful.

She didn’t know what he had endured, but he trusted no one.

Not Wadsworth, not Augustus, not Saint Monique, not the bold Ekaterina, not even the gentle Loseweisse…

She was the only one he truly trusted.

The thought filled her with a strange sense of pride. She was special to him.

But then she frowned, her cheeks puffing out in frustration.

She was pathetic.

She had felt resentment towards him, but the knowledge that he trusted her had diminished those feelings.

Angelica, Angelica… have some self-respect!

She needed to remind him who was truly closest to him.

She forced a frown, trying to convey her displeasure. “Master… last night… you and… and Lady Ekaterina… you… you…”

Qin Chu froze, swallowing his toothpaste. “How did you know?”

“Nikles and the others were talking about it…”

Damn it!

Those gossipmongers!

They had taken his money and were still spreading rumors.

Angelica blushed, her fingers twisting the hem of her maid uniform. “Master… you’ve never… done those things… with Angelica…”

 

Chapter 53: Shattered 

Ekaterina was beautiful, her body a masterpiece of temptation. She was a member of the Hero Squad, a Valkyrie. Angelica was just a lowly maid in the Heavenly Continent…

But compared to Angelica, she felt… unworthy.

Ekaterina’s mind spiraled, the man before her merging with Jie Luo’s image, their faces becoming one.

Under normal circumstances, Qin Chu wouldn’t have touched her at this moment. It wasn’t that she wasn’t alluring. It was simply too dangerous. If she discovered what had happened when she woke up, she would unleash her fury, and he wouldn’t survive her wrath.

But there was a way to handle this situation.

Shaye, hovering above them, her face twisted into a sinister smile, observed the scene with amusement.

Things were getting interesting.

Qin Chu, his gaze cold and distant, watched Ekaterina like a king surveying his subject.

His demeanor filled her with terror. She didn’t understand what she had done wrong, why her beloved looked at her with such coldness. She desperately tried to please him…

…

Outside the bedroom, Nikles and his five men exchanged uneasy glances.

This was… a private matter between the Hero and the Valkyrie Ekaterina.

It wasn’t their place to interfere.

But standing guard outside while those two were… enjoying themselves… It was a strange feeling.

“Boss, shouldn’t we stop them?” one of the men asked hesitantly.

“His Majesty specifically ordered us to prevent any woman, besides Angelica, from getting close to the Hero…”

It was Wadsworth’s command.

He couldn’t refuse Qin Chu’s choice of Angelica as his companion. It was a far better outcome than him falling for Loseweisse.

But Wadsworth wasn’t content with this arrangement. He wanted to bind the Hero to the Empire, ensuring their control over him after the war.

He planned to choose a virtuous and beautiful princess, sending her to live under the same roof as the Hero. A little… accidental intimacy… wouldn’t be unexpected.

Of course, Augustus and Saint Monique had similar plans.

The Empire, the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess, the Holy See… they were all the same.

Their outward appearances, their claims of righteousness, couldn’t hide their true nature, their lust for power.

Angelica, with her grudge against the Holy See, was difficult to control. Augustus was likely planning to replace her with another nun. And Saint Monique, unwilling to see the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess lose its influence after the war, was also scheming.

Wadsworth’s primary concern was those two, and of course, the noblewomen.

A noble family, allied with the Hero through marriage, could gain significant influence, potentially threatening the Empire’s authority.

The crisis of a thousand years ago couldn’t be allowed to repeat itself.

Lena Martithes and Nikles, tasked with protecting Qin Chu, were spending most of their time fending off women.

They could handle the noblewomen and the nuns, but… they wouldn’t dare challenge Ekaterina.

Her temper was legendary.

She was a woman who could go toe-to-toe with a Raging Gorilla. And now, she was drunk. Interrupting her… activities… would be suicide.

“Do you think your skull is tougher than a Raging Gorilla’s?” Nikles asked, his voice cold.

The guard shrank back, his question answered.

Ekaterina could crush his skull with her little finger.

A crash echoed from within the bedroom.

“What was that?” one of the men asked.

Nikles’s face paled.

“All men…”

“Retreat thirty meters!”

The sound… it was Ekaterina’s armor hitting the floor.

…

Three hours later, the door opened, and Qin Chu emerged.

He adjusted his clothes, smoothing out the wrinkles, his expression carefully neutral.

Ekaterina would likely explode when she woke up.

He saw the guards standing thirty meters away, a safe distance. Nikles was a smart man.

He approached them, their gazes filled with admiration.

The Hero had spent three hours with Ekaterina and had emerged unscathed. Impressive.

Their admiration confused him, but he had more important matters to attend to.

He pulled out a stack of banknotes, distributing a few to each guard.

Nikles stared at the three thousand Mana in his hand, his voice filled with surprise. “Hero-sama, what is this…?”

“You’ve worked hard. Take some time to relax. It’s on me.”

He smiled knowingly, leaving the grateful guards behind.

Money was the best way to buy loyalty.

Though such loyalty was fickle and unreliable.

He found an empty room, not to sleep, but to meditate.

He could sense the Star Flame Battle Qi surging within him, eager to break through to the next level. He had only mastered the first layer that afternoon, but after his… encounter… with Ekaterina, he was on the verge of reaching the second layer.