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

Chapter 42: She Feared Nothing 

Three days of kindness.

A glimmer of light in a life shrouded in darkness. Angelica wouldn’t extinguish that light, not for anything.

If she betrayed her master, she would truly be reduced to living like a dog… no, worse than a dog.

The nuns’ triumphant smiles faltered, their expressions hardening.

“We told you, that man doesn’t care for you. He never did…”

“He only chose you because of your low status, because you’re easy to control…”

“He’s only interested in your pretty face, in your body.”

Angelica laughed, a genuine, heartfelt laugh, though her lips trembled from the pain.

“So what?”

“Even if he only wants my face, my body… what does it matter?”

“At least in his eyes, I’m a person, not a dog!”

The nuns hadn’t anticipated her unwavering resolve.

Their faces contorted with rage, their bodies trembling with fury. One of them pointed her dagger at Angelica’s face. “You seem confident in your beauty…”

“But what if that face was ruined? Do you think he would still keep you around?”

Angelica smiled, her defiance unwavering. She had found her strength. Perhaps she would regret this later, but for now, she wouldn’t yield.

This was enough. At least her master would be safe.

She felt a strange sense of pride. Her master, the one who had promised to protect her, to be there when she needed him, hadn’t appeared.

A part of her felt resentment.

Perhaps the nuns were right. Perhaps her master had only chosen her because she was a maid, someone he could easily control.

Perhaps he didn’t care for her at all.

But she was a fool.

Three days of kindness…

And he was a little handsome, she admitted.

She had lived like a dog under Loseweisse. She had never imagined she would have the chance to be brave, to stand up for herself. This feeling… wasn’t so bad.

Would her master remember her after she was gone? Would he remember the maid who had served him for only three days? If he thought of her even once, she would be content. She would have no regrets.

Strangely, she didn’t even think about the Holy Maiden position Augustus had promised her. Perhaps it no longer held any allure.

Being a maid for her master was far more fulfilling than being the Holy Maiden.

If only she could stay by his side forever…

“Idiot…” the nun spat, her voice laced with disgust.

Angelica’s unwavering gaze irritated her.

She couldn’t comprehend such foolish devotion.

But she wouldn’t scar her face. They still needed Angelica to poison the Hero. Even a fool like Qin Chu would notice something was amiss if his maid’s face was mutilated.

The nuns exchanged a look. They yearned to break Angelica’s spirit completely, but her defiance, her willingness to face death and disfigurement, had hardened her resolve. Their torture had failed to bend her will.

Even the Holy Maiden’s scroll might not be enough to control her.

But they had to try.

If it failed, they would have to kill her. Today’s events couldn’t be revealed.

The other nun produced the scroll.

Despite knowing Angelica’s strong will, she couldn’t resist taunting her. She craved to see her break, to witness the destruction of such unwavering resolve.

“Angelica, do you know what this is?”

“Mental magic. Mind Control.”

“I admire your spirit, but even the strongest will can’t withstand this spell. Once this scroll is activated, you’ll become a puppet, a mindless doll, obeying our every command.”

“No matter how much you resist, you’ll still poison your beloved master.”

“He will die a miserable death, all thanks to you.”

The nun’s voice was a raspy whisper, her eyes gleaming with malicious glee. She couldn’t wait to see Angelica’s despair, to watch her betray the man she loved.

Wouldn’t she be tormented? Wouldn’t she be consumed by guilt?

But the nun was disappointed.

Angelica’s eyes widened, her gaze filled with fear.

She hadn’t anticipated this. She had been prepared to die, accepting her fate when she had refused their offer.

But this… this was unacceptable.

She was truly terrified.

Even if it wasn’t her choice, even if she was being controlled, she couldn’t bear the thought of harming her master.

She did something the nuns hadn’t expected. Her hands were bound, but her legs were free.

She scrambled to her feet, her body still weak and unsteady, and lunged at the nun holding the knife, aiming for the blade.

The nun, startled by her sudden movement, reacted too slowly.

The blade was about to pierce Angelica’s chest when…

A faint whistling sound cut through the air.

A small pebble, launched with incredible force, struck the dagger’s side.

The dagger flew from the nun’s grasp, the impact splitting her hand, blood spurting from the wound.

The nuns, their faces pale with shock, whirled around. “Who’s there?”

A figure materialized before them.

Angelica stared, her eyes wide with disbelief. She wanted to rub her eyes, to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating, but her wrists were bound.

She struggled against her restraints, wanting to rush into his arms, to feel his warmth.

The nuns’ expressions shifted from shock to confusion to anger, their brows furrowing.

The man approached slowly, stopping a few meters away. He smiled, his voice a raspy whisper. “It’s me.”

“The foolish, insecure Hero, as you so eloquently put it.”

“We haven’t been properly introduced. What are your names, ladies?”

His demeanor was polite, almost gentlemanly.

But his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

These women were dead.

 

Chapter 41: Angelica’s Will

As expected of the Dark Witch, her confidence was boundless.

Modifying Loseweisse’s potion was a trivial matter to her.

Meanwhile, the two nuns, their patience exhausted by Angelica’s repeated refusals, exchanged a look.

Their expressions turned menacing.

“Angelica, you’ve disappointed me,” one of them said, her voice laced with danger. Her finger traced a line along Angelica’s pale cheek, down her slender neck, stopping at her waist.

Angelica trembled, her body wracked with fear, her mind flooded with terrifying memories.

“I’ll ask you one last time: will you cooperate?”

Despite her terror, Angelica shook her head, her jaw clenched.

She wouldn’t betray her master, no matter the cost.

Qin Chu was the only light in her dark life. She couldn’t lose him.

“Ah, I didn’t want to resort to violence…”

The nun’s eyes hardened. Her finger, resting on Angelica’s stomach, curled into a fist.

With a sickening thud, her fist slammed into Angelica’s abdomen.

Pain, sharp and agonizing, shot through her, doubling her over. Tears welled up in her eyes.

The pain was unbearable.

“Don’t worry…” The nun crouched down, grabbing a fistful of Angelica’s hair, forcing her to look up. “I’m using Battle Qi to focus the impact. You won’t have any bruises, but the pain will be… exquisite.”

She slammed Angelica’s face into the ground.

Grit dug into her skin, drawing blood.

“Does this feel familiar?”

Another blow, this time to her side.

The Battle Qi, like a thousand tiny needles, pierced her flesh. Her body convulsed, her muscles spasming uncontrollably. She felt like her body was being torn apart.

She gasped for air, her mouth open wide, unable to even scream.

Darkness threatened to consume her, memories of Loseweisse’s torture flashing through her mind.

Why was this happening?

She had escaped from hell.

Why was she being tormented again?

The pain was so intense that she felt like she was burning.

Her head was yanked back, the nun’s lips close to her ear. In a soft, gentle voice, she uttered the cruelest words:

“Do you think you’ve escaped?”

“Don’t fool yourself…”

“You’ll never escape.”

“You’ll live like a dog, groveling at the bottom of this world…”

“That’s your fate!”

Angelica’s face was pale, her body trembling, her teeth chattering.

Was this truly her fate?

Whether from pain or despair, darkness enveloped her, threatening to extinguish her will.

Why was the world so cruel?

“Cooperate with us. Obey our commands, and I promise you’ll never be treated like this again. You’ll be free. No one will ever hurt you again…”

“But if you refuse, this won’t be the last time.”

Her body was numb, her senses dulled. Perhaps she was becoming accustomed to the pain?

But it still hurt.

From this day forward, you will live within me. As long as I live, you will never return to hell.

I won’t let anyone bully you again. If anyone dares to harm you…

I will be there!

A light, a beacon of hope, pierced through the darkness.

Warmth, faint but undeniable, spread through her numb body.

Her master would come for her. He had to.

Her gaze, regaining its focus, its spark returning, made the nun’s lip twitch. This woman hadn’t broken.

Her spirit remained unbroken, her faith in her master unwavering.

Damn this stubborn bitch!

They didn’t have to resort to violence. They could have simply used the scroll to control her.

But humans had a cruel streak, a sadistic side that relished in the suffering of others.

This was especially true when the victim was someone who had already endured hardship. Tormenting Angelica brought them pleasure. To see the once-proud Holy Maiden candidate reduced to a whimpering mess, groveling at their feet… It was intoxicating.

Since she wasn’t broken yet, they would continue the game…

There was another reason for their cruelty: their master’s orders.

Even if Angelica cooperated, they had to make her suffer, to remind her of her place.

And breaking her spirit would make the scroll more effective. Their master’s mental magic was unstable. A strong-willed individual might be able to resist it.

Angelica shuddered as the nun’s gaze turned predatory.

Terror gripped her as the nun produced a knife, its blade glinting in the sunlight, tracing a line across her face.

Master, please, save me!

“You seem to trust that fool, Qin Chu…”

“But do you know what he’s doing right now? Lady Ekaterina is with him. Who do you think is more desirable, you or her?”

“Do you think he’ll care about you with Lady Ekaterina by his side?”

“No one cares about a lowly maid.”

“You’ll be back in that hellhole soon enough.”

No, I won’t!

“Do you truly believe he chose you because he cares?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. There were countless noblewomen at the banquet, beautiful nuns, even princesses. Why did he choose you? Because he’s insecure…”

“He lacks the courage to approach exceptional women. He chose you because of your low status. He can control you, use you, without any fear of rejection.”

No, that’s not true! My master isn’t like that!

“He must have promised to protect you, to shield you from harm,” the nun continued, her voice dripping with malice.

“But where is he now?”

“He can’t protect you. No one can.”

Her master wasn’t coming. Had he abandoned her?

Angelica’s eyes, once filled with defiance, turned dull and lifeless.

The mental torture was far more agonizing than the physical pain.

The two nuns, observing her despair, smiled triumphantly.

What a pathetic creature, breaking so easily. They hadn’t even gotten started. But there would be plenty of opportunities to enjoy her suffering. As long as she lived… the fun would continue.

“Cooperate with us… and you’ll be free from this pain,” one of them said, her voice deceptively gentle.

“Free…” Angelica mumbled, her voice barely audible.

“Yes, free… Cooperate with us, and you can live like a dog. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Like a dog?

Hah…

She had lived worse than a dog under Loseweisse’s tyranny. Even a dog wouldn’t be beaten every day. Even a pile of dung wouldn’t be trampled upon by everyone…

Perhaps… living like a dog wouldn’t be so bad.

Her master wasn’t coming. Even if he did, he wouldn’t stand a chance against these women.

“I… will… coo…” Angelica began, her voice a broken whisper.

No one could save her.

The two nuns, their smiles widening, savored her surrender, her descent into despair.

…

This was her will.

“I… will never cooperate with you, even if it means death!”

Angelica raised her head, her face bruised and bloodied, but her eyes, once again, filled with defiance.

She had experienced three days of kindness with her master. That was enough.

 

Chapter 40: The Potion’s Effects

The spacious training ground was empty except for Qin Chu. He knew he wouldn’t be disturbed for the rest of the afternoon. Still, he left behind an illusion of himself diligently meditating, diligently cultivating his Battle Qi.

With a snap of his fingers, his figure vanished.

Invisibility.

No need for the Phantom Demons’ crude shapeshifting. This was one of the dozens of spells Candice had taught him.

He had deliberately revealed Angelica’s whereabouts, her vulnerability, to Loseweisse, anticipating her actions.

This was Angelica’s final test.

If she passed, she would be freed from her magical shackles and earn his complete trust.

If she failed…

Despite possessing knowledge from his previous life, Qin Chu remained cautious. He carefully considered each person’s personality, their motivations, using his experience to anticipate their actions.

Loseweisse was a clever woman. Though she yearned to kill Angelica, she would restrain herself. She would manipulate Angelica, using her as a tool to indirectly control him, the Hero.

He knew how much she hated him, how much she loathed Angelica.

But resurrecting Jie Luo was her ultimate goal, a goal that overshadowed even her personal vendettas.

The Hero Squad’s plan was simple.

Based on his experience from his previous life, they would befriend him, make him fall in love with one of them, treat him like a cherished comrade, and then, once he had eliminated the Demon threat, they would strike him down.

They hadn’t killed him immediately because his talent surpassed Jie Luo’s. They needed a tool, someone capable of defeating the Demons. Otherwise, even if they resurrected Jie Luo, he would face Nagath and likely meet the same fate.

But now, his bond with Angelica was even stronger.

While killing Angelica would be the easiest solution, he had revealed her whereabouts to Loseweisse. Given their animosity, if Angelica died, Loseweisse would be the prime suspect.

Even if she could clear her name, the seed of doubt would be planted, making it nearly impossible for her to gain his trust, to manipulate him.

Therefore, Qin Chu concluded that Loseweisse would use mental magic, transforming Angelica into a puppet, controlling her to indirectly influence him.

Very few people knew about Loseweisse’s mental magic abilities.

He was one of them.

…

At the Roblensa Market, Angelica hummed a cheerful tune as she strolled through the stalls, her basket overflowing with fresh produce.

Her master was now the most important person in her life, even more precious than her own life.

She wanted to serve him with all her heart, to please him in every way. He had expressed a desire to sample her cooking, so she had to do her best.

The Roblensa Market, despite its high prices, offered the finest ingredients. The tomatoes, plump and juicy, resembled glistening rubies. The steaks, marbled with fat, were a vibrant red. The vegetables, freshly picked, were a vibrant green.

“This should be enough,” she murmured, her basket overflowing.

She had been serving her master for three days now. These days had been a paradise compared to her previous life. No more beatings from Loseweisse, no more physical or emotional abuse. Her body and soul were healing.

She had almost forgotten the task the Pope had assigned her.

The Holy Maiden!

It was the first time in days that she had thought of those words.

It had been her dream for over a decade. The thought of abandoning it filled her with a strange sense of loss.

Her smile faded, her steps becoming heavier. She didn’t notice the dark figure approaching silently behind her.

As she turned a corner, a sharp blow struck her back. Darkness swallowed her.

…

When Angelica regained consciousness, she found herself lying on the ground, surrounded by trees. The setting sun cast long shadows, its light stinging her eyes.

She struggled against her bonds, but the collar suppressed her magic, rendering her powerless.

“Save your energy,” a mocking voice said.

She looked up, her gaze meeting the eyes of two women dressed in black robes, their attire similar to the Holy See’s nuns’ habits but in a starkly contrasting color.

Their figures, outlined by their form-fitting robes, were athletic and alluring, a blend of strength and grace.

Their faces were beautiful, their features delicate, their eyes sharp and almond-shaped, their gazes tinged with a hint of cruelty. A strange symbol, resembling a large eye, adorned their foreheads.

A tattered sack lay discarded nearby. This was how they had transported her.

“Who are you? What do you want?” Angelica asked, her voice steady despite her fear.

She calmed herself quickly. She had endured hardships before, faced dangers far greater than this. She had been tied to a pyre, almost burned alive.

She scanned her surroundings, searching for an escape route.

But she knew it wouldn’t be easy. These two women, despite their strange attire, possessed considerable power. Her magic was suppressed, rendering her helpless.

“I am the Hero Qin Chu’s personal maid,” she said, hoping to intimidate them. “Have you considered the consequences of kidnapping me?”

The two women laughed, their amusement tinged with disdain.

“You’re relying on that fool to save you?”

“Hah! The Hero just started his training with Ekaterina. Even if he was here, what could he do?”

One of the women stepped closer, her pale finger lifting Angelica’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. “Do you truly believe the Hero will come for you?”

Angelica’s heart sank. These women knew more about her master than she did. She hadn’t even known he had begun training with Ekaterina.

Who were they?

What was their connection to the Holy See?

“What do you want?” she asked again, her voice tight.

“It’s simple,” the woman said, her smile widening. “We need you to do something for us.”

“You’re the Hero’s maid, responsible for his well-being. We need you to add… a little something to his food.” She produced a vial filled with a shimmering pink liquid.

“It’s not bitter. It actually smells quite sweet.”

Angelica’s eyes widened. “What… what is that?”

“It’s not poison. It’s just… something to make the Hero a little more… obedient.”

They wanted to control the Hero. Angelica understood instantly.

She shook her head vehemently. She would never betray her master, the man who had shown her kindness, the man who had offered her a chance at a new life.

…

“Did you hear that? They called you a fool! Can you endure such an insult?”

Neither the two women nor Angelica noticed the two figures perched on a tree branch above them.

Shaye, sitting on Qin Chu’s shoulder, couldn’t resist taunting him.

Qin Chu’s face darkened. “How dare they! They’re dead…”

He paused, his brow furrowing. “Do you know what that is?” he asked, gesturing towards the vial in the woman’s hand. “Loseweisse… she’s trying to control me with that.”

“You’ve come to the right person,” Shaye said, her voice laced with pride. “Among all the Witches, my skill in potion-making is second to none.”

“That’s an incomplete version of Stunning Love…”

She emphasized the words “incomplete version,” her tone laced with disdain for Loseweisse’s crude craftsmanship.

“If you consume one vial per week for seven consecutive weeks, you’ll fall hopelessly in love with the potion’s creator, Loseweisse. You’ll obey her every command, even if she orders you to kill yourself.”

The potion’s potency shocked Qin Chu. He hadn’t known Loseweisse possessed such a dangerous weapon.

Could this potion be the reason he had fallen for her in his previous life?

“You weren’t affected by Stunning Love in your previous life,” Shaye said, her voice a mixture of amusement and scorn. “I fought you. I would have sensed it. You were just a pathetic simp, groveling at her feet until you had nothing left.”

Perhaps something had happened to disrupt Loseweisse’s plan. But he had still fallen for her. How pathetic he had been.

“What about the complete version of Stunning Love?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Well, Loseweisse’s technique is crude. Her version requires seven weekly doses to take effect. But the complete version…”

“Each dose increases the target’s affection for you. And there’s no time limit. You can use one dose this week and another next year. The end result is the same: overwhelming love and devotion.”

“Interesting,” Qin Chu said, a smile spreading across his lips.

It was similar to his “Arrogant Domination” Ability, but perhaps not as potent.

“Stunning Love’s effect is more like… a gradual forgetting, a replacement, a transfer of affection!”

“Compared to Arrogant Domination and other powerful potions, its effect isn’t as drastic.”

“It works by making the target slowly forget their loved one, transferring their feelings to the potion’s creator. The creator becomes a substitute, a replacement for their true love… Once they consume all seven doses, they’ll be hopelessly devoted to you, their will completely subservient to yours.”

“But its effect can be broken. A powerful emotional shock, like witnessing their true love’s death, can shatter the potion’s influence, restoring their original feelings.”

Shaye’s explanation sparked a wicked idea in Qin Chu’s mind.

A plan, cruel and cunning, began to form.

“Say, Shaye, could you teach me how to brew Stunning Love?”

His plans were changing.

The appearance of Stunning Love had given him new ideas. It was time to accelerate his plans.

Shaye, as his parasitic companion, could sense his thoughts.

She didn’t object. She was curious to see how much chaos he could unleash upon this world.

“I could… but…”

“The ingredients are incredibly rare.”

“Why not just take the potion from that nun?” she suggested.

Qin Chu frowned. “But Loseweisse created it…”

“Don’t underestimate the Dark Witch. I can modify it. It’s not difficult.”

Chapter 39: Pretending to be Weak is Hard Work

Stunning Love. Loseweisse had crafted this potion for Jie Luo.

She had been deeply in love with him, yearning to be his wife, to merge their souls, to offer him her maidenhood…

But for some reason, Jie Luo had been… resistant.

No, she couldn’t think of him that way.

Loseweisse shook her head, banishing the disrespectful thought. Jie Luo had been focused on saving the world, his mind unburdened by such trivial matters. He wasn’t like Qin Chu, a pathetic, insecure creature.

Despite her repeated hints, even outright propositions, Jie Luo had remained unmoved.

Desperate and fearing that another woman might steal him away, she had delved into forbidden knowledge, seeking a way to ensure his affections.

Stunning Love was her solution.

She had succeeded, but before she could administer the potion, Jie Luo had died.

Though she felt it was a waste, it was the perfect tool for controlling Qin Chu.

If he consumed all seven vials, he would fall madly in love with her, becoming her loyal slave, his will subservient to hers. She could command him to do anything, even to end his own life.

This way, she wouldn’t have to endure his touch, wouldn’t have to sully her pure body with his presence.

But she couldn’t administer the potion herself. It was too suspicious, its appearance too unusual.

Angelica, as his maid, was the perfect candidate.

Of course, Angelica wouldn’t obey her readily. She would need to devise a plan.

As Loseweisse pondered her options, she retrieved a magical scroll from another drawer.

It contained a powerful mental magic spell, Mind Control.

Stunning Love, Mind Control… A closer inspection of the Holy Maiden’s chambers would reveal a collection of forbidden artifacts, items banned from public circulation.

Mental magic, due to its unpredictable nature and potential for abuse, was strictly prohibited in the Heavenly Continent. Those with an aptitude for it were exceedingly rare, appearing only once or twice every few centuries.

Loseweisse possessed this rare talent. Mental magic was difficult to master. Despite years of study, she could only cast it reliably when her mental state was perfectly balanced. Even the slightest emotional disturbance could lead to failure, even to a backlash that could damage her soul.

Due to its instability, it was unsuitable for combat. So, she had imbued the scroll with the spell while her mind was at peace. Anyone could activate the scroll, regardless of their magical abilities.

The control it offered wasn’t absolute. The target would become a puppet for three hours, obeying the caster’s every command. After three hours, the spell would dissipate, and the target would have no memory of their actions or the events surrounding the spell’s activation.

This should be enough to control Angelica. She had to make Qin Chu consume the first vial of Stunning Love, no matter the cost.

If Angelica cooperated, she wouldn’t have to waste this precious scroll.

But she wouldn’t handle this personally.

…

Meanwhile, at the Hero’s residence, Ekaterina was instructing Qin Chu in the art of Battle Qi within the training grounds.

She acted like a doting older sister, meticulously correcting his every movement.

“Though most people believe that Battle Qi and magic are distinct forces, at our level of power, they share the same origin: the manipulation of elemental energy.”

“The difference lies in the method of application. Magic involves storing elemental energy within the body and releasing it during combat. By manipulating its sequence, pure magic can achieve incredible destructive power.”

“Battle Qi also utilizes elemental energy, but instead of releasing it, it’s integrated into the body, enhancing physical abilities like speed, strength, and defense. It can also be imbued into weapons, increasing their power.”

“Your first task is to sense the elemental energy present in the air.”

Ekaterina, despite her ulterior motives, proved to be a capable instructor, patiently guiding Qin Chu through concepts he already understood.

Qin Chu sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, but his mind perceived a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors: fiery red like the sun, icy blue like a glacier, deep blue like a raging ocean, and electric purple like a thunderclap…

Rebirth had enhanced his innate talent.

It was said that sensing even a faint spark of elemental energy within a day was a sign of exceptional talent. Qin Chu didn’t know what it meant to perceive the sun’s fiery energy so clearly.

“The Battle Qi I’ll teach you is called Star Flame,” Ekaterina said, her voice filled with pride. “When mastered, its destructive power rivals that of a falling meteor. It’s one of the highest-tier Battle Qi techniques. Can you sense… tiny sparks, like embers, within the air?”

Qin Chu, his eyes still closed, feigned disappointment. “I’m sorry, I can’t see anything.”

Idiot, Ekaterina thought, her patience wearing thin.

“And your hand is too high. Lower it slightly.”

She knelt behind him, her body pressing against his back as she adjusted his posture. He could feel the warmth of her body through her thin dress.

“Don’t try to see it with your eyes. Feel it with your heart,” she instructed.

Feel it with his heart… Yes, that was much clearer.

Ekaterina’s face, close to his shoulder, was almost touching his. He could feel the softness of her skin against his cheek.

Strands of her red hair tickled his nose and face.

She watched him, his face flushed, his breathing quickening.

She decided to retreat before he lost control, before his instincts overwhelmed his reason, before he pushed her down and…

No, that wasn’t her concern. She feared that, without Loseweisse’s presence to restrain her, she might lose control herself, killing him and ruining their plan to resurrect Jie Luo.

For Jie Luo, she could endure a little… discomfort. But she wouldn’t let this boy take advantage of her.

She patted his shoulder and stood up. “Qin Chu, practice diligently. Don’t slack off. I’ll be back this evening to check on your progress.”

Her “business” involved drinking. In his previous life, he had been the one carrying her back home after her drunken escapades.

Everyone knew the Hero was training. No one would disturb him.

Qin Chu opened his eyes. In a single afternoon, he had mastered the first layer of the thirteen-layered Star Flame Battle Qi technique, condensing Battle Origin within his body!

Though the first layer wasn’t difficult to master, his speed was still astonishing. In his previous life, it had taken him half a month to achieve this.

His biggest challenge wasn’t mastering the technique but hiding his progress from Ekaterina.

Her constant presence behind him, her warm body pressed against his back, the feel of her soft skin against his cheek… It had been distracting, making it difficult to conceal his true talent.

He sighed.

“Pretending to be weak is hard work.”

 Chapter 38: Stunning Love 

Alone? At the Roblensa Market?

Loseweisse’s heart skipped a beat.

Angelica was alone, away from the Hero’s residence, her collar suppressing her magic…

She swallowed, her throat tightening.

A thought, dangerous and tempting, ignited within her mind.

She wanted to leave immediately, to seize this opportunity, but that would be too suspicious. She had to remain calm, to continue her conversation with Qin Chu, though her mind was already elsewhere.

She waited until Ekaterina was about to begin Qin Chu’s training, then stood up to leave.

As she reached the door, she paused, turning back to face Qin Chu, her voice hesitant. There was a question she had been wanting to ask, a question that had been gnawing at her for days.

“Hero-sama…”

Her brow furrowed slightly as she searched for the right words.

“At the banquet… why didn’t you choose me? Why did you choose Angelica instead?”

“You know… I was the one mentioned in the divine prophecy… your destined lover…”

This was a wound that refused to heal.

She was a skilled actress. Her face, a mask of sadness and vulnerability, perfectly captured the image of a heartbroken maiden, rejected by the man she loved.

Ekaterina, in comparison, was a novice. They weren’t even in the same league.

Loseweisse needed to know why she had been deemed unworthy.

Qin Chu hadn’t expected her to be so fixated on this. He took a deep breath, suppressing his urge to call her out on her hypocrisy, his gaze meeting hers.

“Unworthy,” he said, his voice low.

Loseweisse gasped, her body trembling. A surge of murderous rage coursed through her.

“Are you saying that I’m unworthy of you?”

“No, Lady Loseweisse, you misunderstand. It’s not that you’re unworthy of me. It’s that I’m unworthy of you.”

Qin Chu, abandoning all pretense, uttered words that made even him feel nauseous.

“You’re so beautiful, so pure, so kind…”

“I feel ashamed in your presence. I fear that even breathing the same air as you might taint your purity…”

“If you were my lover, I might lose control, I might do something terrible to you. I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, his voice sincere.

It was his insecurity, just as she had suspected.

She had already arrived at this conclusion, so she readily accepted his explanation.

She felt a surge of relief, followed by a wave of elation. It wasn’t that she was inferior to Angelica. It was that she was too beautiful, too perfect, a dazzling sun that threatened to burn this insecure man.

Her confidence returned, stronger than ever.

Of course, it made sense. How could she possibly be less desirable than Angelica?

Qin Chu’s response bolstered her confidence in her plan to win him over. She just had to lower herself a little, to beckon him with a single finger, and he would come running like a dog.

She lowered her head, her golden hair cascading around her shoulders. Her slender figure bowed gracefully, her white hands lifting the hem of her robes.

“Hero-sama, you mustn’t think so little of yourself. You are the most extraordinary Hero.”

“This might not be your homeland, but you’re willing to fight for this world. Your noble spirit is admirable, your talent unmatched. You are the most exceptional person I know.”

“It is I, Loseweisse, who is unworthy of you.”

“But I will strive to become a woman worthy of standing by your side.”

Her words were carefully chosen.

She hadn’t uttered a single word of love.

But her tone, her demeanor, conveyed a clear message: I admire you. I respect you. Perhaps… I even have feelings for you.

Any man, hearing those words, would react the same way Qin Chu did, his face a mixture of surprise, joy, and disbelief.

Loseweisse, sensing his vulnerability, decided to retreat. She bid him farewell and returned to her chambers.

Alone in her white, empty room, her mask finally slipped, revealing a cruel smile, her eyes gleaming with malice and cunning.

Qin Chu, that fool, had inadvertently revealed a crucial piece of information: Angelica was alone, at the Roblensa Market…

This was the perfect opportunity to eliminate her.

Her previous attempt to kill Angelica had been thwarted by Augustus. Should she seize this chance…

No… It was too risky.

She quickly dismissed the idea.

Qin Chu had told her about Angelica’s whereabouts. Though many people must have seen Angelica on her way to the market, suspicion would still fall upon her.

It would jeopardize her plan to seduce Qin Chu.

Now that they had a clear strategy for resurrecting Jie Luo, she wouldn’t risk any unnecessary complications.

But the thought of what Ekaterina had endured, the sacrifices she had made to seduce Qin Chu, sent shivers down her spine. She couldn’t bear the thought of that man touching her.

Her body was pure, reserved for Jie Luo. No one else deserved her touch.

The thought of Jie Luo brought tears to her eyes.

She opened a drawer in her silver desk, retrieving a framed magical image.

Ah, Jie Luo…

You are so captivating.

I will never let that filthy man replace you.

If only there was a way to turn Qin Chu into her loyal slave…

A thought struck her.

She opened another drawer, retrieving a metal box sealed with magic. Inside, seven vials filled with a shimmering pink liquid glowed softly.

These were her special concoction.

The ingredients were rare and precious. She had only managed to create seven vials.

Besides the various exotic components, the potion required a more… personal touch: the creator’s bodily fluids, blood, and saliva.

A single golden curl, suspended within the liquid, swirled gently within each vial.

The potion had a beautiful name: Stunning Love.

One vial per week.

Any man who consumed Stunning Love for seven consecutive weeks would fall hopelessly in love with the potion’s creator, becoming their devoted slave…

Wasn’t this the perfect solution?

Chapter 37: Can I Kill Him Now? 

Darkness enveloped Qin Chu as he was engulfed in softness, his cheeks pressed against a yielding warmth.

Judging by the bosom alone…

Ekaterina might be one of his most hated enemies, second only to Loseweisse. In his previous life, he had treated her like a sister, his love for her turning into an even deeper hatred after her betrayal.

But he couldn’t deny her impressive physique.

Despite being thirty-six, her skin was as smooth and fair as a young maiden’s. As a Valkyrie, her lifespan far exceeded that of ordinary humans. Age was a mere number to her.

Years of rigorous training had sculpted her body into a masterpiece of strength and beauty, her skin possessing an elasticity that surpassed even the other female members of the Hero Squad.

In his previous life, he had been so shocked by her sudden embrace that he hadn’t even noticed the forced, emotionless tone of her voice.

Loseweisse, however, stared at Ekaterina, her jaw agape, her eyes wide with astonishment.

She had only suggested a subtle seduction, a gradual approach to winning Qin Chu’s affections. She hadn’t expected Ekaterina to be so bold, so… direct.

But would it be effective? Loseweisse doubted it. In her opinion, Qin Chu was deeply insecure, especially around strong, high-status women. This insecurity limited his romantic pursuits to those he perceived as beneath him, like maids.

It was time to move on.

He had remained motionless in Ekaterina’s embrace, playing the role of a startled man, but he couldn’t stay like this forever.

As he began to feel suffocated, he started to struggle, his hand landing on Ekaterina’s toned waist, attempting to push her away.

This was what he had done in his previous life, but recreating past actions with perfect accuracy proved more challenging than he had anticipated.

As he pushed, his hand slipped, sliding down her waist towards a more… prominent curve.

“Hey, is this part of your act?”

Shaye, who had been enjoying the show, couldn’t help but comment.

“No, this is a genuine mistake,” Qin Chu insisted, his mind racing.

“Definitely not intentional.”

Ekaterina’s body stiffened, a tremor running through her.

Qin Chu couldn’t see it, but Shaye had a clear view. Ekaterina’s crimson hair, unmoved by any wind, began to rise, tiny flames flickering among the strands. The temperature in the room spiked, the air shimmering with heat.

She bit her lip, her eyes, blazing with fury, fixed on Loseweisse.

There was no mistaking the question in her gaze:

Can I kill him now?

Shaye giggled, thoroughly enjoying the unfolding drama.

Ekaterina was on the verge of exploding. She regretted convincing Loseweisse to postpone Qin Chu’s execution. This bastard deserved to die, and soon.

Loseweisse shook her head frantically, her eyes pleading, her lips forming silent words.

She seemed to be mouthing “Jie Luo,” reminding Ekaterina of their goal, urging her to endure this humiliation for their beloved Hero.

With Loseweisse’s desperate pleas, Ekaterina managed to suppress her rage, her body trembling with suppressed fury.

But she couldn’t bear to hold him any longer. She released him, her arms dropping to her sides.

Qin Chu stumbled back, gasping for breath like a drowning man pulled from the water. His face flushed, his gaze darting around the room, avoiding eye contact.

He finally regained his composure, his voice strained as he spoke. “Th-this… madam… what was that about?”

He was blushing, clearly embarrassed.

After all, a man like Qin Chu, a man who only pursued lowly maids, wouldn’t dare approach a woman like Ekaterina. His shyness was understandable.

Loseweisse smiled inwardly, her expression remaining gentle and reassuring. “Hero-sama, this is Ekaterina, a member of the Hero Squad. She’s here to train you in martial arts and Battle Qi. She’s a bit… boisterous, but don’t mind her.”

“Ekaterina, please, restrain yourself. You can’t be so disrespectful to the Hero.”

Ekaterina forced a smile, her teeth gritted. It wasn’t like she enjoyed this. Loseweisse had insisted on this “intimacy,” on seducing Qin Chu, on snatching him away from Angelica.

Damn it! His drool was on her dress now.

She felt violated, defiled.

She would need a whole bar of soap to scrub this feeling away.

Loseweisse, acting as the mediator, introduced them properly. Qin Chu invited them to sit, and they discussed his training schedule, deciding to begin immediately.

Ekaterina, lacking a residence of her own, would be staying at the Hero’s residence. Loseweisse claimed it was for Qin Chu’s protection.

Qin Chu knew better. It was surveillance, plain and simple.

He didn’t object, agreeing readily.

He noticed Loseweisse staring at him, her expression curious, as if she wanted to ask something but was unsure how to phrase it. He decided to help her out. “Lady Loseweisse, is something wrong with my face? You keep staring…”

Loseweisse blushed, her expression a picture of innocent curiosity. “Ah, I apologize. It was rude of me… It’s just… Hero-sama, why do you look so… disheveled? What happened?”

Qin Chu ran a hand through his messy hair, feigning embarrassment. “I’ve been so busy dealing with Demons that I haven’t had time to… well, you know… I apologize for my appearance.”

Loseweisse’s expression turned indignant. “Where’s Angelica? Why isn’t she here?”

“A maid’s duty is to ensure her master’s presentable appearance. Her master’s dishevelment is her shame. Angelica is clearly neglecting her duties.”

She wouldn’t miss an opportunity to criticize Angelica, to tarnish her image in Qin Chu’s eyes.

“Perhaps she’s taking advantage of your unfamiliarity with our customs, Hero-sama?”

Qin Chu waved his hands dismissively. “No, no, it’s not her fault.”

“I heard she’s a talented cook, and I wanted to try her food. She’s gone to the Roblensa Market to buy ingredients. She won’t be back until evening.”

Loseweisse froze.

Alone… at the Roblensa Market?

Chapter 36: All This Sacrifice, for Master Jie Luo! 

In the noble district, two stunning women walked side by side along a clean, well-maintained street.

“Loseweisse, do I really have to wear this? It’s so uncomfortable,” Ekaterina complained, her voice laced with annoyance.

She regretted suggesting this plan.

She had traded her familiar armor for a form-fitting dress, its crimson fabric matching her hair, making her resemble a walking inferno.

Ekaterina possessed a statuesque figure, her curves surpassing even Loseweisse’s own, rivaled only by Athena’s voluptuous form.

The dress, designed to accentuate her every curve, clung tightly to her athletic frame. Her toned legs, accentuated by the high slit in her skirt, drew appreciative glances from every man they passed.

Ekaterina glared at each lingering gaze, her fists clenching, her desire to punch someone growing with every step.

But what she found truly unbearable were the red high heels. She had never worn such things before. She felt unsteady, her ankles wobbling, the thin heels threatening to snap with every step.

“What else would you wear? Your armor?” Loseweisse sighed, massaging her temples. “Honestly, haven’t you noticed that your usual attire scares men away?”

“Qin Chu would be terrified if he saw you like that. How could he possibly fall for you?”

She glanced at Ekaterina’s chest, her lips curling into a smirk. Shameless, she thought.

“Come on, just remember what I told you. No matter what happens, don’t lose your temper. Qin Chu isn’t like other men.”

Loseweisse dragged Ekaterina forward, her grip firm.

Fortunately, Ekaterina, despite her discomfort, was a quick learner. By the time they reached the Hero’s residence, she had mastered the art of walking in heels, her gait no longer resembling a drunken sailor’s.

…

Inside, Qin Chu checked the time.

Loseweisse and Ekaterina should be arriving soon.

Over the past few days, he had devoured hundreds of Demons lurking within the capital. Lena Martithes and Nikles had apprehended them, restraining them for Qin Chu’s “inspection,” allowing him to consume their power.

He had reached level thirty-nine.

The experience required to level up had increased exponentially after he reached level twenty. While a single Phantom Demon had been enough to propel him to level thirteen, now he needed dozens to gain a single level.

Though his leveling speed had slowed, his strength continued to grow, especially his magical power. After all, most of the Demons he had consumed were Phantom Demons, masters of infiltration and disguise.

His growing strength also aided Shaye’s recovery.

He wasn’t sure how much of her power had returned, but her manifested form was becoming more substantial.

She sat on his shoulder, her small body draped over his head, her fingers idly twirling his hair. “Hey, Ekaterina and Loseweisse are coming. Control your emotions. Don’t let them see through your act.”

Life was a stage, and they were all actors, each playing their assigned roles.

The only difference was that one of them had seen the script.

“Remember, you’re still no match for those two women, even with your newfound power.”

“Are you worried about me?” Qin Chu asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Hah! Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t care if you live or die. But if your death drags me down with you, that’s a problem.”

“How hurtful,” Qin Chu said, his tone playful. “But don’t worry, I’ve prepared myself. There won’t be any issues.”

“My acting skills are top-notch.”

As they spoke, a knock echoed through the room.

They had arrived.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me, Loseweisse.” As expected, it was her.

She was a master of deception. Not through shapeshifting like the Phantom Demons, but through her ability to mask her true emotions. Though she hated Qin Chu, her voice remained sweet and alluring, her tone devoid of any anger.

Shaye glanced at the door. The thick wood was no barrier to her vision.

“Just as you said, there are two of them.”

“Ekaterina is with her.”

Qin Chu ignored Shaye, a smile playing on his lips. He ran his fingers through his hair, messing up his previously neat appearance. He smeared some dirt on his clothes, completing his disheveled look.

Then, he stood up and opened the door.

Loseweisse, her tall, slender figure clad in her pristine white Holy Maiden robes, stood before him, her presence radiating an aura of purity.

“Ah, Lady Loseweisse, I apologize for my appearance,” Qin Chu said, feigning embarrassment.

“As you know, I’ve been busy eliminating Demons from the city. Though my role is primarily to locate those filthy creatures, leaving the actual fighting to Nikles and Lena Martithes, it’s been… messy.”

He rambled on, then suddenly noticed Ekaterina standing behind Loseweisse.

The fiery woman radiated heat, her presence so intense that Qin Chu felt his eyes burning.

His gaze locked onto her, his expression stiffening.

Another enemy had arrived.

The woman who, during a drunken stupor, had draped her arm around his neck, complaining about men’s lack of taste, lamenting her single status…

The woman who had, in her inebriated state, asked him to marry her…

The woman he had once respected, treating her like an older sister.

He had cared for her, but she had only seen him as a fool.

She had even been part of the plan to assassinate him.

They had fought together, spent countless hours side-by-side. He had believed she cared for him, but now he realized she had only been studying him, learning his weaknesses.

Memories flashed through his mind, fueling his rage.

He activated his “Forced Calm” Ability repeatedly, struggling to maintain his composure.

Just like in his previous life, her fiery red dress accentuated her wild beauty, her cleavage, highlighted by the dress’s low neckline, drawing his gaze.

Despite being in her thirties, time had left no mark on her. Her body was toned and athletic, her skin smooth and radiant.

He remembered their first meeting, his gaze lingering on her for almost half a minute, his mind almost succumbing to her allure. It was Loseweisse’s cough that had snapped him out of his trance.

This time, he didn’t dare stare for too long.

He blushed, averting his gaze, fearing that his anger would overwhelm him.

He had boasted to Shaye about his acting skills, about his emotional control, but it seemed he still had a long way to go.

Loseweisse, observing his reaction, smirked inwardly. His response was almost identical to his reaction when he had first met her. How easily flustered he was, this Hero, blushing at the sight of a beautiful woman.

She felt she was beginning to understand his character.

He might be the Hero, but in his original world, he must have been a low-ranking nobody, his personality marred by insecurity. He blushed in the presence of exceptional women, only acting normally around someone like Angelica, a lowly maid.

Perhaps with Angelica, he felt a sense of superiority, a boost to his fragile ego.

Maybe that was the true reason he had chosen her?

While Qin Chu’s attention was elsewhere, Loseweisse and Ekaterina exchanged a glance. Loseweisse nodded towards Qin Chu.

Ekaterina’s face contorted in disgust. She knew what Loseweisse wanted her to do.

Her body rebelled, her stomach churning, threatening to revolt.

For Jie Luo.

She repeated the mantra, strengthening her resolve.

She forced a smile, her lips trembling as she spoke, her voice strained.

“Ah, so this is the Hero. Come here, let… let big sister give you a hug…”

She stepped forward, her arms encircling Qin Chu, pulling him into an embrace.

All this sacrifice, for Master Jie Luo!

Chapter 35: To Wrest Qin Chu Away from Angelica 

No matter how powerful someone is, they cannot evade a blade from behind!

Even a hero could never fathom his most intimate comrades, the women he cherished most, would stab him in the back.

Gulp!

Loseweisse swallowed hard in silence.

She looked at Ekaterina as if seeing this woman for the first time.

Though they had fought side-by-side for years, close as sisters, Loseweisse had always viewed the boisterous Ekaterina as a blunt, guileless elder sister.

Yet now, she realized just how vastly Ekaterina’s vicious cunning exceeded her own.

What a dreadful woman.

“No need to look at me that way…”

“If it allows Little Lord Jie Luo to live again, becoming a demon matters not to me,” Ekaterina smiled.

“I’m no fool, I simply prefer not straining my mind daily. In truth, these are considerations you could have arrived at too if you remained calm. You might have even devised an even better plan instead of this reckless, hasty urge to charge in and kill Qin Chu.”

“You must understand, we act not just for ourselves now, but to resurrect Little Lord Jie Luo. This cannot allow any oversight – we absolutely cannot let hatred and vexation cloud our judgment.”

“Our own deaths matter little, but jeopardizing Jie Luo’s resurrection would be true disaster.”

Ekaterina’s words were profound enlightenment.

Loseweisse took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil and hatred within to regain her composure.

Tightly closing her eyes, she carefully considered Ekaterina’s counsel.

After a long while, she reopened her eyes, the golden orbs no longer clouded but clear and luminous once more.

Ekaterina could tell Loseweisse had returned to normal.

Though merely a young girl, her intellect was undoubtedly the most brilliant among the Hero Squad – no less sharp than those old foxes like Wadsworth.

“Big Sis Ekaterina, let’s proceed as you suggest. Your plan is sound – indeed, now is not an opportune time to kill Qin Chu.”
If the resurrected Jie Luo perished at Nagath’s hands again, that would be true despair. They lacked another hero’s life to resurrect Lord Jie Luo anew.

“However, we still need to carefully consider some finer details.”

“First, Lord Jie Luo’s soul fragments are of utmost importance. No matter what, we must allocate at least three to search for them, though regrettably we currently lack any leads.”

“As for the other materials besides soul fragments and hero’s blood, those can be readily obtained from the Holy See’s resources.”

“If events truly unfold according to plan, we must still confront one dilemma…”

“The hero who slays Nagath, vanquishes the demon beasts and brings peace to the Heavenly Continent will be hailed as a messianic savior, receiving every honor and glory imaginable. His fame will reach unprecedented heights…”

“At that point, if we kill this hero, we will become public enemies.”

“Moreover, even if we kill Qin Chu and resurrect Jie Luo, Lord Jie Luo may only be able to live forever in Qin Chu’s shadow!”

“So we must also devise a suitable way to utterly disgrace the hero, to make Qin Chu a reviled, detestable wretch in the eyes of all. Only then can we justly claim the moral high ground to slay him without any reservations.”

Ekaterina nodded slightly. As expected of Loseweisse – this woman had foresight.

One should not dismiss such considerations as frivolous. Many undertakings required meticulous planning from the earliest stages to avoid constraints when taking action.

“Another crucial issue is…”

“Directly confronting a Qin Chu who has fully realized his prowess will be virtually impossible…”

This was undeniable.

The previous hero Jie Luo, despite lacking Qin Chu’s peerless talents, already possessed strength far surpassing the likes of Augustus. Qin Chu’s future might prove even more monstrous.

“To assassinate Qin Chu, he must be utterly defenseless against us.”

“Otherwise, it cannot be done.”

“We must warn the others, especially those hotheaded fellows like Benson, Muse and Karsus. Even you, Big Sis Ekaterina…”

“No matter how repulsed we feel inwardly, we must feign treating Qin Chu as beloved kin…”

“Carefully guide him, attentively nurture him…make him believe we are his most intimate ones – friends, comrades, siblings, even lovers…”

“Lovers?” Ekaterina’s brow furrowed slightly in displeasure.

Even with Little Lord Jie Luo, she had never treated him as a lover might. She was quite shy regarding intimacy.

“Precisely – lovers.”

“The bond between lovers is more steadfast than even siblings or friends!”

“And more prone to addle those foolish men’s minds…”

“Originally this need not be so troublesome. With a forged divine oracle, I could naturally appear at Qin Chu’s side as the hero’s lover. But that damned bastard chose that vile Angelica instead.” Recalling this made Loseweisse’s welling rage surge uncontrollably once more.

“So now we must take the initiative to wrest Qin Chu away from Angelica.”

“Not just me, but you, Eileen, Airi, Sylph, Anastasia – all of us must do this…Whoever allows Qin Chu to fall for her will greatly ease our future actions.”

“Men are simple creatures. Just treat them a bit better, some occasional physical contact, and they’ll delude themselves into thinking you fancy them. Then they’ll grow increasingly invested until hopelessly infatuated.”

Ekaterina grew even more displeased. “Isn’t that basically seduction?”

“Seduction? You may view it as such.”

“Actually, you needn’t go too far. An occasional touch, a peck is sufficient – not like you’ll actually lose anything.”

“You must understand, this is all for resurrecting Lord Jie Luo. A small tolerance and it shall pass.”

“Consider it like being nipped by a dog…”

Ekaterina’s face turned ashen just imagining being embraced and doted upon by an unfamiliar man she utterly loathed, making her skin crawl in revulsion.
So disgusting, she felt like vomiting.

“Especially you – you absolutely must control your temper,” Loseweisse warned.

Gulp… Ekaterina nodded with difficulty. “For Jie Luo’s sake, I shall endure.”

“Damn it, I’ll definitely butcher him in the most cruel ways after this!”

“As long as you understand. Then next…” Loseweisse stood up, glancing at Ekaterina. “You’ll need to change into a different outfit first…”

“Change clothes? What for?” Ekaterina looked bewilderedly at her armor.

“Please, we’re about to go see Qin Chu.”

“You can’t expect to wear that rigid metal armor, can you? No matter how much you brush against a man in that, he won’t feel a thing. You need to change into something more elegant, more…alluring, understand?”

Chapter 34: A Vicious Woman

“Angelica…”

Hearing her name, Angelica, who had been standing silently beside Qin Chu, immediately responded, “Angelica is here, Master. What are your orders?”

“I heard you’re quite the cook…” A smile spread across Qin Chu’s face as he pulled out ten one-hundred-Mana bills and handed them to Angelica. “Could you let me sample your culinary skills?”

Angelica’s eyes lit up.

She was a skilled cook, and though she had always wanted to prepare meals for Qin Chu, she had worried about his preferences. So, she had been buying food from outside.

Now, hearing his request, her heart swelled with both excitement and trepidation.

“Master, I’m afraid my cooking might not be to your liking…” she mumbled, her fingers twisting the hem of her maid uniform.

“Haha, don’t worry, Angelica. I’m sure anything you cook will be delicious,” Qin Chu said, his smile reassuring.

Angelica beamed, her heart overflowing with joy. She took the money, her voice cheerful. “I’ll go shopping for ingredients right away. The Roblensa Market is quite far, so I might not be back until evening…”

“Why go all the way there? Just buy something nearby…”

Angelica shook her head vehemently. “That won’t do, Master. This is for you, so I have to use the best ingredients.”

The Roblensa Market, catering exclusively to the royal family and the nobles, was known for its high-quality produce and meats. Its prices were exorbitant, at least ten times higher than those in the slums, but the quality was undeniable.

This was the first time her master had requested her cooking. She had to do her best, to impress him.

After reminding Qin Chu to rest, Angelica skipped out the door, humming a cheerful tune.

Qin Chu’s smile faded as the door closed behind her.

This plan was a two-for-one deal. It would test Angelica’s loyalty and simultaneously remove the shackles that bound her magic, transforming her from a mere maid into a powerful ally.

This was her final test. If she passed, he would truly trust her.

…

In Loseweisse’s room, Ekaterina listened to the Holy Maiden’s plan, her brow furrowed in concern.

None of the Hero Squad members had accepted the new Hero.

Loseweisse knew that she wasn’t alone in her feelings. Ekaterina, Athena, Sylph, Eileen, Airi, the six female members of the squad, had all secretly harbored affections for Jie Luo.

Their feelings were just as strong as hers.

Even Ronald, the Noble Swordsman, had displayed a… peculiar fondness for Jie Luo.

Jie Luo’s charm was undeniable.

It was a magnetism that drew people in, both men and women, captivating them with his charisma and effortless grace.

He had embodied everyone’s ideal, fulfilling their deepest desires.

The remaining three members, Benson, the Immovable Shield, Calmuse, the Mad Berserker, and Karsus, the Death Knight, had considered Jie Luo their closest friend, their brother-in-arms, their bond stronger than blood.

So, when Loseweisse had contacted them, proposing to use the Second Hero’s blood to resurrect Jie Luo, none had hesitated.

Not even for a moment.

But Loseweisse wasn’t confident in her plan. It had been conceived in a moment of passion, her judgment clouded by her emotions.

She looked at Ekaterina, her voice laced with uncertainty. “What do you think?”

Ekaterina sighed. “Loseweisse, you’ve suffered…”

Loseweisse stared at her, confused.

“If you hadn’t been through so much recently, you wouldn’t have devised such a… crude plan,” Ekaterina continued.

“You think that simply eliminating or distracting Qin Chu’s guards will be enough to kidnap him…”

“But have you considered that he’s the Hero? Countless eyes are watching him. Augustus, Wadsworth, Saint Monique… they’re all vying for his favor, hoping to bring him into their fold.”

“Qin Chu’s residence might seem lightly guarded, but there are countless hidden protectors, their presence unknown to you. Do you think they’ll allow us to simply snatch him away?”

Loseweisse fell silent.

She wasn’t stupid. She should have considered these factors.

But her emotions had clouded her judgment, her thoughts scattered and unfocused.

“Unless we slaughter everyone in our path,” Ekaterina continued, her voice taking on a harder edge. “But that would expose us. Even if Augustus protects you, what about Wadsworth and Saint Monique? Can you withstand their wrath?”

“The royal family and the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess possess immense power. Even the Holy See can’t stand against them.”

Loseweisse’s face paled. She had been so consumed by her hatred that she hadn’t considered the consequences.

“And what about the other requirements for Jie Luo’s resurrection?” Ekaterina asked, her voice softening. “You need more than just Qin Chu’s blood. You need rare ingredients, and you need Jie Luo’s soul fragments. Have you gathered them? Do you even know where they are scattered? Have you considered how long it might take to collect them all?”

“It could take years, decades even. What will we do without a Hero during that time? How many people will die? Have you considered that?”

Loseweisse didn’t care how many people died. As long as Qin Chu was eliminated, nothing else mattered.

She bit her lip, remaining silent.

“And the most important question,” Ekaterina continued, her voice grave. “Jie Luo was killed by the Eternal Monarch, Nagath. Even if we resurrect him, Wadsworth and Saint Monique won’t object. They need a Hero to fight the Demons. They don’t care who it is. They wouldn’t dare question Jie Luo.”

“But what happens after he’s resurrected? Do you plan to send him to his death again?”

“Jie Luo is no match for Nagath. We all know that.”

Loseweisse’s face grew even paler, her body trembling.

“I haven’t met Qin Chu yet. I don’t know what kind of person he is. But I’m angry that he stole Jie Luo’s title, his glory. There can only be one Hero, and it’s not him.”

“But even you have to admit that Qin Chu, with his two Super-tier Abilities, possesses greater potential than Jie Luo.”

Loseweisse wanted to argue, but the words wouldn’t come.

Ekaterina was right. Though Qin Chu was weak now, his future potential was undeniable.

“I don’t object to your desire to kill Qin Chu and resurrect Jie Luo,” Ekaterina said, her cheeks flushing slightly. “After all… I miss him too…”

“But perhaps we should consider another approach.”

“We need time to gather Jie Luo’s soul fragments anyway. Why not let Qin Chu live a little longer? Let him eliminate the Demons, especially the Eternal Monarch, Nagath…”

“Once the situation is under control, we kill Qin Chu, resurrect Jie Luo, and he won’t have to face the Demon King again, won’t have to risk his life. Wouldn’t that be better?” Ekaterina said, her voice gentle.

Loseweisse’s eyes brightened, but then a thought struck her.

“But if we wait until Qin Chu is strong enough to kill Nagath, will we still be able to defeat him?” This was her greatest fear.

“Loseweisse,” Ekaterina said, her voice taking on a harder edge, “even the strongest warrior can’t defend against a knife in the back.”

Chapter 33: The Crimson Valkyrie

The usual headlines in the Heavenly Continent’s newspapers were typically along these lines:

“Count So-and-So Caught in Adulterous Affair with Mistress…”

“Marquis What’s-His-Name’s Son Might Not Be His…”

“Young Master Such-and-Such’s Fiancée Spotted Entering Hotel with Mysterious Man, Emerging the Next Afternoon. Fiancée Claims They Are Just ‘Friends’ Playing Blackjack…”

But ever since the Hero’s arrival, everything had changed.

Especially after the Hero, accompanied by his guards, began eliminating Demons hiding within the capital, his exploits dominated the headlines.

Every newspaper sang his praises, their fawning articles filled with flowery language that made Loseweisse’s skin crawl.

Disgusting, utterly disgusting!

How shameless could they be, using such saccharine language, even calling him the “savior”?

It was one thing to praise him, but to claim he was more extraordinary than Jie Luo, that he surpassed…

These shameless creatures! They had sung Jie Luo’s praises when he was alive, and now they were trampling on his memory, eager to curry favor with the new Hero.

Despicable.

What infuriated Loseweisse even more was that every photo of Qin Chu in the newspapers featured a beautiful young maid by his side: Angelica.

These shameless newspapers, while praising Qin Chu, had also showered Angelica with compliments. In just three days, Angelica’s reputation had soared, her past transgressions forgotten.

No one mentioned the incident during the Holy Maiden selection, the accusations of her using dark magic to curse her rivals.

Everyone only knew that Angelica was the maid who accompanied the Hero, his constant companion, his most important ally in the fight against the Demons.

Angelica, that wretch, had stolen the glory that rightfully belonged to her.

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

Loseweisse, her composure shattered, her usual grace and dignity forgotten, raged like a common shrew.

Her life had been a nightmare since Qin Chu’s arrival, each day filled with frustration and humiliation.

She had been publicly rejected, her pride trampled upon.

People were even beginning to question the veracity of the accusations against Angelica. After all, the Hero, blessed with the “Justice’s Companion” Ability, wouldn’t possibly choose a woman who used dark magic.

Her position as the Holy Maiden was under threat…

And that woman, the one she had once tormented and humiliated, was thriving…

The contrast only fueled her rage.

She had a premonition that if she allowed this to continue, Angelica, that little bitch, would eventually take everything from her.

And it was all Qin Chu’s fault, that man, the root of all her problems.

She couldn’t control her murderous urges.

She didn’t care what would happen to the Heavenly Continent without the Hero. She just wanted him dead.

As her rage reached its peak, a series of brisk footsteps echoed outside her door.

Then, with a creak, the door swung open.

Loseweisse frowned, her irritation growing.

This was the Holy Maiden’s chamber. Who dared enter without permission, without even knocking?

“Who is it? Get out! Have you no manners?” she snapped, her voice sharp, her Holy Maiden facade forgotten. She didn’t even bother looking up.

But the intruder didn’t leave. Instead, a playful voice responded:

“Wow, haven’t seen you in six months, and your temper has gotten worse. Is that how you treat an old friend?”

Loseweisse’s anger dissipated as she recognized the voice. She looked up, her face lighting up with joy.

A tall figure stood in the doorway, her attire a fiery red, as vibrant as the sun.

Crimson hair, crimson eyes, crimson armor, crimson boots, and a crimson greatsword slung over her shoulder.

She was like a blazing inferno, her presence radiating warmth, dispelling the darkness that had consumed Loseweisse’s heart.

Her face, though lacking Loseweisse’s delicate beauty, exuded a bold, untamed charm. Her physique, athletic and powerful, dwarfed Loseweisse’s own, showcasing a raw, primal allure.

Her armor clung tightly to her curves, her boots reaching her knees, revealing a pair of toned, muscular thighs. Her hips, though covered by armor, hinted at her strength, her waist, bare and defined, emphasizing her athleticism.

Handsome, beautiful, capable, powerful!

She was a stark contrast to Loseweisse’s delicate beauty.

“Ekaterina…” Loseweisse’s joy intensified. She couldn’t contain herself any longer. She rushed towards the woman, her arms outstretched, embracing her tightly.

Ekaterina.

A member of the Hero Squad.

The Crimson Valkyrie.

A powerful warrior, her strength rivaling that of a Great Sage or a Titled Knight.

Among the Hero Squad, she was one of the strongest.

Her ferocity in battle was legendary, leading some to believe she was a Demon Beast in disguise. Even ordinary Demons lacked her savage intensity.

Her most famous feat was her single-handed defeat of a level eighty-six Demon Beast, a monstrous ape known as the Raging Gorilla. They had fought for an entire day and night, both sustaining grievous injuries. Ekaterina’s weapon had shattered during the battle, forcing her to rely on her bare fists. She had pummeled the ape’s skull to pulp, her relentless assault finally ending its life.

Only after the battle, her body battered and bruised, had she collapsed, falling into a coma that lasted a month. Upon awakening, she had immediately resumed her training, her energy seemingly boundless.

From that day forward, she had earned the title of “The Mad Beauty.”

She was in her thirties now, still unmarried. In fact, she had never even had a boyfriend.

In the Heavenly Continent, where the average marriage age was seventeen, Ekaterina was a confirmed spinster.

The reason was simple: men feared her strength. They worried that any marital disagreements might result in their heads being crushed. After all, their skulls weren’t as durable as a Raging Gorilla’s.

Loseweisse, her Holy Maiden facade forgotten, buried her face in Ekaterina’s chest, nuzzling against her armor. Unfortunately, the breastplate was too hard, the experience less than comfortable.

But she was still overjoyed. She looked up, her eyes shining with happiness.

“Ekaterina, you’re finally back…”

Ekaterina laughed, her demeanor easygoing. She seemed to genuinely care for Loseweisse, treating her like a younger sister. She patted her head. “Am I the first to arrive?”

“Yes, you’re the closest. The others are still far away. I think Benson will be the next to return.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Ekaterina’s expression turned serious. “Loseweisse, is what you told me in your message true?”

Loseweisse knew what she was referring to. She nodded. “Of course it’s true. Why would I lie to you?”

She handed Ekaterina the scroll.

Ekaterina scanned it quickly, her brow furrowing.

It contained detailed instructions for a resurrection ritual, listing the required materials. The two most crucial components were the Hero’s blood and life force and Jie Luo’s complete and restored soul fragments.

The scroll also listed numerous other ingredients, their names unfamiliar to Ekaterina. She was a warrior, her understanding of magic limited. These intricate rituals and obscure ingredients were beyond her comprehension.

“Is this… reliable?” Ekaterina asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

Her doubt was understandable. Resurrection was unheard of in the Heavenly Continent, a power attributed only to the gods.

“I can’t be sure, but I showed the scroll to Athena. She believes it has at least an eighty percent chance of success.”

Loseweisse’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Even if it was only a one percent chance, we have to try, don’t we?”

“I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pull this off alone, but now that you’re here, we can proceed.”

“What’s your plan?”

Loseweisse, consumed by hatred, her reason clouded by her emotions, didn’t hesitate. “We kidnap Qin Chu, kill him, and take his blood. Together, we can’t fail… We’ll do it tonight!”

…

Meanwhile, Qin Chu sat in his room, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He tapped his fingers against the table.

The time was almost right. Ekaterina, the Crimson Valkyrie, would be returning to the capital today, becoming one of his martial arts instructors.

It was time to initiate the next phase of his plan.